Confessions of an Exercise Junkie…
Exercise with views in Mexican Hat, Utah!
I have a confession to make. It is something I am proud of, work hard at, and, well, it helps me feel better. It chases those blues away when they sneak up on me, bringing those happy hormones front and center instead of the blues.
Exercise.
I love to exercise. I may not like it sometimes, but my body sure could use it! As a “mid-life” woman (sometimes I hate that term, but that is where I am right now), things seem to fit awkwardly, like that front pooch in the tummy area, or maybe it is a little sag here, and a little sag there. Sometimes I wish I could turn back the hands of time and have that younger body that could burn food quickly before it turns to fat.
Do you ever feel like that?
I am so with you!
37 degree weather in Quartzsite, Arizona!
I might know what you are thinking. Like where can I find the time to exercise? Gyms cost money and my budget cannot afford a penny more? Or perhaps you do not like exercise and find it boring, a waste of money at the local gym, or you do not have time for it.
I get it. Been there and done it!
But, can you hear me out for a moment?
How can you make it fun? Something you look forward to each day, that can bring a smile to your lips and excitement running through your veins? Maybe you like to take it slow and easy, gentle on your body and mind. Or maybe you are the opposite, wanting a fast paced plan, with lots of jumping and moving around. Yes, you can!
Lets talk with some inspiring tips that you can apply to your life today!
My first gym when we started fulltime rving!
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor first. Find out what kind of exercising you can do and how your health is.
Once you get the green light from your doctor, what kind of exercising do you LIKE to do? Do you like to take a easy or do something vigorous?
If you like to start light and easy, maybe yoga is a great way to go! Honestly, I love yoga and the stretches that are incorporated in it. It really helps with those sore hips or tight hamstrings! I have used yoga dvds in the past, or you can watch videos on YouTube for yoga.
If you like to be vigorous, like running or jumping, then maybe a gym might be the answer for you! But you might say your budget is tight and cannot afford a gym membership. No problem! Might I introduce to you exercising with YouTube? There are many, many (and I mean many!) people that put their exercise programs on YouTube. They are FREE! Yep, absolutely free. Yes, you can pay for some, but why bother when there are others that are absolutely FREE! Also, check your local parks and recreation - they might have a gym with a walking track (bonus!), weights, classes and for a reasonable price.
Start slow, maybe a 2-3 days a week, or whatever your doctor suggests. This is important as you are introducing something new to your body that your own body might put up a fight with. Meaning, sore muscles, aches and pains in places you are not used to having. Then once you have been doing this for a while, see if you can gradually move it up to maybe 4-5 days a week. I know it may sound daunting, but I know you can do it.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, is to watch what you eat. I love dark chocolate, but I have to watch my consumption, because it likes to hang around my belly. Know what I mean? Again, please check with your doctor to see what food is best for you to eat, especially when you introduce exercise to it.
Exercising in Harrison, Nebraska with just a mat and weights, plus YouTube on my computer!
I know, I know. Lots of people like to start the new year with new resolutions that may include wonderful ideas, such as exercising to a new program. But after a while, life gets busy, or the exercise is boring, so then we give up and pick up our old habits again.
Maybe this year, this year, it can be different. Dare to be different! When things get hard, and exercising can be hard physically, mentally, socially or even spiritually, do not give up. When it gets hard is when things are doing well inside your body. This is what you want. Keep showing up, even if you are having a bad day and do not feel like doing anything! But do not overdo it!
What is my exercise program? I am so glad you asked! Before I give you the answer, the reason why I started was I noticed I was getting love handles and a sore, lower back. No bueno! A friend of mine introduced me to her gym. They were offering a free trial for 2 weeks. That is where they can get you, and they sure did with me and I was willing to pay! I fell in love the with the exercise routines, even if they were painful, and they indeed were!
Exercising with forest views in Sundance, Wyoming!
I have been exercising for some time now, and seeing results. Slowly my love handles are disappearing (remember, middle age?), and I feel better and more confident of myself.
Plus this type of program travels very well as we travel in our RV. The funny thing is I exercise outside, no matter if it is cold or hot. Although sometimes I have exercised in our small RV when it is raining out or really cold! If interested, this is the program I use: burnbootcamp.com. I just love this program so much I want to share it with my friends!
Exercising in Buffalo, Wyoming with amazing views of the Cloud Pass Mountains!
So, if you are still with me, and I hope you are, please share with us if this has motivated you to start exercising, maybe seeking an exercise program or a visit with your doctor about exercise. I would love to hear about it and cheer you on!