Getting Fit

It seems like January inspires everyone to eat healthier and take better care of their bodies. Time to start new routines and make changes. We joined our local YMCA in November and I can see that the classes are much more crowded now that the new year is here.

Working out, a necessary evil that must regularly occur! I have no problem walking on a regular basis, but that's really the only exercise I enjoy. Now that I'm getting a little older though, I want to exercise in a way that builds muscle strength a few times a week. Lifting weights at home or while I watch TV?  Just not going to happen. I'll let those weights sit there for an eternity, finding excuse after excuse not to pick them up. No, I definitely need external motivation. That's why we decided to join the Y. I really needed to have accountability and a reason to get there consistently. Class will start with or without me, so I'd better be there, and everyone in there will keep going whether I'm actually doing the work in class or not. Plus when you're paying a significant monthly fee, you're more motivated to actually take advantage of the services.

I've found that the best time for me to get it done is right after the kids walk out the door in the morning. If I wait around until a later class and start doing things around the house, I get less and less motivated to go. Also, making myself get dressed (including putting on sneakers!) before the kids walk out the door just seals the deal. I'm going. The first 15 minutes of a class are mentally the hardest. The classes go for an hour and that just sounds like such a long time!  But, after 15 minutes and definitely after 30, my mood improves. By the time I've finished, I'm happy. Thrilled, even, to be done for at least two days. I give myself guilt-free permission to only go 3 times a week. Otherwise, I get burned out.  Gotta have some kind of reward for going!

So...that's what's working for me right now. I think I even see some muscle developing in my arms! What works for you?