New Years Resolutions: Canna-sure Your Success in 2015

Every year come January we subject ourselves to a month of fasting, running fast, and falling on the couch even faster than you can say, “hey weren’t you doing something speedy?” The problem is that rarely do our “resolutions” stay resolute when we try to change everything at once. 

Why can’t you randomly start exercising, eating healthy, and banish treats forever, right now, all at the same time? Probably because you’re a human being and that’s ridiculous. 

So forgive yourself and make a change that will actually stick!

Solving the Exercise Problem:

Recently a basic insight from High Times changed my life and I truly hope it changes yours:

exercise medicated.

The thing is, working out doesn’t always suck, it’s just rough when you get started (especially if you haven’t seen a pair of gym shoes since PE was mandatory). BUT once you’ve been doing it for a minute it actually feels really great, you might even start to crave the exertion! The trick is not pushing yourself farther than makes sense, and setting realistic goals. Exercise is not one size fits all, it’s about figuring out what works for you. If your resolution is to exercise for hours everyday until you look like Chanel Iman, let’s just go ahead and take a step back friend because you are on a train heading straight for deadresolutionsville. Try something a little more achievable to start, depending on your fitness level it could be anywhere from simply walking a little more everyday to taking a weekly group exercise class. Amp it up after you’ve met your initial goal and you’ll feel a sense of momentum, which will help the change be more sustainable!

What works for me? A Solstice Pre-Rolled Tangelo Joint (my canna-motivation) and a very comfortable yoga class, like one taught by the crew at Poseurs. Emily, fearless yoga teacher and one of the minds behind kick ass yoga gear by Poseurs (see their rad sports bra to the right) and Actual Pain, can make the most anxious yogi beyond comfortable. Even the “but I never medicate and leave my home” first timers will love her open, cool vibe.

Find Emily teaching a beginners class at CorePower on Thursdays at 1:30pm, and starting next quarter at Noise Yoga as well! Now keep in mind, I never would have suggested a group class before cannabis fueled by practice but medicating before class was a complete mind opener.

Suddenly its way less embarrassing when your dog is less downward and more awkward. When you can get past that initial anxiety, there is something about a being around other humans that makes exercise more bearable. It’s about perspective and remembering that you are beautiful not because your body is losing mass, but because you are treating yourself with respect and connecting with the most powerful tool nature has given you.

Poseurs is for everyone, but if you’re looking for a sense of what they’re about check out their videos on the myth of Balasana and chakra.

If a group class is just too much, because that’s totally reasonable and no one is judging you, exercising at home is a great (way more private) option. Especially if you’ve never worked out medicated, it’s smart to take it slow and figure out what works for you before venturing into public. Considering we basically live in the future there is no reason you can’t get an awesome workout with professional guidance from the comfort of your own space…

Check out these great exercise sites for videos to do at home:

Be Fit – some of the greatest names in exercise, all for your youtubing pleasure!

Pump It Up – 2004’s ultimate dance workout, bonus points if you pull out 2004’s ultimate leotard. 

Pop Sugar –tips from the folks who train Victoria’s Secret models? check. hangover cures? check.

Fitness Blender – something for everyone and exactly how to do it, broken down, so you never wonder if you’ll wake up with a sore back and zero impact on your actual goal.

And hey, before you get your fitness on, remember these rules for exercising with cannabis:

1) Know your limit, and then undershoot it. When deciding on a pre-exercise dosage, don’t forget that physical exertion may make the effects of your medication stronger.

2) Always walk to class after medicating, safety-first!

3) Bring your own water and a granola bar in case you get light headed, if you’re new to this being active thing make sure to take care of yourself. No pain, smarter gain. Amiright?

4) Never exercise away from home on a medication you are unfamiliar with.

Good luck, and don’t forget, just because it’s 2015 doesn’t mean you suddenly became an android that loves kale smoothies and jogging at 6am, it’s about integrating real, sustainable change.