Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am a reforming exercise hater.
Just so we are all clear, I do NOT enjoy exercise. I've played one organized sport my entire life - T-ball in the 1st grade. We lost every game and I hated it. I am also one of those girls who found every possible excuse to sit out of P.E. in high school. In college we were required to have 3 credits of physical education. I took beginner gymnastics, bowling and water aerobics. Notice that none of those required me to sweat. I hate to sweat.
See? I'm not exaggerating when I say I am a reforming exercise hater.
Why am I trying to change my exercise hating ways?
- There is no space between my blue jeans and my skin.
- I'm about 4 pounds below my highest pregnancy weight.
- My "fat" jeans are t.i.g.h.t.
- I've gained 19 pounds since Sam was born (after losing every bit of pregnancy weight thanks to nursing).
- I turned 35 in November (Hello, Mid-life. You are not my metabolism friend!)
- My metabolism is currently the speed of a sloth.
- I need stronger muscles to help protect my arthritic joints.
What am I doing to form a habit of exercising 5 days a week?
Schedule Exercise
I've written down a new daily routine or schedule for us. I'm getting up at 6:30 (or close to it) Monday - Friday so I can exercise first thing in the morning. If I don't make exercise a part of my daily routine then it will never happen. My time will always be eaten up by other things.
Accountability Partner
My husband is waking me up at 6:30 each morning so I can exercise before starting my day with the kids. I'll be honest. I've yet to appreciate this particular act of love at the time it's happening. But I am glad for the accountability. (He's also exercising each day so we're doing this fitness thing together.)
External Goal
I've registered to run the Cox Providence Rhode Races 5K in May. I signed up with a friend who is also forming new habits this year. An external goal is a great way to keep me plodding along when my internal motivation falters.If everything goes well by this time next year I will have a formed a habit of regular exercise. I don't expect to love it but maybe I won't hate it anymore.
Are you an exercise lover or hater?
9 comments:
I like to exercise, but just can't seem to find the time to do it. 6:30! Heck! that's sleeping in for me! I can't even get my girls to stay in bed on the weekend. They are so used to their weekly schedule which starts about 5:30am every day. Good luck1 Loose some for me! :o)
Cassie
Sounds like a good plan to develop this new habit!
I'm not sure that I am an exercise lover, but I do enjoy a good run! I have to sweat or I don't feel like my workout was worth the time or energy...it feels so good! In fact, I am missing running right now since I haven't been able to go since early November! One of these days...!!!
You just might be surprised...this may be a part of your day that you will really look forward to! Not saying you'll ever look forward to waking up at 6:30 am, but that you might begin to feel that your day isn't complete without a good workout!!:)
Oh, I hate to exercise. Just don't like it. Now, there have been seasons where I have had the time to really get into walking and volleyball, but that was pre-munchkins. I have to say, having a Wii has helped me get some walking in although not nearly as much as I need to. Good for you! :)
Good for you Steph! Sounds like you have a good plan and you are off to a good start.
I do not enjoy exercise. When we lived on campus I exercised 5 days a week. It was free and it was convenient (close by). When I got pregnant and began the morning-noon-and night sickness phase, exercising fell by the wayside and hasn't been back since.
I do need to exercise. All my clothes are tight. Emily is getting heavier and heavier and I need to be strong so I can lift her and care for her. The thing that has stopped me so far? I would have to get up at 5am. Yes you read that right - 5am! I am NOT a morning person, so the idea of getting up that early makes me shudder! At some point, I really will need to just get over it and do what I know is right, but for now I continue to procrastinate (and try to breath as little as possible in my tight clothes).
I am definitely not an exercise fan, but I am not a hater either. As long as I can have fun, I usually enjoy it. I definitely like my Wii for that. :)
I'm really glad you posted this!! I gained 15 pounds after weaning Ethan and I need this reminder as I am trying to start the weaning process with Sawyer. I always lose initially and then gain it back after weaning. I think that's one of those things I wish someone had told me. "When you stop nursing you better start running!"
am i a lover or a hater of exercise? uh let's just say it's not on my list of new years dreams:)
How is it coming? Been thinking about you... <3
Believing in the benefits of exercise helps me find a way to do it. I'm 20 years older than you, and am astounded at how I FEEL older. Hubby and I are starting to talk about it, consider herbal teas in addition to the vitamin supplements. Aaack!
Wishing you the best, and
You.go.Girl!
Barbara
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