I’m starting to feel as if I’m getting back into a routine: after holidays; hospital visiting; and most recently – upheaval at work last week with my boss’s resignation and some nervousness about what that meant for me. Two of my lunchtime workouts had to be shelved last week because of work commitments and after the second time it happened I was starting to panic that I might ‘never’ get back into a routine of sorts.

On Sunday this week I attended an early morning bootcamp type thing in lieu of someone who couldn’t make it. It’s one of several organised as part of my weight-loss program and the only reason I prefer this one to others is because it’s USUALLY inside and circuit-based, so more in my comfort zone. I’m not big on running, hills, or other bootcampy things I see poor suckers doing in public parks. But – alas – the session this week was outdoors and involved running up and down some hills (with some squats, push ups, burpees and sit ups thrown in for good measure). But…. I made it through and had that usual sense of achievement at the end.

A session that I’ve been unable to attend at my local gym lately has been its Monday Zumba class. For some reason when people talked about Zumba over the last couple of years I’d shrugged it off. I’d imagined it to be endless salsas or something and I’d wondered how on earth one could do that for an hour without it being tedious. I don’t know how typical the class I attend is (as I’ve only tried it at my gym) but it isn’t at all what I expected. It’s a bit more like the old Les Mills Body Jam class, with a mix of moves and music. And I love it! I got to go on Monday and my super-fun teacher decided that it would be one of those classes where we got to choose the music (and therefore the routines). We had some Beyonce/Lady Gaga; a couple of LMFAOs; some old Salt ‘n Pepa and we had SO much fun. Well… I did anyway. It occurs to me I probably should look into other Zumba classes for those times when work intervenes and I cannot get to the Monday lunchtime class at my gym.

Last week I mentioned that I did a long walk from the train one evening after work. The previous night as I’d trekked home I realised that the evening was a spectacular one: still very light, starting to get cool (it is spring here) and with a nice breeze in the air. Perfect weather to be outside breathing in some fresh air and absorbing some zen-like vibes. I felt the same thing Monday evening and planned that I would do a similar walk last night… but alas – here in Oz summer is fast looming and we have had a couple of hot and sticky days and yesterday was no exception. To ensure I did SOMETHING though, I changed into my exercise gear before I left our office building, though once outside realised that it was really quite unpleasant weather for walking – so, instead I crossed the large courtyard into the small gym in the building next door, pulled out my iPhone and restarted my C25k (couch to 5km) program – which teaches me how to run 5km.

You may recall I stared the program several months ago… but alas, I stumbled at week 2 (pictured). I was going to be ambitious and start there again, but decided to go back to week 1 and work my way up slowly. I’m not comfortable running in public (ie. outside), so will have to plan my runs to fit in with weekdays at the gym… but I’m hopeful that I too can become one of those crazy people who (dare I say?!) loves to run. (I have to say I can’t imagine it, but I’m trying to think positively!)

Today I’m planning a post-work Pump (weights) class at the gym. I used to rely on pilates for my core and strength work, but haven’t rejoined my local studio where I attended reformer classes once-twice a week.

But – so far so good this week. I have commitments after work Thursday and Friday and lunchtime Friday, so I am trying to plan around those and… I do always have my old faithful exercise bike at home for those times I get desperate. And – quite frankly – there’s always a sense of achievement as I alight from it after a session(read: lean sideways until I stumble off with a numb butt, sore hamstrings and so much sweat dripping down my face I can’t see properly!).

I know that I can’t be assured of making lunchtime gym classes or always having the time or energy to do something after work, but I’m already reassured that I now know that I CAN get back into a routine and it doesn’t take a lot of effort; and also that routines can be overrated sometimes. Mixing it up and trying something new (running on a treadmill because it’s too hot to walk outside) can be surprisingly gratifying!