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!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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!
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!
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