What Works For Me: Working Out

(My pair of workout shoes.)

I’ll be totally honest.  I hate exercising.  I don’t get excited doing it, and you’ll never find me at the gym or training for a marathon.  I have lots of respect for people who work out regularly, but it’s just not something I like to do.  I don’t like to sweat, and I’d rather be in air-conditioning, doing something like reading or blogging.

But I know I need to exercise to stay healthy for my boys, so I’m trying. A little.

I’ve always been a walker, and that used to be enough for me.  After James was born, I’d put him in his stroller and we’d take long walks together practically every day.  I kept that up while pregnant with Rhys, even in the heat of the mild summer when he was born, and I was probably in the best shape of my life then.  But newborn Rhys didn’t like to go for walks, and though I spend most mornings outside with the boys, playing and walking as they ride their bikes, it’s just not enough physical activity for me.

With my autoimmune issues and breastfeeding, I always lost my post-baby weight easily.  But since I stopped nursing Rhys last fall, my body has definitely changed and I’ve gained some weight.  I’m sure it’s a combination of several factors, but I know I need more exercise in my life.

Last month, I saw a sign for Jazzercise near my hair salon, and on a crazy whim (I’m prone to those, I guess), I decided to check it out.  I bought new workout shoes and an outfit, things I didn’t even own, and on an unseasonably cold and rainy day while the boys were in school, I headed to the dance studio for my first class.  Unfortunately, the instructor was out sick with the flu, and I haven’t had an opportunity to go back yet.

I could have given up, but instead, I dusted off my old walking pilates DVD by Stott Pilates, and gave it a try.  I originally bought the video and its second level companion last summer, but then I started that blogging class, and, well, you know the rest.

But this time, I put it on and worked all the way through the 20 minute walking cardio and the 15 minutes of pilates toning.  And you know what?  I actually liked it!

I’m a bit of a cynic when it comes to workout programs, and I have a hard time jumping on bandwagons, you might have noticed.  I don’t like cheesy gimmicks, and I can’t stand someone barking instructions at me, so that’s probably why I haven’t been back to Jazzercise.  But the Stott Pilates program is my cup of tea.  It’s quiet and calm, sort of like me, and the instructors are nice and helpful, but not what I’d call perky.  Since I’m a walker, I love the idea of walking exercises, and I LOVE the fact that I can do them in the privacy of my own home, directly under my ceiling fan, with the air-conditioner on full blast.

I haven’t moved up to the second level yet, and for now, I’ve committed to the 20 minute walking cardio program most nights after the boys go to bed.  I make myself do it before blogging, and it’s a great stress reliever.  I haven’t done much of the toning section, but already, I can see and feel a difference with my body.  In fact, I’ve come to look forward to working out, which is really bizarre.

I’m also making a few small changes, just here and there, to what I eat.  Nothing drastic, just healthier choices, though I will never be able to give up carbs, or cheese, or chocolate.  I just don’t see the point.  I’m a wife and mom, and I’ll be 35 this summer.  I have no desire to look super young or to be super thin, and I’m totally fine with looking my age.  I will never run a race, and at this rate, I’ll probably never do Jazzercise, either.

But I’m doing something to stay healthy, and that’s enough for me.