Right now, I am a little obsessed. It's been a while since I've been this obsessed about something . . . and it's the first time that I've ever been obsessed with . . . exercise. Exercise? Erin?!
Yes, those who know me best have probably realized that I've never been into playing sports (probably because I have about zero athletic ability beyond playing badminton), that I have never been one to seek out physical activity, and that I have really never WILLINGLY exercised.
Sure, I went to the gym with a friend in college--but that was because we motivated each other and I wanted to look good. I enjoyed the results without exactly loving the way I got them. Cardio has never been my thing, and my mom has always called me a wimp for not relishing going on 8 mile uphill "walks" with her (and for always lagging behind, panting as I go).
As of this moment, however, I am LOVING my workout routine--not just the results. I was actually looking forward to and greatly anticipating it this morning. Weird, huh? It's just that I have discovered yoga.
With the problems that I have had with my back since Natalie was born, I've found that certain kinds of physical exertion merely exacerbate the problem. There are times when I can hardly stand up--so how am I supposed to do a million sit-ups? Well, with yoga I don't have to . . . In fact, my back and the rest of my body is more limber and relaxed than ever before AND I am toning up.
So it isn't the most calorie-burning routine I've ever done--it is, however, the only one that I have ever loved. Not only do I feel good AFTER I do it, I also feel good while doing it. So I'll trade off getting in shape a little faster for actually sticking to and enjoying my exercise.
Yes, those who know me best have probably realized that I've never been into playing sports (probably because I have about zero athletic ability beyond playing badminton), that I have never been one to seek out physical activity, and that I have really never WILLINGLY exercised.
Sure, I went to the gym with a friend in college--but that was because we motivated each other and I wanted to look good. I enjoyed the results without exactly loving the way I got them. Cardio has never been my thing, and my mom has always called me a wimp for not relishing going on 8 mile uphill "walks" with her (and for always lagging behind, panting as I go).
As of this moment, however, I am LOVING my workout routine--not just the results. I was actually looking forward to and greatly anticipating it this morning. Weird, huh? It's just that I have discovered yoga.
With the problems that I have had with my back since Natalie was born, I've found that certain kinds of physical exertion merely exacerbate the problem. There are times when I can hardly stand up--so how am I supposed to do a million sit-ups? Well, with yoga I don't have to . . . In fact, my back and the rest of my body is more limber and relaxed than ever before AND I am toning up.
So it isn't the most calorie-burning routine I've ever done--it is, however, the only one that I have ever loved. Not only do I feel good AFTER I do it, I also feel good while doing it. So I'll trade off getting in shape a little faster for actually sticking to and enjoying my exercise.
2 comments:
You're such a good girl, I want your enthusiasm. I was talking with Peter the other night about maybe getting into ice skating! I don't really enjoy the treadmill - or even walking outside - but I could definitely get giddy about going to the skating rink a few times a week.
I may not be athletic (I can skate, though), but I had dreams of being an Olympic figure skater. When my mom finally agreed to figure skating lessons for everyone, I was in college and couldn't go. You should follow my dream. ;-)
Post a Comment