The type of fitness that has always worked best for me is the kind that happens when I am just living life. I am not a gym person or a runner-especially since I broke my ankle in high school gymnastics and had a plate and five screws put in. The doctors told me I’d never be able to do anything athletic ever again. So I spent a lot of time walking. I love to walk but getting the level of fitness I need takes at least a good 2 hours dedication on foot.

When I was single years ago I spent the majority of my time hiking at altitude to train for mountain ascents-both in summer and winter. It made my ankle strong and it got me into incredible shape but did not give me a lean physique. I probably downed 4000 calories a day to satisfy my hyper metabolism.

Then when I was sailing I got muscular. My arms were toned better than they had ever been from hoisting and lowering the anchor and sails so frequently. I spent a lot of time walking to town and back or rowing in to do laundry. It was a great lifestyle.

This is the way I like to get in shape. I wasn’t model thin and I wasn’t perfectly sculpted but I loved how I felt and how strong my body was.

But, being a mom limits those activities. At least it does for me. I can’t imagine climbing a mountain now-with so much love to come home to. I hope to sail again someday but until then I need something to keep my body from falling apart. I recently told the kids that I am falling apart. All my injured joints (I have a bad knee as well from a skiing accident) are starting to suffer from a lack of muscle support.

So, I am promising myself fun and lifestyle supportive exercise. Surfing is number one. I absolutely love it and it gives me the meditation time I need to feel like creativity can still be a part of my day. It is the closest thing I have ever done to gymnastics. Surfing requires a high level of athletic ability (especially short boarding) which reminds me of the way I used to use my body in gymnastics.

Then yoga comes next. I absolutely love Ashtanga. I love the discipline, the repetition, the ability to see and feel my body stretch and bend further each time. It reminds me of Tai Chi which I also used to do and love. Plus the breathing and meditative quality is necessary for my sanity.

And then I have decided I really want to skateboard. I used to do it as a kid but it’s been awhile. I have been taking the board up and down the street to keep up with my kids on their bikes and scooters and have found that it is a great leg workout! Plus it is great for balance and core strength.

I am now sharing these two absolutely inspiring videos that have encouraged me to love adventure and staying in shape by living even more. One is a music video by Goldfrapp titled Caravan Girl and the other is a documentary by Astray Films titled Dark Side of the Lens. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to get out there to live life physically and have a new adventure.

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net

Kristianne Koch Photography

Kristianne Koch specializes in artistic portrait photography of families, children and couples. 949-702-7707 kristianne.koch@cox.net