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Val’s Keys of Life
The morning of New Year’s Eve 2020, I started to reflect on how one year ends and a new one begins. Goals and new opportunities were on my mind and I began researching ways
Work. Sweat. Connect. My workout crew and regiment has totally changed. Exercising is something that I can control. Not only does it rejuvenate my soul, it sets the tone for the day. During some of my darkest days, exercise allows me to release stress and negative energy. A good workout before an important meeting or busy day will give me that extra boost of good vibes to make it through. Breathing is essential during any workout and it allows oxygen to circulate throughout your joints and the body. Staying in shape and being disciplined is not easy, but the rewards and results help you stay the course. The Mayo Clinic says any amount of activity is better than none at all. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.
What used to be noon or evening workouts in the gym are now 6:30 am weekday virtual sessions in my living room. Weekends are stretch days and a time to enjoy our results. As a close friend says, “Due to Covid-19, Jessica pivoted quickly!” March 2020, my workout started off as a solo act. A year later, several ladies have joined the group! My gym mates call in from Atlanta, GA, Indianapolis, IN, Chicago, IL, Lexington & Louisville, KY, Nashville, TN and Cincinnati, OH. These sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes of dance, yoga, cardio or strength. We rotate between various island dance instructors, Jeanette Jenkins, Sydney Cummings and Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil. Here’s the setup: positive attitude, home weights, floor mat, water, Zoom and Facebook messenger. When the workout is complete, we take a group photo and post it in the Facebook messenger feed. During this time, we are able to express our accomplishments, family updates, challenges and current affairs. I’m thankful for this group and I look forward to seeing them every morning.
The morning of New Year’s Eve 2020, I started to reflect on how one year ends and a new one begins. Goals and new opportunities were on my mind and I began researching ways
During one of my daily check-ins with mom (a digression from our outburst of laughter and news updates from her on R. Kelly and Trump) we got on the topic of how many places
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This fitness journey has been a challenge for me. I’m that guy who is turned off when people use excuses as reasons not to accomplish things or even try. We take time and life