photo credit: josefnovak33 via photopin cc
March 8th is International Women’s Day. This day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900’s, a time when women were instrumental in having their voices heard. This year’s theme is “Inspire Change.” According to the International Women’s Day website, this theme “…celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.”
I got to thinking about how the International Women’s Day can be tied to the role physical activity has played in the empowerment of women. The invention of the bicycle was a pivotal moment for women becoming physically active; there was much concern that bike riding would harm a woman’s constitution. We have come a long way, baby.
How can becoming more active help you find your power? Here are some profound changes that living an active can do for you:
Physical activity can make you happy. While this may be a simple statement, studies demonstrate that even moderate activity can alter stress hormones that contribute to depression and anxiety.
Physical activity can help tune into who you really are. Turn away from the media circus proclaiming what is right for you or how you should look. Find an activity that you enjoy. There is no right way to work out and there is no right way to look. Not matter what you read. Period.
Being active will make you a better employee, business owner and citizen. You will be able to focus more clearly with a healthy perspective toward what you can really accomplish.
Feeling strong physically will help you say no with conviction. No, you cannot make 35 cupcakes for the class party. No, you cannot attend that family function. No, you don’t want to eat a bowl of Cheetos while watching the Oscars. No No No. the best word on the planet.
Physical activity is a powerful tool to help you achieve your wellness vision of how you want to be in the world. When you understand how to use exercise to help you become your best self, self-efficacy (or the feeling that you can achieve anything) becomes your jet engine.
Finding your own active life, working out, exercising regularly – whatever you want to call it – allows you to feel strong and accept yourself for who you really are. Forget comparing yourself to the latest magazine add. You are better than that.
Group exercise, whether it is a walking group, stand up paddle board group, triathlon group, or a friendly neighborhood running group helps to realize the notion that there is strength in numbers. We are in this together and you are not alone. Find a friend through exercise.
So what does all this have to do with International Women’s Day? Plenty. Physical activity programs empower women to be the change and have their own voice in their homes, community and world at large.
So ladies, let’s get moving!