1 - A high school reunion is an excellent motivator.
2 - Oddly, Lady Antebellum has a better walking/running rhythm than Daughtry.
Glee is good for interval training, though.
3 - The sillier you look doing a particular muscle group sequence, the more effective it is.
I hope.
4 - Lunges will never be fun, or even bearable for more than a few steps. (My lower back and pelvic tilt testify to this one loudly.)
5 - Alternating side squats work fairly well as a replacement for lunges, and fortunately they look even sillier.
6 - Other joggers will look at you, smile, exchange a greeting; people who are 'exercising' by walking their dog refuse to make eye contact on the off-chance that 'running' is as contagious as 'the plague'.
7 - My body has decided that exercise is a good thing. (Traitor.) My brain still disagrees, but goes along with my body grudgingly.
8 - Not much is worse than discovering you've forgotten your keys and locked yourself out of the house with no phone, no wallet, no open windows, and no access to your largely (and currently) absent housemate. Not much is better than realizing the keys were in your jacket pocket the whole time and were, in fact, the thing that was banging against your leg earlier when you were running.
* * * * *
Got any tips, additional lessons learned, or playlist recommendations?
*
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
April 07, 2012
August 26, 2011
Motivationalities
Things that are getting me moving lately:
1) My friend Stephanie (whom I really haven't gotten to spend NEARLY enough time with) is making some major nutritional changes in her life (as well as paying herself to go walking, which is awesome) and blogging about it daily. She's inspiring, and I'm considering a juicer.
2) Another family fitness 'competition' - not about weight-loss so much this time (my sister kicked all of our collective trashes last time), but about how well we accomplish whatever goals we feel we need to meet. It really is easier if you're checking in with other people. Let's get it going!
3) I've been added to a Facebook group for my graduating class from high school. 2012 = 20 YEARS. On the one hand, I have a whole year to dread facing all these people I grew up with, having neither spouse nor children nor career to show off - on the other hand, I have a year to really get into shape so that at least I look good at the reunion (provided I'm not working for the Olympics or developing some theatre in, say, Italy next summer).
4) I'm starting another Master's program in a few weeks, and it's on a campus with a student gym. Plus there's an actual campus, so running should be easy, too. Plus it's in a very small town, so exercise and study just might be all I'll be able to find to do! Plus there's really no better time to make major changes in your life than when you're already making major changes! New school year = major change!
5) *REDACTED*
(It's a surprise. You'll find out shortly - if you don't already know - but trust me, it's motivational.)
Exercise! Drink water! Eat fruits and veggies! Sleep!
1) My friend Stephanie (whom I really haven't gotten to spend NEARLY enough time with) is making some major nutritional changes in her life (as well as paying herself to go walking, which is awesome) and blogging about it daily. She's inspiring, and I'm considering a juicer.
2) Another family fitness 'competition' - not about weight-loss so much this time (my sister kicked all of our collective trashes last time), but about how well we accomplish whatever goals we feel we need to meet. It really is easier if you're checking in with other people. Let's get it going!
3) I've been added to a Facebook group for my graduating class from high school. 2012 = 20 YEARS. On the one hand, I have a whole year to dread facing all these people I grew up with, having neither spouse nor children nor career to show off - on the other hand, I have a year to really get into shape so that at least I look good at the reunion (provided I'm not working for the Olympics or developing some theatre in, say, Italy next summer).
4) I'm starting another Master's program in a few weeks, and it's on a campus with a student gym. Plus there's an actual campus, so running should be easy, too. Plus it's in a very small town, so exercise and study just might be all I'll be able to find to do! Plus there's really no better time to make major changes in your life than when you're already making major changes! New school year = major change!
5) *REDACTED*
(It's a surprise. You'll find out shortly - if you don't already know - but trust me, it's motivational.)
Exercise! Drink water! Eat fruits and veggies! Sleep!
July 11, 2009
Dem Bones
I think I may have a weather-forecasting hip. Or, more accurately, an exercise-avoiding hip. I've been working all week, except Tuesday, and not working out because I had convinced myself that my bones and joints needed to rest and recover. Since it's been a good week (in an "I don't need to make an emergency stop at the chiropractor's after all" kind of way) I was determined to get up this morning and hit the road.
This morning I woke up with my hip aching, and a gray, drizzly sky outdoors. Either I've got a weather joint to the left of my lower back, or my subconcious has taken over and brought my hatred of exercise to mocking life. (Oh, and Tuesday? I had planned to get up and go running NO MATTER WHAT, and I woke up with a migraine.)
You tell me.
This morning I woke up with my hip aching, and a gray, drizzly sky outdoors. Either I've got a weather joint to the left of my lower back, or my subconcious has taken over and brought my hatred of exercise to mocking life. (Oh, and Tuesday? I had planned to get up and go running NO MATTER WHAT, and I woke up with a migraine.)
You tell me.
May 23, 2009
In Extremis
I went running tonight, for the first time in probably 3+ weeks, and I REALLY LIKED IT. It's like I've grown up, or something.
I've got exactly two weeks before the family marathon. I don't know that I can be in shape for it, not having trained regularly for about two months now (I'm pretty sure high school wasn't this hard the first time around) but I'm at least slightly optimistic after tonight's outing. There's also the possibility that I can bike the route instead (or rollerblade... we're all about options!) which will require a little different training... Anyway, we'll see how it goes.
In other news, stress and sleepless nights have the benefit of contributing to weight loss - I may not have worked out for a while, but at least I haven't gained any pounds back!
I've got exactly two weeks before the family marathon. I don't know that I can be in shape for it, not having trained regularly for about two months now (I'm pretty sure high school wasn't this hard the first time around) but I'm at least slightly optimistic after tonight's outing. There's also the possibility that I can bike the route instead (or rollerblade... we're all about options!) which will require a little different training... Anyway, we'll see how it goes.
In other news, stress and sleepless nights have the benefit of contributing to weight loss - I may not have worked out for a while, but at least I haven't gained any pounds back!
January 25, 2009
Convinced But Not Yet Converted
In which we shall see: Talk of both (SPOILER!) Exercise and Religion, and multi-tasking with a combined picture post.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As part of my renewed commitment to the family weight-loss competition and a goal to work out twice a day as often as possible, I walked to church this morning. It wasn't bad, just a 15-20 minute stroll each way - a little drizzly, but my red-polka-dotted umbrella coordinated with my red coat and black outfit, so that was OK. (Fashion first!) On the way home it occurred to me that I have become truly convinced about the principle of exercise. I recognize that since I've been making it a priority I have more energy, my back and pinched nerve feel much better, my waist is (probably) slimming down a little... I'm convinced, but not converted. I'm exercising not because exercise itself is a good and beneficial thing, but because I'm motivated by the cash reward from the family competition. I hope to be converted by the time the next five weeks are up (when the contest ends) and I expect that I will be and plan to keep working out - but I'm not there yet.
Church today was Stake Conference, and the theme was prepping the whole stake for Youth Conference this summer, with the focus on the Book of Mormon. Our stake has been asked to read the Book of Mormon by June, and several people talked about President Hinckley's challenge a few years back (has it really been that long? Wow). That got me to thinking - how converted am I to the principles of the Gospel? How often am I actively changing because of those principles, and being changed by them? I read the Book of Mormon in 2005 and had a great experience with it - so why has my focus not remained there?
In my missionary set of scriptures I have a note written in the margin of Mosiah 5, which wraps up the teachings and great conference of King Benjamin. It reads: "Being Born Again (i.e., converted) Is a Continual Process." This morning I was glad to be out walking and moving around, and I didn't let the rain deter me - I could be closer to conversion there than I thought. Why is scripture study (let's be honest, scripture "reading") so often just a habit or an obligation, rather than an exciting discovery zone? I've had experiences when I didn't want to put them down, to just keep reading and making notes and feeling my mind and heart open up - how do I make that a regular occurance?
I suppose it's by doing just what the prophets say: Remember the things that you have seen and felt and experienced before, keep going, trust the Lord, and have faith that the conversion with come - as it has before, and as it will again. (Keeping an eye on the final prize doesn't hurt, either.)
Lessons in faith learned in running shoes - who woulda thunk?
* * * * *
My latest work projects (a review): dummies, pillows, curtains, and fringe. And currently, more fringe. (Plus fringe again.)
I made the tablecloth:
The yellow pillows here are the ones I pieced together. The show's director keeps trying to sneak pillows off the set, and the designer keeps sneaking them back on.
One of my three body bags (they all pretty much look like this) with the re-mummified dummy inside. He's gotten pretty beat up during the course of the show - he was falling apart, so I went in and re-assembled him and then gaff-taped him up but GOOD.
Posing with my re-habbed dummy (as with most pretty males, you've GOT TO PROTECT THE FACE):
The dummy for the next show: He'll make a very dramatic entrance, thrown on stage wrapped up in a curtain, with just an arm hanging out. He's got to flop naturalistically, so the limbs are stuffed with bags of beans. I not only make good-looking fake bodies, I make dummies that can act! (Insert own actor joke here.)
This is a major piece in "Carlotta's Bordello", as we're fondly calling it - it's a dressing-table top that fits over a desk that will already be on stage. I upholstered it with a staple gun, five different trims, and approximately 50 yards of fabric (that's what it seemed like, anyway). There are also four or five pillows to match, and a hugely oversized velvet throw that I'm finishing trimming with (wait for it....) fringe.
Seriously, I'm kind of a set-decor rock star. And I have the pin-scratches and staple gun blisters to prove it.
Watch out for falling bodies (no, seriously) -
Cyd
Coming Soon: tagged random (er, 6-of-6) picture post, review of cheesy dance movie and exploration of "The Gallagher Effect", sheep theories, and yet another rant about men (may be included with the sheep theories).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As part of my renewed commitment to the family weight-loss competition and a goal to work out twice a day as often as possible, I walked to church this morning. It wasn't bad, just a 15-20 minute stroll each way - a little drizzly, but my red-polka-dotted umbrella coordinated with my red coat and black outfit, so that was OK. (Fashion first!) On the way home it occurred to me that I have become truly convinced about the principle of exercise. I recognize that since I've been making it a priority I have more energy, my back and pinched nerve feel much better, my waist is (probably) slimming down a little... I'm convinced, but not converted. I'm exercising not because exercise itself is a good and beneficial thing, but because I'm motivated by the cash reward from the family competition. I hope to be converted by the time the next five weeks are up (when the contest ends) and I expect that I will be and plan to keep working out - but I'm not there yet.
Church today was Stake Conference, and the theme was prepping the whole stake for Youth Conference this summer, with the focus on the Book of Mormon. Our stake has been asked to read the Book of Mormon by June, and several people talked about President Hinckley's challenge a few years back (has it really been that long? Wow). That got me to thinking - how converted am I to the principles of the Gospel? How often am I actively changing because of those principles, and being changed by them? I read the Book of Mormon in 2005 and had a great experience with it - so why has my focus not remained there?
In my missionary set of scriptures I have a note written in the margin of Mosiah 5, which wraps up the teachings and great conference of King Benjamin. It reads: "Being Born Again (i.e., converted) Is a Continual Process." This morning I was glad to be out walking and moving around, and I didn't let the rain deter me - I could be closer to conversion there than I thought. Why is scripture study (let's be honest, scripture "reading") so often just a habit or an obligation, rather than an exciting discovery zone? I've had experiences when I didn't want to put them down, to just keep reading and making notes and feeling my mind and heart open up - how do I make that a regular occurance?
I suppose it's by doing just what the prophets say: Remember the things that you have seen and felt and experienced before, keep going, trust the Lord, and have faith that the conversion with come - as it has before, and as it will again. (Keeping an eye on the final prize doesn't hurt, either.)
Lessons in faith learned in running shoes - who woulda thunk?
* * * * *
My latest work projects (a review): dummies, pillows, curtains, and fringe. And currently, more fringe. (Plus fringe again.)
I made the tablecloth:
The yellow pillows here are the ones I pieced together. The show's director keeps trying to sneak pillows off the set, and the designer keeps sneaking them back on.
One of my three body bags (they all pretty much look like this) with the re-mummified dummy inside. He's gotten pretty beat up during the course of the show - he was falling apart, so I went in and re-assembled him and then gaff-taped him up but GOOD.
Posing with my re-habbed dummy (as with most pretty males, you've GOT TO PROTECT THE FACE):
The dummy for the next show: He'll make a very dramatic entrance, thrown on stage wrapped up in a curtain, with just an arm hanging out. He's got to flop naturalistically, so the limbs are stuffed with bags of beans. I not only make good-looking fake bodies, I make dummies that can act! (Insert own actor joke here.)
This is a major piece in "Carlotta's Bordello", as we're fondly calling it - it's a dressing-table top that fits over a desk that will already be on stage. I upholstered it with a staple gun, five different trims, and approximately 50 yards of fabric (that's what it seemed like, anyway). There are also four or five pillows to match, and a hugely oversized velvet throw that I'm finishing trimming with (wait for it....) fringe.
Seriously, I'm kind of a set-decor rock star. And I have the pin-scratches and staple gun blisters to prove it.
Watch out for falling bodies (no, seriously) -
Cyd
Coming Soon: tagged random (er, 6-of-6) picture post, review of cheesy dance movie and exploration of "The Gallagher Effect", sheep theories, and yet another rant about men (may be included with the sheep theories).
January 17, 2009
Huh.
It really is MUCH easier to walk/jog/run when you have music. I guess those three days of agonizing over figuring out how to load my Shuffle (it's teeny!) were worth it.
This picture is right about the same size as my Ipod. NO JOKE.
Days without chocolate: still none since 2008, unless you count one Slimfast shake, which I DO NOT
Who knew?
This picture is right about the same size as my Ipod. NO JOKE.
Days without chocolate: still none since 2008, unless you count one Slimfast shake, which I DO NOT
Weight lost: Still not enough, but hopefully back on the downward slope
Talks to write before tomorrow: 1
Ideas on what to talk about: 0
Procrastination abilities magnified by possession of Kindle and several digital books: +50
April 17, 2008
Exercise Update
It does get easier, right? At some point, I will start to enjoy all this, yes?
*Sigh.*
I've made it through three workouts this week - I gotta tell you, Tuesday's Yoga/Bellydance DVD was a KILLER. Last night's Latin/Afro Dance workout wasn't too bad, worked up a sweat and all that, but it definitely reminded me of just how awkward I can be and how glad I was no one was watching! This morning after an appointment with the chiropractor (if he has children with braces, I'm the one paying the orthodontia bill) I went to the gym and hopped on the treadmill... actually somewhat encouraging as I found I can now run (versus fast walking) for longer than before.
One more workout this week to meet my goal, and two days to do it. Sweet!
Will be looking for an adult dance class - tap, maybe? - just to see if I can really have fun while exercising.
The weather's finally looking promising - what with the cutting of hours at my job and the nearing of the end of the school year, hiking and/or biking might make it onto the workout menu shortly...
*Sigh.*
I've made it through three workouts this week - I gotta tell you, Tuesday's Yoga/Bellydance DVD was a KILLER. Last night's Latin/Afro Dance workout wasn't too bad, worked up a sweat and all that, but it definitely reminded me of just how awkward I can be and how glad I was no one was watching! This morning after an appointment with the chiropractor (if he has children with braces, I'm the one paying the orthodontia bill) I went to the gym and hopped on the treadmill... actually somewhat encouraging as I found I can now run (versus fast walking) for longer than before.
One more workout this week to meet my goal, and two days to do it. Sweet!
Will be looking for an adult dance class - tap, maybe? - just to see if I can really have fun while exercising.
The weather's finally looking promising - what with the cutting of hours at my job and the nearing of the end of the school year, hiking and/or biking might make it onto the workout menu shortly...
March 20, 2008
"B(re)aking Up Is Hard to Do"
In which we shall see: A comfort zone, some tragic (yet motivational) shopping, a Spring fling, and a farewell to baked goods.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I am deeply saddened, yet obligated, to announce the ending of what has been a truly delicious relationship. The circle turns and the cycle of life moves on, we grow and expand and seek new places, new experiences... often times we leave others behind not because something goes wrong, but rather because things are just too right. We build a comfort zone around that other and burrow in, practically hibernating in the love and goodness, reluctant to move at all. And so, though it tears at my heart, it's time to make public my break-up with Mrs. Backer's Bakery and Pastry Shop. I don't think I'll find another bakery quite so perfect for me - and with a whole lot of self-control, I won't even try.
This week I've been trying to shop for a new Easter outfit, and while the in-store lighting is seldom flattering, it does tend to illuminate certain truths: NOTHING FITS. I'm not kidding. Anything that hangs passably well around my lower half looks tent-like on my upper half, and this Spring's separates are pretty fluffy, with yards of fabric pulled in to ruffles and pleats and a determination to hit a petite pear-shaped girl's absolute worst spots. Perhaps the spring/summer lines are all about motivation - either get in shape or shop somewhere else! That 34-year old metabolism shift literally hit within days of my birthday, and since I don't have the money for a whole new (custom-made) wardrobe, it's time to take stock of my life and cut the fat (figuratively and literally).
Chocolate and I called it quits a few weeks ago, and while we're still occasionally friendly we'll never be as close as we once were. I just can't go back there again. Sugar and I have been on the verge of separating for quite some time, but he's such an attractive flirt that I haven't been able to give him up - some tough love could be in order, along with a thorough housecleaning... one last Easter fling, and I'll show him the door (and kick him through it). I'm looking to get to know some new options - Treadmill has been friendly, Abs Machine is always welcoming (though a little indiscriminate), but I just can't face Stairmaster (our past history is not good, misogynist!) - Dance Class is waving at me like an old friend, so I'll have to make time to get out and mingle 'n move again. I find Free Weights very intimidating, but I hear that with some patience they'll show you a good time... I don't know. They seem kind of intense to me.
Whatever option I choose, it's past time to get out and make myself available again - and to revisit parts of my wardrobe that haven't seen the light of day in quite some time. And since a whole new life requires a whole new lifestyle, it's likely I'll be cutting Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill and Papa John's Pizza (maybe there'll be an occasional weekend visit, for old times' sake) - though the real hearbreaker just might be Olive Garden. Alfredo and Breadstick, I don't know that I CAN give you up (and after all, you come with an all-you-can-eat salad)... but I will do my best to be strong. By the next time we meet, hopefully there'll be a lot less of me to love!
And so, Mrs. Backer's Bakery and Pastry Shop, it has been a 5-star run - and believe me, it's really not you, it's me. All of me. I'll always remember your cinnamon rolls, and nobody gets Tarted up like your Raspberry Cream Cheese! I know you'll carry on without me, and find plenty of others to love - I'm not saying you're promiscuous, of course, just that you instinctively know the way to a person's heart. You won't be lonely for long, honest. A few minutes, tops. But don't despair - I won't cut you off without a final goodbye... I just called, and the baker agreed to hold a couple of cinnamon rolls for me tommorrow.
Without frosting.
Baby steps, baby.
Watch out for falling baked goods,
Cyd
P.S. The returns are in, and the counterblog is on its way!
Days I've gone without chocolate: 21 of 24
Stupid things I've done today: 1, with good intentions
Final exams to grade today: 0 !!!
Essays to grade today: 13 (out of 26 kids - why won't they just do their work!?! Bleh.)
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