Saturday, May 9, 2009

Feeling the Burn

I worked out this morning. The last time I went to a gym was some time in 2006. Maybe early 2007, but by then I was pregnant and doubt I was doing much. I'm embarrassed to say that there's even a gym in my office building, it's free, well-equipped, and has a beautiful view of downtown Austin, but until now I'd never used it.

I used to be very fit. In college I worked out for at least an hour every day, sometimes twice a day, and I would never have imagined a version of me that could barely finish 20 minutes on a treadmill. I have all sorts of excuses, most of them involving Landon and the fact that I can't figure out a time to work out that doesn't take away from my cherished time with him or JP. But lately I've been plagued by insomnia much worse than usual and I've dreamed about exercise almost every night. I think my mostly sedentary lifestyle is getting to me. I miss feeling strong. My arms remain toned thanks to my occasionally clingy and always heavy toddler, but my legs aren't now that I no longer walk everywhere. And I miss thinking of myself as fit. I've decided I'm going to make a real effort to work out at least twice a week. It isn't much, but it's a lot more than I've been doing and JP takes Landon to daycare three mornings a week, there's no reason I can't get myself out of bed and to the office an hour early to fit in a quick workout. Something is better than nothing, right?

So feel free to ask about my progress. I hope that potential accountability will shame me into going because it is ridiculous that my legs are this sore and shaky after the mini workout I did this morning. But I feel good and I think I'm going to sleep better tonight. Happy almost Mother's Day!

5 comments:

  1. I also struggle with insomnia and have found that regular workouts are the best cure. Hope it works for you too :)

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  2. Congratulations on getting started. I also use exercise to help my insomnia. My husband and I both know that exercise is essential for the other person, so we take turns watching the baby, but sometimes we'll go for a run together with a running stroller. That might be a good way to get in a little exercise and still have family time on a weekend. I find that a half an hour of hard running a few days a week is enough of a workout, and doesn't take too much time away from the kid. Good luck!
    -sarah

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  3. yay LL!making small goals is the first step!! (you know me im a health and fitness JUNKIE!) im so proud of you!keep your goals written down where you can see them and they will happen!!!!x0

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  4. I recently started feeling guilty about how lazy I have become too but I usually find excuses to justify not going to the gym. It's been a year since I've had a real workout and I miss that sweaty exhileration. Good job on starting back up, I'm impressed!

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  5. I can't get into the gym habit at all. I am lazy, I hate to exercise, and there are simply a lot of ways I'd rather spend my time. Unlike you I've never been fit though. I've always been "skinny fat," meaning I'm thin on the outside, but I have the fitness profile of your average couch potato. I'd love to hear about how you fit it in your schedule - maybe you'll shame me into excercising more often!

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