Making room to work out at home

Not having a full-time job means I have less disposable income for things like the gym. But working out doesn't have to cost a fortune, right?
My problem is I don't like exercising in the family room for everyone to see, especially now that my daughter video chats every chance she can. I also hate creating a mess in a room I try to keep clean at all costs.
Go outside then, right? Well, I'm not big on outside exercise, except for walking, given my allergies and general air quality in Arizona.
My solution? Make space in my bedroom. The big problem there was clutter. I was using an exercise machine (remember the Cardio Glide?) as a clothes rack. Plus decorative boxes with papers cluttered up the room. I had no real space for exercise.
Well, thanks to illness and a desire to disinfect/spring clean, I now have space. Enough for two yoga mats. Yay!
I'm storing my exercise equipment in two boxes, so I don't see clutter. And I have DVDs handy to pop in the TV in the privacy of my room. Love it.
I can stretch while watching TV or pull out the weights. My family room stays clean in case I get drop ins. Win-win.
Let's hope this keeps me motivated for a long time.
Cheers!

P.S. The Cardio Glide is gone to the garage. I'm feeling like I'm not ready to part with it. But at least it won't attract clothes clutter.

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!

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!