REcycle, REnew, REuse

Spring is here. I love it, the soft breezes, the flowering trees and plants. It brings promise and hope of things to come, and graduation. My very dear friend Bill will graduate this May with a degree in Sustainable Development. I’m so proud of him. He went back to school as an untraditional student, i.e. He was a little older. He even started his own company called “Sustainable Strategies”. It is about being green, conscientious, forward thinking when it comes to building. It got me to thinking about the motto – Recycle, reuse, renew. Being in the fitness industry for the last 15 years, I couldn’t help but try to apply it to the work I do – and voila, I did.

Just like spring is a time of renewal, it is also a time for us to re-evaluate our goals, seeing where we are, how far we have come in terms of the beginning of the year. Taking stock of our lives at the change of the season is a wonderful habit to get into. It forces us to step outside of our lives and re-establish what we want, need and who we want to become. Using the green slogan is a great way to evaluate our personal health and fitness goals.

RECYCLE: mmmmm… it is time to go through that closet and get rid of those workout clothes that are stale, don’t fit or are worn out. A great way to recycle them is to donate them to a local charity such as Goodwill, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Salvation Army. There are plenty of people who would love your recycled clothes. Many people are not in a financial position to go and buy brand new workout clothes let alone a hot meal. Also, head to the garage or spare bedroom for any workout equipment that you haven’t used in years. Treadmills, bicycles, weights and other late night TV infomercial merchandise that has laid doormat for ever. Donate them to local schools, camps or the YMCA at Camp Erdman. You don’t need another clothes hanger, get rid of it, free up space and let some else have the benefit of your generosity.

RENEW: It is time to go through your phone and renew relationships with old workout buddies, people who are like minded and once shared your passion for walking, hiking, swimming, running or biking. Renew your membership at your local workout club. Or better yet, start something new. As we go along in life, our passions and interest change. Find that “THING” that you enjoy that will get you active and alert and go out and do it.

REUSE: Think about when you were in the best shape of your life….what did you do? What was your program? Who was your trainer? Does what you know work? Revive your friendships, workout routines and passion for the things you let slide. Your health is truly your ticket to quality of life and longevity. If you used to bike and loved doing it, then go take to your bike to your local bike shop for a tune up and get on it. Ride, run, walk, dance, laugh, swim, hike…Get out that old nutrition program that helped you lose 10 pounds 5 years ago for your reunion and get on it again. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel. If it worked and you feel good about it, use it.

Spring is in the air and it is never too late to get started. The past is gone and the future is yet to come. All we have is now, this moment to take control of our lives and live it to the fullest. That is what my friend Bill did. I’m proud of him and look forward to seeing him graduate and thrive with his new business. Going green is not only good for our physical environment; it is good for us in our physical beings as well. Enjoy the spring and don’t forget to recycle, reuse and renew in every way possible.

Try Fitness has been offering programs for the women of Hawaii for over 15 years. Check our website for a program that is right for you. www.tryfitnesshawaii.com

Look for our popular on-going BOOT CAMP Program and the all new Fitness BOOT CAMP training.