Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Go On and Move


Well. I'm officially back to the exercise. I joined a gym similar to Curves in that it has the 30-minute total work-out and is for women only - but the one exception is that it is open 24-7. I like that. I can go work out whenever I feel like it - Sunday afternoons or even on a Friday night (though I highly doubt I'll be at the gym on a Friday night!).

When I went in for my training session, I was pretty familiar with all the machines except for a few new ones. And when my body started moving and bending and twisting in ways it hadn't for awhile, it wasn't too happy with me. But on the other hand, it felt great to be doing something again. My work-outs lately have consisted of moving boxes and walking up stairs. Before that, I was taking lots of long walks, but after my dear Charlie passed away, even that was hard to do. I thought about him the other night and started crying again. I so miss him.

My eating habits have changed again. When I went to the grocery store last week, I planned out my meals and had my shopping list all ready to go even before I stepped foot inside. I bought healthy stuff this time - fruits (apples, blueberries), vegetables (green peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots), health whole grains (bread, pasta) and sugar-free snacks (jello with Cool Whip - yum!). Ok, so I caved on some delectable biscotti, but they're only 100 calories each, so I figure that's not too bad.

I hope the combination of healthy eating and exercise will help me shed these unwanted pounds. I've done it before - and hopefully I can do it again. Plus I think a lot better and feel a lot better when I'm exercising and eating right - which translates to writing better. I've written about the importance of exercising if you're a writer before and it bears repeating.

Writers do a lot of sitting. Therefore, it's imperative that we stretch, jump, walk, run, whatever the case may be...as long as we move.

So get thee to moving! Your body - and your mind - will thank you for it!

10 comments:

  1. I love that picture! Makes me think of my mom. Good for you for going to the gym:)) We do sit way too much. I have an elliptical and treadmill and try to excercize pretty regularily. I need to for my sanity too--helps me relax and I know it fights a million potential diseases:))

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  2. I am so glad you are getting back into working out. I think it has to be part of a routine. I remember how hard it was for me to start running in April. Now, it amazes me that I can go out a run without wanting to die in the process. And, it is amazing how much better we feel when we eat healthier and are active. Keep it up!

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  3. So true, we should certainly keep moving. I spend far more time sitting on my bum during the day/night now than I did even a couple of years ago.

    Enjoy the gym (I wish I could be bothered). You'll shift those pound, I'm sure.

    Charlie Brown certainly was a handsome dog.

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  4. Glad to hear you found another gym you like :)

    Keeping moving is soooo important. We have an elliptical I try to use regularly + I do walk a lot. And when I'm at work, I'm on my feet pretty much the whole time and walking back and forth behind the counter. Not a cardio workout, but not sitting either *g*.

    Today I'm going to get out in our glorious late fall weather and drag out some more deadfall for burning - now THAT's exercise I really enjoy :)

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  5. Did you get the jello and whipped cream idea from the biggest loser? We started doing that too! Except, I'm not sure my whipped cream is only 20 calories because it gets pretty high on top of that jello!

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  6. I agree, exercise is so important to work into your schedule. I walk several times a week, 2 miles each time,and it's more than walking. It's talking, reflecting, thinking, watching and even helping get a good night's sleep, which only helps everything else in turn.

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  7. WTG, girl. Coincidentally, I've just started walking with my younger sister. So nice to be outside in the crisp-ish weather getting that circulation going.

    Looks like you're getting a whole new life!

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  8. Way to go, Melissa--I need to follow your example! I feel guilty if I don't exercise, and I feel guilty if I do (taking time from the writing)...but I know how much better I feel when I'm in shape.

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  9. Terri - Good for you on the exercise! I think once you get in the habit, it becomes a lot easier to do.

    Heather - People that run amaze me. I wish I could do it, but I've never been a fan.

    Debs - Yes, my Charlie Brown was a special guy. The grief still hits me very hard sometimes.

    Tess - It's nice that you have a job where you're on your feet a lot - that helps! Better than sitting all day long...

    Robin - My mom used to make jello with cool whip, so I think that's where I got the idea. Best of all, I don't feel guilty when I eat it!

    Joanne - Oh yes. A walk can be so much more than exercise. I have done some of my best plotting while on walks.

    Angie - Good for you on the walking! And I think it would be great to walk with someone - good time for conversation!

    Christine - Writers are good at feeling guilty, I guess, because I'm the same way!

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  10. Anonymous7:40 AM

    I need to get walking again. Unfortunately, this time of year it will be inside on a treadmill...

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