Day 15: I MOVE 60 Minutes a Day

Anytime I would run into someone I knew, they would ask me how I did it. I started by telling them about my eating, then I added walking. They would say, "But you run now?" Yes, but I didn't loose all of the weight when I started running. I lost it by walking and changing my diet. Most people shut me down when they knew I started running. "I could never do that." Then they'd walk away. "I COULDN'T DO IT EITHER-" I'd yell. "I built up to the running part".

In fact, today I only do cardio about 3 times a week. My body doesn't like running as much as it used to, so I rotate: cardio, strength, stretching and I rest 1 day a week . In the months of Nov-Feb my running mileage plummets.  I hate the DREADmill. If I can't get in 60 minutes in a row, then I break it up through the day.  Maybe a 20 minute swim and 10 minutes of stretching in the morning, followed by a walk at lunchtime and a 10 minute 2 hand touch fball game w James before O'Dark 30.  That adds up to 60 minutes. 

The cost of embarrassment kept me from walking into classes or gyms in general, in fact my first experience with strength training came when I bought a fitness ball. I did the workouts on the poster in the box! Thank god YouTube wasn't the sensation it is now.  Matt got a good laugh from watching. I did not attend advanced group exercise classes. I tried them after about 6 months of walking and always felt weak compared to others, so I scaled it back and started with beginner classes and built my endurance up. There are a ton of beginning group exercise classes available.  If that's not your thing, try different machines or modes of cardio and find one you like.

Quincy has several options for all income and fitness levels. I need a daycare and I teach at the Y so I go there- QPS gets a corporate discount. IF YOU HAVE KIDS, THERE IS A DAYCARE. I teach a cycle and strength class Wednesdays at 4:30 and 1 hour classes Friday at 530 am and 5 pm. Come in and try it- once. If you're intimidated I would gladly give you a 1-1 20 minute introduction. In fact I have 4 free passes on my table right now- who wants them?

Ladies- if I can do this, SO CAN YOU! The Kroc Center is also a fitness wonderland that runs similair to the Y except it smells brand new!

The owners of NuFit are amazing. Their class schedule offers a variety of options. You may find me in there cycling in one of Jen's SufferFests Sunday or Monday morning. I would go everyday but 2 little cotton headed ninny muggins and Quicken say, "No Way Jose!" They also have Indo-Row which in itself is an enlightening experience. They have Facebook updates, like them here. Your first class is free.

Also, for you solo walkers or bike riders, Quincy has amazing bike trails. We love the one at Bob Mays Park. We also enjoy South Park, the trails at John Wood and walking a lap around QU!

Now, for you shut-in feeling guilty all the time mothers I have an extensive DVD collection. Email me at beaverm@sbcglobal.net I will gladly give you one. I used Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred at one point along with Jackie Warner and Jari Love- and yoga and pilates DVD's, too. Both James and Toby love moving w/ me.  They both know Down Dog.

Do you have a Wii? Try Zumba 2, The Michael Jackson Experience, Wii Fit, EA Sports, Golds Gym...and OMG they are coming out with a CYBERBIKE- I can see my Christmas letter now...

Maybe you start w/ 30 minutes a day and start feeling the affects of exercise. and build up to 40, 50 then 60.  Whatever your time limit is, some movement is better than NONE!