The catch-22 of getting fit

Yeah, I know you’re supposed to consult your physician before starting any fitness regimen but what healthy person actually does that? And truthfully, these last few weeks, I’ve felt better than I have in a very long time. I’m positive its a result of healthier eating and regular exercise.

So you’re probably wondering what I’m going on about.

I started having pain in my lower back which got progressively worse until finally I decided to go to the doctor. When you have pain radiating across your lower back and shooting down your leg, your body is trying to tell you something Read more…

Tags: Catch-22, Fitness FAIL, Goals, Health/Fitness

Today was a good day

Up early for yoga. I even let the boy try the class. I think 30 minutes is good for a 7-year-old. Even the instructor had to admit it had been a tough class. But we all left feeling stronger and energized.

I invited a friend over for breakfast and went home to whip it up. Potatoes, bacon, sausage and eggs. It was goooooood. After my friend left I settled in to watch “Lost” but it ended up watching me. A few hours later, my friend hit me up again, inviting me over for a swim (I love how just last week it was pouring and we were actually having weather in California. But today it was sunny, blue skies and warm enough for a night swim). So I went over. And swam a 500.

It’s nice to have a friend close to work out with and just swim in her pool. Afterward, we sat and talked in the jacuzzi.

Here’s the thing. I went from nothing to three or four-times a week exercising. And I love it! I know once my two months are up, I’ll probably work out fewer days a week but I’m going to use this time like hell week when I used to swim. We’d work really hard the first couple weeks and then we’d get into our routine.

I also remember feeling like I didn’t have any friends. Now, I’m starting to accept that I enjoy being active and I like being social.

I almost feel guilty saying that. But it’s how I feel and I want to own it.

Oh. Next week I’ll be blogging from Miami Beach for Entrepreneur’s Growth 2.0 conference. Last year’s conference went down as one of the hardest days of my life this year there is the promise of fun, adventure and mischief.

I’m excited.

Life is good.

Tags: Exercise, Health/Fitness, Life is Good, Work/Life Balance

Like James Brown Said: I Feel Good!

I’m just realizing that sitting down to write this post is the first time I’ve sat down since getting home. That’s right, got home and went straight to work flat ironing my hair that had gotten all sweaty during pilates, and prepping tomorrows dinner in the slow cooker, making my lunch for tomorrow, tucking the boy in the bed and…

Shit. I’m tired again, just thinking about it.

Actually, I’m not all that tired at all. In fact, since I started working out last week, I’ve been feeling stronger and more energized. No afternoon crashes and I’m not exhausted when I get home.

Whoda thunk?

Seriously though, I think this working out thing might be all it’s cracked up to be.

Tags: Energy, Health/Fitness, Work/Life Balance

Recommitting to a Healthy Lifestyle

I used to be very active. I started swimming when I was four and began competing by the time I was five. Growing up, I often spent the entire summer at the pool: lessons in the morning, free swim in the afternoon, swim team practice in the evening.

In high school we often had two practices a day: two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon. In city college, I played water polo and joined the swim team. Once I got to the university, I wasn’t able to join the teams (some NCAA technicality) but I enrolled in swim fitness classes and swam two or three times a week.

Since I didn’t have reliable transportation, I usually caught the bus or walked everywhere I needed to go. I was athletic and had lots of energy.

Once I graduated college, I spent most of my time in the house and rarely ever exercised. I began living a sedentary life.

This year, I want to change that. No, no, it’s not a resolution, it’s a necessity.

For most of my life I have lived a relatively healthy lifestyle. And then suddenly I just stopped. Despite saying I wanted to work out and lose weight and be fit, I continued to do nothing to make those things happen. I made excuses: I only like swimming, I don’t like walking or running, I can’t afford a gym membership.

The time for excuses is over.

Starting this year, I’ve decided that I have to put my money where my mouth is. I’ve got someone willing to join me in my fitness quest and we’ve already made a plan for classes and activities to do together.

Baby steps right?

I think I’m on my way.

Tags: 30 Days, Balance, Goals, Health/Fitness