Compromising and Exercising

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I get lots of emails from lovely readers looking to know what I do for exercise - and more importantly, how I get Jesse involved. 

First things first, what do I do? I tend to walk most mornings (I say most as you won't find me walking if it's raining - or if I'm not feeling well) for about 15-20 minutes. I walk around our local park and it works out to be about 2 1/4 km or 1.4 miles. I do walk quite fast as that's my natural pace - I have long legs and I've always been a bit of a speedy gonzales. 

The walk is quite short, however, it's perfect for me. I don't need to lose weight, I can't run to save my life, I'm not a marathoner - walking clears my mind and gets me ready for the day ahead - and it also helps with my chronic fatigue. 

My morning walk is more about making time for me than exercising - as it's a time where I centre myself, pray, think and be thankful. 

When it comes to getting Jesse involved in being active with me - it's all about compromise. 

Ladies (and gentleman), you can't expect your man to want to do exactly what you do - just as you can't expect your friends to want to either. You need to find something that works for both of you - and that's when you find the happy medium. 

You see, Jesse doesn't walk fast at all - and that's why I always walked by myself. Now we've made a compromise and I will slow down to his pace (if you're a fast walker, you'll know how hard this is - and oddly how much it hurts to slow down your natural pace) but we walk a little bit further. Instead of walking 1 1/2 miles, we walk 2 1/2 miles - and we take much much longer than I would on my own - but it's so much more enjoyable. We stop at the lookouts and look at how beautiful the world around us is. Sure, I'd love to have him walk my pace - but I'd rather walk with him at any pace than not be able to. 

We walk together on the weekends and during the week I walk by myself (as Jesse has usually already left for work). We've also been looking to start a karate or taekwondo class as I used to do karate when I was little and Jesse has always wanted to try. Problem is, we're struggling to find somewhere where we can do it together (and preferably without a uniform haha). Unfortunately where we live, the options for gyms/fitness centres etc is quite limited - and whilst we can find running and cycling groups, there aren't many other options unless you want something like a boot camp (which we totally don't want). 

As with anything in a relationship - it's all about compromise! You can't expect your man to do everything you want - just as he can't expect you to want to do everything he likes - it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your relationship! 

I do think it's really important to enjoy being active with those around you - whether it's your boyfriend/fiance/husband or your friends! It's a healthy habit that will make you super happy as well. 

So tell me, do you exercise with your partner or your friends?

What are your favourite ways to be active?

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