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THERESA: We've talked about exercise slumps recently, and by now I'd like to declare my February slump OVER. I started doing weights again in the last couple weeks, and have been faithful about running, even through a few days of battling a cold. I loaded new batteries and music onto my MP3 player (I particularly like a few fast-paced honky-tonk tunes from Emmy Lou Harris's old "Luxury Liner" album - and check out the latest suggestions on our Workout Music thread) and now I'm beginning to recall that righteous feeling I get from a good, hard, heavy-sweatin' workout. Exercise is so rewarding! And with the Broad Street 10-miler just over a month away, I'm motivated to keep upping my mileage in the weeks to come.
After years of alternating between exercising and taking breaks from exercise, I realize that my breaks are never permanent, and in the last couple of years they've become more brief and infrequent. It's not bad to take a rest once in a while, as long as that doesn't make you stop thinking of yourself as a fitness enthusiast.
And it helps to have friends like Laurie, who has pushed me to get to the gym recently after a couple work days when I was feeling more inclined to just go home and be a slouch.
How's everybody else doing now that spring is finally here?
YVONNE W: I'm really motivated because of the nice weather predictions. Especially for the next couple of days.
I pushed myself pretty hard this morning. I'm also still trying to increase my endurance for the Broad Street Run.
So this morning, I spent half and hour on pilates (Windsor pilates). I finally broke down and spent the money. I also ran for 40 minutes. Most of my running today was on the treadmill, although I'm not crazy about running on a treadmill. It's not as challenging because the motor actually helps move your legs as opposed to your own effort.
THERESA: I prefer running outside to running on the treadmill, but the treadmill is a nice option when the weather is cold. Sometimes I kick up my treadmill pace to keep from being bored and that way I can get my miles finished up more quickly. Some of the programmed speed runs are fun once in awhile...
I use the treadmill when I really can't get into running. I actually feel as though I'm cheating, so I try to push myself a little harder. It all seems to come together once I start.
There have been many times I didn't want to work out, but once I start I usually get into it after 15 or 20 minutes. I think variety helps alot.
It's good to change the routine so that you do not become bored.
For instance this weekend I will swim, dance (salsa and mambo) and use a stairclimbing machine because my Saturday morning step class was cancelled.
I don't think of running on a treadmill as cheating. It's a good cardiovascular workout. (It is important not to hold on to the rails with your hands, though.)
Posted by: Theresa on March 25, 2004 10:41 AMI've just returned to the gym after hand surgery and discover I'm at that awful moment when my joy and enthusiasm at going to the gym has turned into dread and I have to talk myself out of talking myself out of it. I don't mind the machines but I particularly am beginning to hate what I used to love: the elliptical machine. This has happened to me in the past, when I started out going to the gym 6 days a week and when my year's membership was over, I was dragging myself there once or twice. What I'm hoping is different this time is the recognition that this really isn't optional if I want to stay healthy.
Posted by: Jill on March 25, 2004 10:51 AMWhen I started running again a few weeks ago, I felt so tired and unhappy. It seems that that initial discomfort is the price we have to pay for taking time off. But that feeling does pass. Jill, can you take a break from the elliptical machine and try something new? I overheard women in the locker room last night talking how much fun they have in their spinning class. That sounds like fun.
Posted by: Theresa on March 25, 2004 10:52 AMThere's something I find so daunting about the spinning class, although I've heard the same thing you have. I love to bike outside but they go so fast in the class, I wonder if I'll be able to keep up. Maybe I will try it, but then again there's the matter of time. Most gyms schedule classes REALLY early, like 6 AM or mid-morning. Neither works for me.
Posted by: Jill on March 25, 2004 10:52 AMTheresa, motivating you helped motivate me! Knowing we're all in this exercise thing for the long haul really keeps me going, though I've been in a bit of a slump and still am, unfortunately. But the warmer weather will get me out dancing more, and that's my favorite exercise. Also, I'm been contemplating and am now about to embark on a new exercise experiment - Pilates.
Being part of this blog made me realize that I do have the mindset of being a person who's into fitness. It always gets me going again, usually sooner than later.
Jill,
I've taken many spinning classes. It's not that easy and you have to be prepared for the hard seat on the bikes. (That's the worst part) your bottom will hurt.
But if you have a good instructor and music that you can groove to spinning can be fun.
It's also a great way to build endurance.
I'm coming out of my slump but still not where I need to be with the Broad Street Run coming up. If only I could get rid of this head cold!
Posted by: Jenice on March 25, 2004 01:28 PMYvonneW:
I just received my Windsor set on Monday.
Due to recurring (I refuse to go under the knife!), knee ailments, I was warned not to squat, lunge, spin, run, step or kickbox until further notice. BUT, a very good DO at PCOM recommended pilates. For $50, it is way more economical than a gym (yes, I have weight benches at home)and I definitely felt different after the 1st use (not sore...just different).
I think pilates is an enhancement that every regimen can use.
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