Not a Guru, but...

It has been my goal for a full year now to exercise three days a week. I remember posting a blog 11 months ago about how much I HATE exercising, and how I just cannot get motivated. I wondered if there was ever a time where I would actually look forward to exercising.

I think I've not found that point, but I've reached something of a compromise. I still don't like the idea of exercising, but I do find myself thinking, "Oh! Tomorrow is my workout day. That will feel good."

HUH?!?!?! Did I really just think that? I want?! to exercise? Well, I've stumbled on short exercising (where I work out and "stretch" and "train" the body for about 10 minutes). This is doable because it lasts about the attention span of my two-year-old, and I don't get interrupted (usually). I've also found Yoga.

Now, I know Yoga has become cliched and is a upper-class snobbery thing, but there is something to CONTROLLING the body, and being aware of what each limb is doing and making sure you are focusing on what you're doing (not just floundering around trying to catch up to the instructor and feel, litterally, like a fish out of water, gasping for breath and flopping all over the place!). I've also found that, with certain poses/exercises, I really do get out of breath. Oh, and I was SORE after completing a new Yoga exercise routine. Yes, my muscles definitely got a work out. Added benefit? It also seemed to help my back. The stretches and poses seem to strengthen the muscles, holding my posture better.

Is Yoga for everybody? Nah. Is it the only thing I should do? Nope. I still need my more cardio-intense exercise.

Oh, and a good friend recommended a website that allows me to do yoga at home (so only family gets to watch):

http://www.exercisetv.tv

This sight has ALL SORTS of different workouts. From 1 min previews, to 10 minute workouts to 45 min workout routines, and they are even categorized (yoga, cardio, strength training, etc.) I like some of the workouts, others I have turned off and found a new one. For now, you can get "free" workouts streamed to your computer with advertisements, but you can also subscribe and purchase workouts.

Give it a try! It's been worth it to have a change in my workout options (Crawford still kicks my butt, but it's nice to have some variety and lose my complacency and forget my "cheats").

Good luck on your New Year's Resolutions!

Oh, and if you're looking for some extra help in changing the way you eat, I STRONGLY recommend this book:
The Beck Diet Solution by Judith S Beck
(it's NOT a diet book, it's cognitive behavior therapy for dieting)

So, on I move with my renewed hope that maybe someday I'll actually eagerly look forward to exercising. That it will be a joy to move my body in contortionist ways. But, for now, I'm happy that I'm seeing some results, and that I'm actually not dreading my exercise days.