I envy my friends who need to exercise. You know the ones.
They don't feel right if they don't do their daily workout. For them, it's not a chore, it's a necessity. Maybe even something they look forward to.
My mother even falls into this group. Almost every day she feels the need to go out and cruise her neighborhood, even if for a short distance.
I am not like her. And I am not like the friends I envy, the ones who like to exercise.
I do it because I like the results. Or even more to the point, I'm fearful of the outcome if I don't.
Since I've been back from the Cape, and it's no longer 90 degrees outside, I am determined to get back on track.
But I need incentives.
First, I buy a pair of shorts from Lululemon and am thrilled to discover they have discreet side pockets...enough to hold a phone and credit card. They are comfortable and look great.
Next, I set a goal: A minimum of 16 miles/week.
I create an excel spreadsheet (I'm an Excel nerd). I won't record any day that I walk less than three miles. Last week I exceeded my goal and walked 26.4 miles — a tiny bit more than a marathon. Okay, I know, it took me 7 days and not a few hours, but still.
I am now thinking of purchasing the new BOSE Quiet Comfort in-ear headphones that are being released this week. I imagine long walks getting lost in a good crime podcast... though I've yet to listen to a single podcast ever. But there's always good music if the podcast thing doesn't work out.
I am posting this, not because I think it's post-worthy, but it's one more incentive I am hoping will make me more accountable.
I am in your same group - do not like exercise and any excuse will do! Gary, is one of those "others"..... Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteAnd for Gary. I envy that ethos.
DeleteGood for you, Lyn. When I skip a day, I feel lazy and “slow”, even disappointed that I didn’t make myself do something (ride a bike, treadmill, walk, run, kayak, swim, something). It used to be basketball or baseball/softball. I hope that you keep up the excercise routine so that we can all continue to enjoy your blog for another 20-30 years.
ReplyDeleteTry a good book on tape. That will keep you walking a little more to get to the end of the chapter, and you can finish a book a week!
ReplyDeleteIt's important to exercise. I do 15/20 minutes a day and feel very good when I am finished.
ReplyDeleteAnd the weather will only get increasingly better for long walks.
ReplyDeleteWe are coming into the best time of year, including winter, for this activity...definitely more energy for more vigorous walking with cool/cold temperatures. You can return home feeling refreshed rather than exhausted!
I am one of those people who has to exercise or I feel horrible. If I stick to a regular exercise schedule, I find that I crave it and its not so hard. When I slack off, restarting is agony. And I’ve been listening to podcasts a lot during my pandemic walks. What kind of are you interested in?
ReplyDelete