At Last, A Week Of Workouts

Thankfully, this week I have started (FINALLY) to feel much better from this very long lasting cold. I felt yucky and "wrung out" for the past 3 or so weeks and did not feel like doing all that much in the way of physical exertion. This week I felt some new energy and was so glad to get back to working out. It helps my physical, mental and emotional well being to be able to exercise consistently. Meanwhile, there has been some interesting news on the fitness scene. It seems the guidelines for being fit and having a healthy weight are once again changing. The BMI (body mass index) that the experts had been touting for a long while now as being the last word on proper weight is being re-evaluated. It turns out that there are a lot of perfectly fit and healthy people who do not fall into the "ideal" range. I was glad to hear that news, just one more excuse not to work on losing some weight....l.

Another Day Without A Workout

Iknow, I know, it's getting to be old news. No workouts, no exercise, no excuses. Unless you count lifting the burger from In & Out to my mouth several times and chewing the french fries, I am indeed exerciseless (???) once again. I think I'll just refrain from blogging until I get my act together and once again start each day out with a walk on the treadmill, a ride on the stationary bike or a routine to one of my dance tapes. If there is no current posting on this blogsite that will mean that the "no workout" days continue. Please let there be a posting.....

Taking The Month Off

Well it seems that I pretty much took the month of October off from exercise which is something I definitely had not intended on doing. After getting that crummy cold that just stayed and stayed I seldom felt like I had the energy to get moving. So far this week (the first week of November) I have managed to workout a couple of times but not nearly at the intensity that I would like or for the duration either. Dean is sick now with this cold so we may just pass it back and forth for a while (but I hope NOT) I would really like to get back into a better routine especially with the holidays coming which always means a lot of eating. Tomorrow is Friday and it's not likely that I will workout until Monday but then I am hoping for an energetic week!!

Another Missed Day

Oh dear, I am starting to make a habit of this missing my workouts. That is definitely not a good thing. I swear I feel like I can actually see my thighs growing when I miss a workout. I suppose that is overstating things a bit but it truly does affect my whole day when I don't begin with a morning workout. Part of the problem is that I often don't sleep all that well and if I am awake for several hours at night (which should have been spent sleeping instead of staring at the ceiling) I am very reluctant to get out of bed in the morning and get started. Hopefully tonight will be a better night for sleeping and then tomorrow I can get myself out of bed and on the treadmill where I need to be!

Back At It

After taking almost a whole week off to recuperate from the cold last week was much better thankfully. I got in four full days and hopefully this week will be better still and I'll be able to workout 5 or 6 days. I need to because when I don't, I can really tell the difference. I have less energy and feel stiff every time I get up out of a chair. My intentions are good for the week ahead so we'll see how it goes....

Falling Behind

This workout woman is definitely falling behind. I got the yucky winter cold (it seems WAY to early for that to be coming around) and it kept me out of action for almost a week. A week is much too long for me to be away from exercising - I swear I get as stiff as a board if I don't stay with it everyday. (sometimes even when I do exercise everyday I still get stiff - I think it's all about getting older). Anyway, today I finally felt I had enough energy to drag myself to the tread mill. It wasn't too bad - I stayed with it for 30 minutes. I am remembering that it is a lot harder to get as much workout time in during the cold, winter months. It is so much easier and nicer to be able to take my long daily walks than to step onto the treadmill and look at the exact same scenery day after day. Oh well, no use complaining about it. I'm lucky that I have a treadmill and enough energy to use it.

Negligent, completely negligent

Okay, I haven't been so good lately on the exercise front. In fact the last three days have found me down in sunny St. George enjoying the great weather and eating all the goodies I could find. Shame! Actually, I don't really feel all that badly about it. We had such a fun time being together with some of our kids and their kids, I didn't mind putting exercise on the back burner for a while. Today is a new day however and the beginning of a brand new week so once again I'm back at it. It was too cold to go out for the walk so I hit the treadmill today. Let's see if I can keep up the motiviation....

The Seasons Are Changing

It is cooler now when I walk in the morning and it is also taking much longer to get light. Fall is such a beautiful time but I find that I am constantly "adjusting" my walking schedule to suit the weather. I'm not complaining, because soon enough it will be winter and I'll be doing all of my walking indoors and that isn't nearly as pleasant. Right now, the weather is perfect. The flowers are still vibrant and beautiful and the leaves have just barely started to change. It should be a glorious month ahead for enjoying nature.

Be Cautious!

I mentioned in my blog a couple of weeks ago about an attack that occurred in my area while a woman was walking in broad daylight with numerous people in the vacinity. Since that time I have had a renewed appreciation for the need to be cautious when one is out jogging or walking or whatever. Unfortunately, there are a lot of "crazies" out there who have nothing better to do than to stalk women so we must have our guard up and be aware of what is going on around us and who is around us. I attended a lecture given by a policeman earlier this week and he stressed the need for women to take precautions when they are outside exercising. He suggested taking your dog with you or perhaps pepper spray or a cell phone or a whistle. I think those were all good suggestions and will try to be more aware as I take my morning walks from now on.

Back in the Saddle Again

Wow, did it ever feel good to get my morning walk in today. Truthfully, it didn't feel that great when I first got out of bed and was stiff and sore from the weekend activities (boating, jeeping, swimming, etc.) but once I got going and the blood started circulating a bit it felt great. I find that when I miss one or two days of my routine I don't feel nearly as good. I guess that's reason enough to continue doing it even though I see very little results in other areas (losing weight, toning up, etc.) I realize that's because I'm not as faithful as I should be in sticking to my workout routine and eating right. Meanwhile, it was so much fun to play in the water with my family - it was a great weekend.

Bad Things Happen

Just when I was getting so comfortable with my routine of early morning walks something happened that has changed how I'm feeling about them. Someone I know was attacked during her morning walk at a park and it was in broad daylight AND with lots of other people in the park. It has really put a damper on the exercise thing for lots of us. How sad that a person can't even go to a public park for a walk to enjoy the surroundings and the weather without some crazy person attacking them. It is a sad time. I went walking a couple of days last week but I felt very nervous, especially having my headphones on (which I love when I'm walking) because I felt I wouldn't be able to hear someone coming up behind me. Soon it will be cold and I'll have to do all of my exercise indoors and though I'm not looking forward to giving up the outside routine, at least it will be safer.

New Day, New Exercise

Yesterday (as I mentioned in yesterday's blog) I walked a LONG way and I was pretty much worn out for the rest of the day so this morning I nixed the idea of the long walk and instead got out my workout tapes. I'm pretty faithful about working out to Denise Austin in the winter months when it's too cold and slippery to head outdoors but usually when the weather is beautiful I like to go walking or bide riding and enjoy the fresh air. Today, however, I needed to change it up a little and I'm glad I did because it actually felt pretty great. I got my heart rate up a lot more than I do when walking and I'm thinking that's a good thing. Also, I am able to incorporate a good arm workout that I miss during morning walks. We'll see how stiff and sore I am tomorrow. I may be "changing my tune" again.

Trying To Stick With The Program

A few weeks ago I had a case of stomach flu that lasted for a few days. I felt completely crummy but the upside was that I lost a few pounds. Now I am trying (although not nearly as hard as I should be) to keep those pounds off. My appetite is back however, and everything is tasting so good to me so it's a constant struggle. I have been pretty faithful about the morning walks and today even got my 10,000 steps in before 9 a.m. That's great except it kind of made me feel like I had license to go ahead and eat anything I wanted the rest of the day. Not so great.

making New Friends

I've discovered benefits to my early morning walks besides the exercise that it gives me - I've also made some new friends. They aren't ACTUAL friends, in fact I don't even know their names or anything about them really exept that I usually see them about five mornings a week when they are doing their morning exercises. Some of them walk, some run and some are riding bicycles. We always greet each other with a "good morning" or at least with a smile and I've found that I look forward to those greetings. On the days that I don't see some of them at the usual time and in the usual place I wonder if they're on vacation or perhaps if they're ill. I'm always glad to see them again when they return from whatever it was that kept them away.
It makes my morning walks much more interesting to see their familiar faces.

too much food, too little exercise

well I did get up early and go for my 1 hr. walk which was good. Then I came home and did some arm exercises and sit ups which was good. Then I proceeded to eat and eat and eat all the rest of the day, which was not good. I don't seem to keep a very good balance some days. Oh well, there's always tomorrow....

Slacking Off

The dog days of summer are here and so are the dog days of my exercise routine. Actually, the family all arrived to stay for a week and rather than use up all that much needed energy pounding the pavement early each morning I used it to go with the grandkids to the waterpark, the petting zoo, and the regular zoo. It was SO much fun and I didn't feel the least bit guilty about not doing anything AEROBIC. It's okay to slack off once in a while....

still walking, but also still eating!

I am sticking with my regiment of morning walks (very long morning walks) and although I know that they're good for me they aren't taking any excess pounds off of my body and that is due entirely to my habit of eating all kinds of goodies throughout the day. Shame on me. I don't know when I am going to give up my evil ways.

No Running For Me

Wow, did I ever get overly ambitious the other morning and instead of my usual fairly fast paced 5 mile walk, this time I interspersed some running. Mistake. I'm a bit too old for that I've decided. The next morning my legs were so aching and stiff! I'd better stick with what I've been doing and maybe add some more weight training or stationary bike. No more running.

My Idea Of Great Exercise

okay, so maybe it wasn't really very strenuous exercise, but it WAS great. Instead of pounding the pavement for 60-75 minutes, I went boating with my family and it was exilarating. It was such a hot, hot day (112 degrees) but when you're out skimming over the water, with wind and spray in your face, who cares - it felt wonderful. My meager attempt at any exercise was paddling out on my floating chaise to catch some waves created by passing boats. I loved every minute of it.

Start The Week Off Right

I wasn't terribly thrilled to get out of bed early this morning and lace up my walking shoes but I made myself do it because it is Monday, after all, and it would be good to at least start the week off right. As usual, once I got started, it felt great. There was a slight breeze which felt wonderful and I saw most of the people that I generally run into on my morning outings. It's funny how you get to be quite familiar with people you see out biking or running each morning even though you never even get to know their names. They share the habit of early morning exercise and that makes for a kind of bond.

A Fun Kind Of Exercise

I didn't workout Friday morning as usual - there was no long walk or weight training, at least not in the usual sense. What I did do, however, was to join my darling daughter-in-law, Adrienne, in taking the grandkids to the zoo. We had a great day and because there are quite a few hilly areas at the zoo and because I was pulling two of the grandkids in a wagon, I did manage to get a bit of a workout. Seeing how excited the little ones got at watching all the animals was delightful. We bought a season pass so we'll likely take several more trips to the zoo and that will be A-OK with me.

sure enough

Oh yeah, just like I thought - I am major stiff and sore today after playing tennis last evening. Even my hand is sore. I couldn't figure out why my right hand was hurting and then I realized it was from holding the racket so tightly. I know that I said maybe I'd consider taking up tennis again but my aching body has caused me to reconsider. I don't know if that's the last world on that or not. We'll have to see. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying watching the workouts of those much stronger and more talented than myself - Lance Armstrong doing great in the Tour De France so far and the victories of Tiger Woods at the AT&T tournament and Roger Federer's upset at Wimbleton. Watching all of that hasn't made me the least bit tired and sore!

A Different Exercise=aches and pains

Oh my goodness! Today I didn't walk and I didn't lift weights but what I did do was play a little tennis, something I haven't done in a very long time. I'm feeling achy already and I'll be lucky to be able to climb out of bed tomorrow morning. What is it about using muscles that are normally sitting dormant. There is a price to be paid that's for sure. Aside from the stiffness and soreness, it was a lot of fun to hit that ball around again. Maybe I'll have to consider taking the sport up again. (I may change my mind about that when I see how I feel in the morning....)

Stay With The Program

Last week was a very busy one for me. We had family staying with us over the holiday week and in between that busyness I had to sandwich in two days up in the mountains at girls camp. It was all fun but it left me with no time for exercise. (I know, excuses, excuses) I truly DIDN'T have time last week, but now it's the beginning of a whole new week and I knew I must get back with the routine. I walked for 75 minutes this morning and it felt great. It's a hot day (presently 95 degrees) and it was even hot when I started out at 6 a.m. but it was still very enjoyable. It really is my favorite way to start out the day. (I may have to be reminded of that statement at some future date.....)

Every Little Bit Helps

Don't you just love it when you've completed a really tough workout and feel physically exhausted and mentally victorious. That is a great feeling for sure but it doesn't happen for me nearly as regularly as I'd like. Unfortunately, more often I am feeling mentally discouraged because I didn't fit in the workout I intended so I don't bother to do much of anything physical at all. Wrong. I'm trying to learn that everyday doesn't have to be a marathon. Some days are, and that's great but when one of the millions of things happen that keep me from a good work out occur, I don't have to chuck the whole notion of exercise, I can still do SOMETHING. Stopping in the middle of the day for some leg lifts or arm circles or running in place for a few brief moments can still count as exercise. Sometimes that's the best I can manage and that just has to be good enough. Maybe tomorrow will be another "marathon" day.

these shoes are made for walking

I have been quite faithful lately in my morning walking and YES, I am feeling quite good about it. Of course I still haven't lost any weight (that may have something to do with the 3-4 macademia nut carmel clusters I like to eat every night!) Anyway....the weather has been gorgeous and I am enjoying getting up really early (before 6) and getting started. I see a lot of people running and I know that they are deriving a lot more benefit out of their exercise than I am but, oh well. Here's hoping I can stay with this routine.

If All Days Could Be Like This

Yesterday morning I took an extra long walk. The weather wasn't rainy (for a change!) and the air felt so good that I just kept on going and ended up having a pretty decent workout. Later, in the early evening my son thought it would be a great idea if the family went on an uphill hike to a place called Bell Canyon Reservoir. My husband and I have lived in the same area for over 20 years and have never been on that hike which is only minutes from our home. It was a perfectly beautiful evening and the hike was great, although a bit steep in places. Once we reached the summit, the view was incredible. The valley stretched out like a green velvet cape and the reservoir shone brilliantly as the sun flickered across the surface. What a day, two good workouts and two great experiences. If only all my exercise could be like that.....

Excuses, Excuses

For the past several days I have failed to get my exercise in. Any reason seemed to be good enough to omit that strenuous start to the day. One morning I was too tired because I had been to bed late the night before and felt that I needed a little more sleep. Another day it was raining softly and I was certain that the minute I stepped out for my walk a major downpour would occur. The result is that after a few days of not exercising I don't feel so great. Even if my daily exercising doesn't result in significant weight loss or greatly improved toning, the mental benefits are huge for me. I need to remind myself of that the next time I am tempted to miss a day for some lame reason.

Ten Ways To Lose Weight

1. Get focused - make the commitment (at least say you'll try)
2. Avoid all the foods you love to eat (at least that how it seems to me!)
3. Sacrifice all lunch dates with friends (who goes out to eat and always
orders just a salad with fat free dressing????
4. Don't eat anything after 6 p.m. (that's sad because nighttime is when
food tastes the very best)
5. Urge a friend to get on the weight loss program with you - misery loves
company.
6. When you go to the movies DO NOT have popcorn and milkduds with
your diet coke. (another sad scenario)
7. Walk instead of drive whenever possible (this one is actually not so
bad.
8. Eat plenty of vegetables (sorry, french fries and catsup don't count)
9. Take the stairs whenever possible (that's tough for some of us with
bad knees, but it's the price we've got to pay)
10. If the above suggestions won't work for you, cut your hair very short
and wear very light clothing.
GOOD LUCK

The Everyday Battle

Is it just my imagination or does it get harder and harder to stay in shape as one gets older? I swear I can remember eating anything and everything I wanted and not have it go directly to the waistline or the thighs. Those days are long gone and now it is a constant, daily battle. Not only is it a daily battle, it's also an uphill one, fighting gravity every inch of the way.

I so admire those I see with their regular routines, whether jogging or biking or hiking or whatever it may be. Obviously it's easier to stay with it if it becomes a habit. That's what I'm presently working on - making everyday exercise a habit. (hoping that it will counteract some of my bad habits that I'm not too inclined to give up, like cookies, chips and salsa, etc.