Life isn’t fair. Some people sheltering at home are working out on their new Peloton bikes in a spare bedroom now transformed into a multi-functional home gym. Others of us are squeezing our yoga mat into the bathroom between the tub and the toilet.
My advice? Start where you are, with whatever you’ve got, and build from there. If it’s a corner of your living room, make it the lightest, tidiest space it can be. If you can find more room, grab it, and turn it into a space that sparks energy and inspires joy.
Why? Because where you work out makes a difference. The space, the clutter, the light, the amount of fresh air all have an impact on your body, your mind, and yes, your mood.
Stick yourself in a tiny unloved space, with bad air, fluorescent lights, lots of clutter and your workout won’t be as pleasant or as effective as being in natural light in a well-ventilated space that is open and organized to maximize the flow of energy in your body.
That’s what practitioners of feng shui believe. . .and so do I. Feng shui —pronounced various ways but let’s go with “fung-as-in-hung” and “shway” —is the Chinese study of the natural environment based on principles dating back 4,000 years to the “I Ching,” still a best-seller.
It’s all about yin and yang and the balancing of the five elements but forget all that for now. Focus on the space you’ve got —look around, be creative— and adapt it so it becomes your own space for personal well-being, during the pandemic and after.
Here are some feng shui principles to guide you. Embrace the basics, do what you can, and don’t spend a moment wishing you had more:
LIGHTING. Feng shui practitioners are very wired into the importance of healthy lighting. The fluorescent lights you see in many gyms are actually a drain on your energy. Full-spectrum bulbs and lamps are the way to go, if you can swing it. When you get back to your health club –can you imagine?— see if you can influence their choices too. Good luck with that.
As you might imagine, windows that look outdoors, into nature, are very feng shui. Let your gaze draw strength and steadiness from the trees. Open and understand the fortune cookie that reads “Avoid exercising in a windowless place. No pane, no gain.”
AIR AND SOUND. Feng shui followers adore plants. Living plants help clean the air and, in general, make you feel better. So if you’re creating a home workout space, include something green, that grows and breathes. Talk to it. Let it know you care.
Pay attention to air quality, too. Strive for good circulation and an open window for the best ventilation. If you feel like diffusing the space with an essential oil, like lavender or rosemary, go for it.
I know it’s asking a lot to unplug from your devices when you workout, but it’s the feng shui way to a better workout. Listening to music has its place — very motivational!! — but focusing inward has its advantages, too.
The only way to feel the difference is to try it. Unplug from outside distractions and tune into the sound of your breath. Experiment with breathing in and out of your nose for as long as it’s comfortable, and build from there. You can start with two in, two out, and build to four in and four out. . .and then add pauses, holds, longer exhales, and many other breathing patterns to help improve your performance in remarkable ways, even in small spaces. (For more reliable and remarkable information about using nasal breathing to maximize your home workouts and strengthen your lungs during the time of COVID-19, check out the on-line videos of Ed Harrold, Patrick McKeown, and John Douillard. Astounding.)
SPACE. Working out in a cramped and cluttered space makes exercise more difficult, say the feng shui-ers. Look for, or create, work-out spaces that give you an open and organized feeling.
Feng shui experts also believe that the color of your workout clothes can make a difference. Want to feel super-empowered? Dress in tops or bottoms that are red or deep purple. Kings and popes and Zen masters have been doing that for ages.
ATTITUDE. Your workout environment is important, but so is your attitude.
Come to your workout with a positive mind-set, no matter how cramped the space. Release anxiety and fear with every breath. Put a leafy potted plant nearby and show it some love.
And be grateful for the space you have, no matter how big or small. Be proud of yourself for taking time out of your crazy busy day to show up for a workout.
Bravo, dear reader! Self-care is what personal well-being feels like.
ENERGY EXPRESS-O! YOUR MOMENT OF ZEN
“My view on feng shui: Don’t put your bed in front of the door because you can’t get in.” — Jonas Eriksson.