You guys know I’m a big fan of switching it up and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone when it comes to fitness. Whether it’s trying a new-to-me class on ClassPass, or challenging myself to run at paces that are doable but not exactly comfortable, I am a big believer in doing something every day that pushes your limits in a positive way.
Today’s post was actually supposed to be a recap of trying a Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class (I know, cool, right?), but unfortunately we were stormed out for the SECOND time last night. Darn it! Stay tuned on that one. So instead, I thought it would be interesting to share a different sort of way I challenged myself recently: by going kayaking solo on Sunday.
As you guys know if you’ve been reading my blog for more than 4 seconds, I’m a very social person. Ever since I was little, I have always liked having people around, and especially if I’m out doing something fun, I like having someone to share it with. But this also means that I sometimes have a hard time doing things on my own.
In general, I would consider myself independent and adventurous, especially when related to big life-change type stuff – I mean, I lived in Prague for a year and when I moved there I knew no one. But that said, sometimes in smaller, more day to day type situations, I’m not always. For example, on Saturday, the weather was gorgeous, and Matt was busy doing work. I tried to find a friend to meet up with, but unfortunately everyone was busy, so, I’m not gonna lie, I spent some time feeling sorry for myself. After a while, though, I reminded myself that, hello, I am in charge of my own destiny, and I don’t need someone else’s company to do something cool and fun. So on Sunday, when faced with another open afternoon and lovely weather and nothing to do and no one free, I decided, you know what? I want to go kayaking, so even though I don’t have anyone to go with, I’m just going to go by myself.
And what do you know? The result of this challenge ended up being quite a lovely evening. I headed down to the Key Bridge Boathouse around 4:30 p.m., said, “Yep, just a single kayak, please,” and headed out on my own for an adventure. I think I was the only person there by myself – but you know what? No one cared, including me.
I paddled north, away from the city/monuments, because it’s quieter and calmer, which was what I was in the mood for. I paddled when I felt like it, and just sat in calm silence when I felt like it, too. It was glorious.
I’ve always loved the water, whether it’s swimming or being out on a raft or boat, and by the time I arrived back at the boathouse an hour and a half later, I felt great. Getting in water-themed workouts in the summer is one of my favorite ways to mix it up, not only because it’s so different from what I do the rest of the year, but also because it’s so calming and invigorating mentally as well as physically.
So – I’d like to challenge you guys to do something that pushes your comfort zone fitness-wise, too, whether it’s a physical challenge (like my SUP Yoga class will be soon!) or a mental challenge, like the one I had on Sunday. (Although, my arms were def a bit sore from all that paddling!) I’m proud of myself for pushing out of my comfort zone, and look forward to hearing what you do to challenge yourselves, too!
To get you inspired, I’m excited to share a YouTube series sponsored by Ford called Switch It Up!, which is a fun new show that documents experts trying something they’ve never done before. The latest episode features Blogilates’ Cassey Ho challenging interviewer Chase Jarvis to step out of his comfort zone and teach a Pilates class. The episode is super cute, and I love the message it sends – no matter how much of an expert you might be in one area, it’s always good to continue to challenge yourself in other ways. Happy viewing, and happy comfort zone-pushing, my friends!
What have you done to challenge yourself lately?
Thank you to Ford for sponsoring the “Switch It Up” series and this post!
