Exercise Ideas for Authors and Readers
Welcome back to the blog! I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer off. During my month in Switzerland, I’ve completed the first draft of my longer project, temporarily titled Lies or Love, and edited some of my older stories.
In September, I’ll be entering several competitions, editing the manuscript, and submitting more short stories for publications. Fingers crossed for another acceptance! I will also be joining my first-ever in-person critiquing group. Hopefully, meeting other authors in my area will be inspiring.
Writing and reading are very sedentary occupations. That’s why going outside and including regular exercise in your routine is so important. Togay, I’ll share some of my favourite types of exercise.
Walking or Running
“Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” - Henry David Thoreau.
Countless famous authors, both from the past and the present, walk or run. Being outside in nature helps us to find inspiration and sort out our thoughts. What’s more, recent research has shown that walking fosters more creative thinking than sitting.
I like to walk on my own in silence, with an inspirational podcast, and with other people. Sometimes, I tell my story ideas to my walking partners, and they help me find good ideas and develop my characters.
Lake views in Austria - perfect for an inspiring hike!
Pilates and Yoga
Even if you do some of your thinking while out and about, you still sit for hours at a time as a writer or reader. Stretching and doing exercises that improve your posture, such as Pilates or Yoga, is a great idea. You can do hour-long classes with an in-person or online instructor, or you can take a quick 10-20-minute YouTube class.
Swimming
Swimming is great for the back, and it’s also relaxing and low-impact. For older people and those with joint problems, it is the perfect form of exercise.
This summer, I spent some of my Sunday mornings at the Parliament Hill Fields lido in Hampstead. This beautiful outdoor space offers several lanes for swimming. While I’m a casual visitor, many people get season passes and come every day. Although they swim alone, there is plenty of time for socialising before and after the exercise.
Biking
Cycling is another great option for people who can’t put a lot of pressure on their joints. If you’re looking for vigorous exercise, you can get a regular bike. Those who want a more gentle experience or live in a very hilly area should consider investing in an electric bike.
Personally, I commute by electric bike. Although I have assistance, I still feel like I worked hard after a 45-minute bike ride. What’s more, my bike has saved me a lot of money because I haven’t had to pay for regular public transport in two years.
Something Creative
Writers and readers are creative by nature. Sometimes, a repetitive form of exercise can feel boring and uninspiring. If you’re not motivated to run, cycle, or swim, you should try something more creative. Join a local dance club, do some martial arts, or try a circus class. Personally, I’ve started going to an online dance class on Monday evenings, and I’m hoping to join an in-person session in my area.
Trampoline jumping is a fun, creative type of exercise.
Intermittent Exercise
Dedicating an hour or more to exercise can be challenging, especially if you have a packed schedule. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, you should start with 10-minute sessions. Look for YouTube videos or other exercise plans and fit them in whenever you can. Since the recommended amount of vigorous exercise a week is 75 minutes, you’ll almost hit this target even if you only do 10 minutes a day.
What’s your favourite form of exercise? If you’re a writer or an avid reader, do you still manage to get enough exercise in? Let me know in the comments!