I cannot remember the last time I exercised. It’s been a month or two since I’ve done any yoga and walking any distance has resulted in shin splints and a sore back and hip. I know they’re just excuses and I’ve tried to tell myself a 5min walk is better than nothing, but I’ve struggled to convince myself.
I know that losing even a little bit of weight will help me feel more able to exercise but the food / exercise / dieting thing is a tangled mess in my mind. A few weeks ago I talked about trying to focus more on how I feel. Well, quite frankly I feel friggin’ unfit and unhealthy.
Which is why it’s almost like a Chrismukkah miracle that I have finally pushed myself to do something.
A personal trainer has set up in my yoga studio and is running group sessions. Although I’m a few years off it, I emailed to check if it was okay to go to the 50+ circuit class. (I explained I was probably more unfit than most 50 or 60 year olds, but my desperate pleas weren’t necessary as the trainer was very flexible on the age issue.)
And despite my antipathy… I went. And I survived! It was all a bit traumatic getting ready as it’s so long since I’ve needed one I realised none of my sports bras fit. And then I remembered I’d need to wear my contact lenses – for the first time in over a year!!! (And naturally I’d packed them away… somewhere….)
On arrival I felt obliged to apologise to the trainer for my pitiful level of fitness. (Although he could probably tell that from just looking at me). He was, however EXTREMELY encouraging. And, as I’m wont to do, despite my lack of fitness, I pushed myself fairly hard but not hard enough that I’m reticent to return.
Of course I’m now feeling very virtuous. Despite our stretching and warm down I know I’ll feel the after-effects in coming days, but it feels like a good start! I’m on a budget but thinking I can afford a couple of classes each week. Small steps and all that…
Hell yeah!
And just to reassure everyone… am not going for skinny. But ‘fit’ would be nice!
Have you had to push yourself to do something (you were reticent to do) recently?
Linking up with Trish from My Little Drummer Boys today for this (almost!!!) Wordless Wednesday post.
November 19, 2014
I envy your motivation to get going on the exercise. Can I please have some?
November 19, 2014
Hi Jody, found your comment and thanks for flagging it as I do usually just delete my spam. And… I wouldn’t get too envious – that’s just one day! I’m hoping I can perhaps try to go twice a week for a while, then perhaps re-add in a yoga session (if my large stomach doesn’t feel quite so intrusive) and some walks!
Deb
November 19, 2014
Yup!! The whole exercise thing. I am very motivated in many areas of my life. But when it comes to exercise I’m a gumbie. I don’t love it. I really don’t love it. In fact I might almost hate it. But for the last 6 weeks I’ve been doing it. Just little bits. Then sometimes big bits. And then more little bits. I am feeling quite empowered by it all. I am too scared to stop. If I stop I may never do it again …
Good luck with yours!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
November 19, 2014
Having just got back from my daily (well, almost daily) 6am walk, I’m feeling very virtuous. Seriously though, great to hear.
November 19, 2014
Well done! I seriously hate that I’ve become one of those people who even struggle to walk long distances (or any distance). Part of me is like… how the f*ck did this happen?
November 19, 2014
Go you! Now you’ve made it public you may even be more inclined to do something and keep it up. You’ve just inspired me Deb!
November 19, 2014
I know, I thought about posting my intentions the day before – so I felt some peer pressure-type obligation to go!
November 19, 2014
Good for you Deb!! I totally know where you’re coming from! I got on my treadmill twice last week. Not enough but at least better than nothing. It has taken me 6 weeks to lose 3.5 kg. OMG – the weight loss is very slow when you get older. Admittedly, I am not good on the exercise side of things so if I picked up that a bit more perhaps it would be a little faster. Just gotta keep chipping away!! 😉
November 19, 2014
When I gave up Weight Watchers (in May or I think) it’d taken me 6mths to lose 13kg. (A very long hard slow slog for me….) Naturally I gained all of that back in about 3 weeks. I’m telling myself ANYTHING less than I am now would be good!
November 19, 2014
I pushed myself to have an extra day off this week. Does that count? I think it does because it’s hard for me to miss group sessions but I knew it was in my best interest after the episode of mild heat exhaustion on the weekend.
November 19, 2014
Oh absolutely Char. I still follow a lot of health and fitness bloggers and peeps via Twitter etc from my Diet Schmiet days and regularly read about the problems of over-training etc. I think taking time out on occasion (or when your body tells you to) is far better than longer-term injuries or illness from over-training.
PS. Not something I’m particularly worried about at this stage in my case! 😉
November 19, 2014
I’m trying to get back into some sort of regular fitness after more than a year off due to illness. I must say I’m nervous because following just a walk, I fainted and hit the ground shoulder first and popped my shoulder out. It’s only just coming good now but I also think I’m using it as an excuse.
You’ve inspired me to get back on the horse, so to speak. 🙂
November 19, 2014
Oh yes just before I moved here (2yrs ago now) I was doing 4-5 classes / week at the gym. I was still overweight but at least I was pretty fit. I’m at least 25kg heavier (again) now and back to doing nothing. It’s my one big regret post-move!
November 19, 2014
Now all you have to do is go back Deb! I love group fitness because it makes me want to go even if it is to chat to other adults.
November 19, 2014
Yes same Annaleis, in recent years I’ve been more of a fan of classes than exercising alone. Even circuit classes (which is what this was) when you’re still part of a group but working in isolation.
November 19, 2014
Good for you! You should be proud of yourself. I’m proud of you too! Rx
November 19, 2014
Thanks. I’m already sore!
November 19, 2014
Oh, I miss exercising.. I used to do it once, pre-kids. Good on you!!
November 19, 2014
Thanks. It’s a start!
November 19, 2014
Deb, glad you felt good and grateful to move. 🙂 It’s nice to move without any reason except for moving’s sake 🙂
November 19, 2014
Yes Liz, I just really needed to do something I am sure I am less fit than I was in my pre-12WBT days as at least I did pilates then!
November 19, 2014
I’m the one..two… am I skinny yet girl! I have been doing isagenix for a few months and it is the best!
November 20, 2014
Oh well done. Glad it’s working for you!
November 19, 2014
It’s just too easy to fall out of the habit isn’t it? And way too hard to go again. I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. When I’m in the swing of it I love the benefits but given I’ve been in babyland for the last forever I’m definitely in zombieland rather than moving anything other than lifting babes. Hope you keep it up!
November 20, 2014
Thanks vicki!
November 19, 2014
sounds like just what I need to do. I did consider Pilates. But have just not turned up. Good on you for turning up. I do miss my walks after dinner now daylight saving has started. Gotta get out there and just do it 🙂
November 20, 2014
Ah yes… but sometimes getting out there is the hardest part! I know I’ve been telling myself I need to walk for AGES and just haven’t been able to get myself going!
November 19, 2014
oh I AM AM AM that snarky e-card about cardio.
completely.
November 20, 2014
Yes Carla… I love your efficient approach to exercise though! x
November 20, 2014
That is awesome! I hope you enjoy the sessions (as much as anyone possibly can). X
November 20, 2014
Thanks Jess, aiming to go again Saturday and then twice next week as well.
November 21, 2014
Congrats on getting there and joining in on the class…..I so hear you!! I have a gym membership and I have been really slack with not going! Hubby is now joining me at the gym to push me harder with the Weights Section so that I am working out better.
But its only 2 days a week – this is probably the most unfit I have ever been in ages.
Hope you feel good, and keep going 🙂 Motivation to get there is the key, now only to find my “Key”
November 22, 2014
Yes, I went again today so hope to go twice a day to start with. It’d be nice if it makes me a bit more conscious about what I’m eating as well….
Deb