Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Physical Health: 2012


At the beginning of this year, I talked about a four "goals" for this year, all having to do with my health. Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Financial Health are my aim and focus for 2012. Today I had a sudden motivation to work out. Now, if you don't know me, let me tell you - I never work out. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I ran, or even walked quickly... anywhere. Yes, it's that bad. Needless to say, I'm really out of shape.

A friend of mine told me that you can go online and get a free 3 day pass to work out at any 24 Hour Fitness gym. I signed up online today, and dusted off my work out clothes (it's funny to me that I even own these), got a towel and water bottle and headed for the local gym! I had to get a pep talk from my friend prior to going to the gym. I am clueless when it comes to working out. She gave me good advice on what to do and what not to do. I walked into the gym and instantly felt like everyone was staring at me. I'm sure they weren't, but I will be honest, I felt sightly insecure. Being in a foreign place, and not really knowing how things work, and what to do, it can be pretty threatening. But, I stuck it out! 

I started by warming up on the treadmill, just to get my heart rate up and my body warmed up. That in and of itself was difficult for me. After that I stretched, then did crunches, and proceeded to work out my arms and legs. I spent some time on the elliptical and then felt like I should go out with a bang: cardio time on the treadmill. I knew I would need to run a good amount, at a good speed to get an actual efficient work out. So, thankfully I had a sweet playlist made up, and I just knocked it. I covered the machine with a towel so that I wouldn't be discouraged or distracted. This definitely came in handy! I ended up running 2 miles at a pretty decent speed and didn't stop (I did intentionally slow down every few minutes so that I could keep up my endurance).

All of this to say, I am pretty proud of myself. I went into this work out discouraged and fearful, but I left feeling so much better about myself! This is not for anyone else, just me. I am responsible for my own health, no one else. I currently can't afford a gym membership, but I do have access to the outdoors, so it's my hope to be more active. Feel free to hold me accountable for this ;)

Just a glimpse into my awesome playlist.
Music definitely motivated me during my work out!

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What about you? Do you work out regularly? Do you have any work out tips?

XO
Brenda


2 comments:

  1. okay, for reals here: i am so impressed that you did ran TWO miles, especially for the first-in-awhile-workout! good idea with the towel, i'm wondering if maybe i should try that, i can see how that would help, and not get stuck on the numbers so much!

    you're awesome. great job brenda! i have recently started running...for the first time ever in my entire life. definitely not two mile status, but i am so okay with that, i am just proud of what i can do, and know i'll just keep getting better if i stick with it. gosh, i don't know about tips...except for maybe switching up activities or try something unconventional. like, you run one day, do yoga the next, or go to a rock gym! i get so BORED working out, so to be successful, i need to make it seem as little like a "workout" as possible haha

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    1. Ahh, thank you, Kalie! I am glad to know I am not in this alone, hah!
      I get bored too. I definitely have to switch things up, if I am going to work out. Rock climbing is super fun and a great work out!

      :)

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