The Reach Out: Rachel Vindman
The activist, writer, and co-host of The Suburban Women Problem podcast says working out makes her feel "strong and empowered."
Rachel Vindman describes herself as “a wife, mom, podcast host, writer, and activist.”
As co-host of The Suburban Women Problem podcast, Vindman speaks to people who are making a difference in their communities, including moms, teachers, activists, authors, writers, and politicians. On a recent episode, Senator Cory Booker weighs in on Ketanji Brown Jackson, book bans, and comfort TV.
As an opinions contributor for USA Today, Vindman’s writings include My Journey From the Republican Party, Through Grief, To Advocacy and Hope Is Not A Plan, But It's All I Have For the Ukraine I hold In My Heart.
Vindman has also appeared on Amanpour and Company, PBS, and CNN.
I spoke with Rachel Vindman the day after a truck slammed into her car while she was stopped at a red light (thankfully, she was ok).
How do you make an exercise and fitness a part of your life?
I'm a very type A personality and definitely a morning person. I like having a schedule, so for me, a 7am workout on the Elliptical is the right way to start my day. I like to get it done and check it off my list. I know that if I don’t do it first thing in the morning, it might not happen. I also walk our dog every day.
Maybe it’s because I was just in a car accident, but this morning I was reminded of how strong I feel after working out. Even if I didn't accomplish anything else today, I know that I still did five miles on the Elliptical at 7am, and that made me feel healthy and strong.
How did your exercise habits change during the pandemic?
Prior to COVID, we’d been going to the gym at our local rec center, so like a lot of people, we had to adjust when it shut down. At first, we just spent more time walking outside, but then we got the Elliptical, which is my preference, and a Peloton. It has certainly been a luxury to to have exercise equipment at home and be able to work out first thing in the morning.
Do you wear a fitness monitor to remind you to remind you to walk and move?
I do wear an Apple Watch now. When I was working at a retail store, and also super busy at home, I never felt like I needed a reminder to get up and move. I didn’t really understand why people talked so much about their step count.
But now that so much of my time is spent at the computer — writing, recording the podcast, and helping my husband with administrative tasks — I definitely notice that I’m not moving around as much I once did. So I do find the Apple Watch to be helpful. It’s good to be reminded to avoid sitting in a certain spot, or position, for too long. I’m not young anymore, so I know that I need to get up, walk, and stretch!
What do you watch or listen to while you work out?
I really only listen to music. I have a couple of playlists and find that if I'm not listening to music, then I will go at a much slower pace on the Elliptical. I might have the TV on mute, but I'm definitely listening to music.
What is your main motivation for exercising?
On a larger scale, I think it would be health. On a smaller scale, for me, it’s about gratitude. I am thankful that I can move and that working out makes me feel strong and empowered.
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you think you might want to try?
I have some friends who really love stand-up paddle-boarding. Maybe I would just keep falling down into the water, but it looks challenging and it’s something I might want to try.
How do you think we can get kids to move more?
I think family hikes are great — both for exercise and spending time outdoors. Our 11 year-old daughter likes that when we go hiking, everyone has their phones turned off and we just talk.
Our daughter is also a very talented runner and has won a few races, but she doesn’t really love running. Hiking, on the other hand, is always something she's eager to do, and biking. I think that it’s one-on-one time — unplugged and connecting — is what children crave.
When we were in Arizona two weeks ago, we all went on a fun hike together. It was one of the highlights of our trip. When we’re in Los Angeles this weekend, I told my husband and daughter that I want us to go hiking on Saturday morning (my birthday), and they were both excited about it.
I can’t think of a better birthday present than going on a scenic hike with family. Happy birthday, Rachel!😀
Thank you, @natsechobbyist
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