Trying to stay positive about working out

Working out when you hit a certain age isn't easy. And results don't come fast enough. I guess I should be glad that I'm not gaining weight, and my body still wants to move.

I'm trying to look at the positives. Among them:

-I can do more pushups. I couldn't at first, and now I can dip down all the way. I can't do 100, but I can do 10 good ones, and bunches of sloppy ones.

-I can hold myself in a plank without automatically dropping to my knees.

-I can lift more weight.

-I'm willing to sweat if the workout is set to good music. Still hate sweating, but at least I won't stop working out because of it.

Cheers!

Run/Walks: Don't be afraid! Set a goal and do it

The weather is getting nicer, finally! And many cool running/walking/biking events are coming up. The Arizona Republic's Jennifer McClellan pulled together a list of 10 runs, walks and rides in the Phoenix area this fall.

I have my eye on two events. I'm thinking that I should register for one of them, creating a forced commitment. That will help me set a goal so I keep exercising when I clearly would rather sleep in. But...

I guess fear is keeping me from signing up for the October race. Am I ready? Running isn't my thing, and I'm not exactly race ready. The times to prepare for these fall races/rides are short if you're not fit. But I can walk. I could set myself a pace goal, something slightly better than what I do when I jump on the treadmill at the gym. Then again, November's event gives me more time to prepare.

See, I'm talking myself into it. If my husband joins me...OK, gotta make a decision. Can't afford to do both. Or maybe I should look for something more realistic in the winter or spring? Say, isn't there a half-marathon in January? ;)

Will you sign up for race? Does it help you reach your goal?

Enjoy!

Liquid calories

I've been trying the exercise thing for a full four weeks now, getting at least 6 hours of exercise a week. The scale hasn't budged. I could say some of it is gaining muscle (I do think this is true), but I've not seen a real change in my body. Maybe it's too soon? Maybe I've got more work to do.

It's obviously time to seriously look at my eating and drinking habits. My caloric intake has to be growing faster than my workout calorie burn. And I hoped this wouldn't be an issue.

My food habits haven't changed much, with the exception of adding more veggies to my diet and cutting out the occasional take-out dinner. I still need to work on reducing some high-sugar foods, but I'm on the right track.

I'm thinking, with all the heat, I may be drinking too many high-calorie drinks. That smoothie, coffee drink or lemonade that seems so refreshing when it's 115 out isn't exactly without calories. Do I even want to know how many calories they have?

I'm not happy to realize this, but at least now I know where I need to focus my energy. So going forward, drink water first. If I need some flavor, add some lemon or make some green tea without sugar. And remember, smoothies and caramel fraps must be viewed as treats.

Hope this heat mellows out before my resolve falters. Cheers!

My "jelly belly" motivation

So the most troubling thing about working out is seeing myself in the mirror. I HATE it! Surely I'm really not that FAT.

I'm within my "normal" weight, granted at the top. But damn it, I'm not ready to see my belly jiggle so much as I climb up and down from my step or jab at an invisible punching bag.

I'm trying not to be discouraged by my unflattering reflection. But all I want to do is hide. Who wants to see my jiggle? Not me. Maybe if I start wearing baggy shirts...Ugh.

I have to tell myself, I'm far from alone. We all hate parts of our bodies, even when we are skinny. And when we gain weight, we recall those "skinny" days thinking, "How could I think I was fat when I looked so good?" I think this way any time I see a photo from 10 years ago.

So I try to focus on what I like about myself. I like that my legs are strong. I like that my arms have yet to sprout wings. I like my eyes. I like that I'm finally doing something for ME.

These day I'm trying to use "jelly belly" to keep me going to class. It's not like it will disappear by itself. And honestly, I don't work out very hard with a DVD at home. And maybe by the end of the year, the jiggle in the mirror will be a distant memory. We can only hope. OK, I can make a date at the gym to make it happen.

Cheers!

Taking exercise more seriously

I think I need to think of exercise as my current job. I won't exercise 10+ hours a day like I worked, but I need to put more into it.

Yesterday I missed the cardio sculpt class by arriving two minutes late. The class was FULL. Would I be late for meetings? No!

OK I wasn't totally bad. I did jump on a stationary bicycle, but without an iPod, I could only manage 5 miles before getting bored. Hmmm. At work, I couldn't leave a project half done just because I forgot something at home. I'd either need to fetch it, find a suitable alternative or just do without.

Today was better. I showed up 2 minutes late again (oops!) to kick boxing. I'm blaming it on getting my water bottle, which is necessary for this sweaty class. At least there was a spot for me. When I wanted to ditch class 20-minutes in because it kicked my butt, I didn't. I did some instructor-modify moves to bring down my heart rate and keep from keeling over.

I also stayed for the pilates class. I did think of bailing. Would I leave just to avoid extra work on the job? No. So I can't do that to my body.

So my lesson: Give exercise your full attention that way you make the most of that precious 30 minute, hour or whatever that you really don't have to waste. If you aren't trying your best, you won't get the full benefits of that exercise. So before heading to bed, I'm making sure my yoga gear is ready, and that I have an iPod in the bag just in case the class is full.

Cheers!

Damn. I feel old!

So Friday didn't go as planned. Still hurting from Wednesday's step aerobics class, I wimped out. My brain kept rationalizing: "You don't want to feel tortured by exercise." I did some moving at home by cleaning up and dancing, but nothing like I'd push at the gym.

I invited a friend to Saturday's yoga class. That would at least guarantee going even if my body was asking to be spared AGAIN. Seriously, these dull aches are making me feel old. Never did it take so long for my body to recover when I started exercising all those other times. Pushing 40 and being out of shape stinks.

Sure enough, my calves and arms were still a bit sore Saturday, but I HAD to make it to yoga. OMG, was I sweating! Anyone who says yoga is easy is crazy. And after, I decided to take that insane step class again but said no to the strength class. I wanted to able to move some on Sunday. Three hours of exercise would guarantee a day on the couch.

My legs are again screaming at me, as are my chest and abs. I'm glad they keep saying hello. Now get firm and stop hurting already! At least I can move, but I hope my body feels better Monday morning. I really want to keep exercising.

Sunday is my designated rest day. Doesn't mean I have to. It's just the day I won't put exercise down as a "thing to do." It's like a cheat day in a diet. You don't have to eat bad, but you're allowed to eat that cake if you want. Since I was hurting this time, I didn't go to the gym. Maybe next Sunday I will.

Well, here's hoping for a week of feeling a little less pain (and a little less old) after exercising.

Cheers!

Day 3: Feeling a bit lazy and guilty

I'm blaming it on my old body and the humidity. Today I didn't get sweaty exercising, as promised. I did move about cleaning house and picked up some hand weights for a few arm-toning exercises. That lasted maybe 10 minutes, not exactly what I had planned.

But yesterday didn't turn out as planned either. I thought that I would be taking yoga, stretching my muscles out after a tough day of pilates and cardio. No, no, no. My son happened to be running late for school because he didn't print out some homework the night before. Of course there would be a glitch. The 10-minute delay meant I didn't get into the yoga class. Step aerobics, however, was starting in 7 minutes next door.

I was drenched in sweat after. As for the strength class, I opted to do a few weights in the open gym instead of another hour class. Too tired!

Today my legs are screaming at me, just as my abs are feeling better. So I decided to be lazy and not go to cycling tonight. I feel a bit guilty about it, like I'm letting myself down. But am I? I'm going back tomorrow for yoga and cardio sculpt. I probably won't be in as much pain, either.

I know my body appreciates a little rest. I just need to make sure I get myself to the gym in the morning. No excuses.

Cheers!

The dull ache of muscles not used in forever

I could feel my muscles tightening as the day turned to night.

Did I overdo my first day?

I took an hour-long pilates class that kicked butt, and then jumped on the treadmill for a 45-minute brisk 2.75-mile walk. I felt good. I even thought to try some weights. Glad I didn't.

As my body started getting sore, I forced myself to move instead of sit. Nothing crazy. Just turned on the music to shake my hips as my abs and thighs screamed at me.

Waking up was a bit more painful than normal. I'm happy to say, though, it's not slowing me too much. I'm going to yoga and, if my body will let me, try a strength class today.

I'm not gonna push it. Light weights and modified moves don't crush my ego. I've learned there is no reason to show off unless you want to get hurt doing something your body isn't ready to do.

Now if I can get my eating habits cleaned up. One day at a time, right?

Cheers!

Today is the DAY

I've never liked working out much. And while I know eating healthy is good for me, I much prefer rich foods. Cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate anything, filet mignon...Mmmm.

As I approach 40, I know I must change my habits if I'm to stay in my "healthy" weight range. I also want to stave off those aches and pains that come with age, but also from abusing your body with poor food choices and lack of movement. So today is the day. Really.

I've said this before — I recall a healthy living resolution this year — but I think this time it's for real.

1. I have more time to exercise and cook due to lost employment. No more excuses!

2. The scale is taunting me. I'm four pounds heavier than I last remember.

3. I'm coming up on 40!

Tighter pants, 40 and time. Hmm. Better get to the gym. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Cheers!