The great outdoors - who needs a gym?!

I was talking to a personal trainer the other day and mentioned how much I disliked gyms as an 'enjoyable' way to get fit and much prefer to be outside walking or cycling, and she admitted that gyms were actually quite stressful places to be! And I guess when you think about it having rows of people running their hearts out (going no where) on treadmills or trying to compete with 'Mr Universe' in the weights room is not necessarily the most relaxing or pleasing experience. And how many people do you know who go to the gym because they 'should' rather than because they really look forward to it?

When I started working for myself, I had more freedom to walk regularly and found that even a flat easy walk along the Thames 3 times each week made a huge difference to my fitness and I lost weight without really trying. In addition I really look forward to my walks as a way to unwind, declutter my mind and really feel grounded and 'present'.

Walking is really one of the most natural forms of exercise you can do that benefits your mind and body in so many ways. And of course if you walk with a group the additional social benefit that you rarely get in a gym.

Nature is definitely my personal gym!

Networking and Netwalking in Surrey

I love this time of year and whenever I'm desk bound, I really look forward to any opportunity to get out and about in the fresh air and countryside.

One great way to combine this with working (although it feels like not-working!) is a Mastermind Netwalk. If you've never taken part in a mastermind group before, then it's a great way to get help with your business  AND walk in the inspiring countryside at the same time.  The idea is that you bring along a particular problem, challenge or goal that you'd like help with and working in small facilitated groups, you brainstorm your challenge with other members of the group for about 20 minutes and benefit from their collective experience, expertise and ideas.

The benefit of doing this whilst walking is that motion of walking naturally stimulates your right-brain creativity; this in addition to the relaxed environment and visual stimulation puts you in the perfect frame of mind to accelerate your business and make some great connections at the same time.

The next mastermind walk starts from Guildford on 25th June and you can find more details here - Surrey Netwalk

New walking routes - you never know what you'll find!

When out planning a new walk for next week's Mastermind Netwalk, I came across a forest planted with masses of beautiful pink Foxgloves. It was such a delight to walk amongst them in addition to enjoying the fabulous views across the North Downs of Guildford.

And the even more amazing thing is that all of this can be found just 15 minutes walk from Guildford town centre, so if you find yourself in Guildford and in need of some fresher air and exercise then head out towards the Pilgrims Way and the Chantries Wood - you're sure to be in for a big surprise!

Have you checked your pedometer?!

And no, I'm not referring to those little devices you attach to your person to monitor exactly how many steps you have taken, but to your 'life pedometer'!

For some reason, as human beings, we always seem to be berating ourselves for all the things we haven't done or haven't achieved, and yet we rarely look back and congratulate ourselves on just how far we HAVE come and how much we HAVE achieved. All those tiny steps or big strides we have taken towards our goals and in building relationships - they are ALL achievements of one kind or another.

I wrote the following blog some time ago and in the first year of running my business:

"When I was about 6 months into running my business, finding it much more challenging than anticipated and having one of those 'what the hell am I doing' days, I went for a walk along the river (one of my favourite ways to clear my head and get motivated again). I reflected on the challenges I was facing in starting and running my own business and I thought back to my first Snowdon Ascent (both the mountain and the coaching experience). I thought about that time, when I was about 2/3 of the way up the mountain, when there's barely any flat ground, just steps and more steps, muscles getting heavier (not enough preparation of course!), stopping more frequently to recover. It was tough both mentally and physically, but I knew for sure I would make it to the top, there was never any question of turning back. At this point I couldn't really see the peak, too misty, just a hazy view, but I knew there was a celebration there - of sorts.
I remember looking back down the mountain, thinking how far and how high I had climbed in such a short time - an amazing journey of challenge, learning, new friends and connections made, laughter shared and a few tears shed - definitely no turning back, having come this far; too far; I knew I would make it.

And at the time of my river-side walk, I thought "that's where I am now in my life, on this new, challenging and fantastic journey; I'm at those steep steps, needing to replenish, the helping hand of a guide or two and tempted briefly to turn back, back to the old well-trodden road." Then I reminded myself of that journey to the top of Snowdon and it restored my belief that I could make it to the first peak of my new mountain. I'm reminded of what the journey means for me, what first inspired me to take this path - the peak looks a little clearer now!”

Remember, wherever you are now in your journey, it's exactly the right place for you to learn and grow. Congratulate yourself on how far you have travelled and continue to enjoy and appreciate each day.

Any journey's to share?