You know that person in your exercise class, the one who the instructor spends all their time "instructing"? You know, she moves her microphone away from her mouth so no one else can hear (how considerate), while trying to get you to position your body just right, which really just makes you look like a bigger fool? Well folks, today that was me. I went to pilates this morning and I was officially the one who didn't know what she was doing. I was officially the one in the class with the weakest core muscles. I get to class at 5:30 am and see all the girls with their cute little work out tank tops, their cute little flat stomachs. The only other people in the class besides me wearing a t-shirt were 2 men-and I'm pretty sure my t-shirt was baggier. Is this really worth it?!
Since school is starting this week, and Naomi is on a more normal sleep schedule I have recommitted myself to getting back into shape. Which means that I have to get up at 5 am to go to the gym. It really is the only time I can do it. I have made my attempts since Naomi was born, but completely gave up during the move. The thing is...IT IS SO HARD!!! Exercise has never been hard for me. But these last 3 years, basically since we moved to Tulsa, I have stru.ggled. I did really good the last 6 months of my pregnancy with Naomi, but let's be honest, that didn't really involve pushing myself too hard. Anyway, here is my dilemma. Do I spend my hour in a class where I don't really sweat very much, but work really hard? Do I drag my butt out of bed at 5 am for this? This is why I have never done pilates before. Workout to me means finishing with my face beet red and really sweaty armpits. But pilates is really good for your core, and girlfriend needs some serious core strengthening. It would only be one day a week. I would love some input, or advice on how NOT to look like such an idiot at the gym...
11 comments:
I was a workout queen before our move to the gymless town and working two jobs... then came Asher...
Anyway, my lab was right next to the gym and I had 2 hours from fertilizing embryos until I could do anything with them, so I went to the gym.
I was doing pilates alone for about a year. I really, really love pilates, it makes stretch out and strengthen, but in my experience, it will not get you in shape. My thoughts are that pilates is to tone and define after you are in shape.
I would do elipical for 25 minutes forward, 5 backward, run for 10 more around the indoor track. Physioball for about 10 minutes, pilates (hundreds particularly) for 10 and weights for 30... one day arms, back and abs; the next legs, back and abs.
I would do this every day (even Sunday) except Saturday since Valerie was in swimming.
I say if you have an hour, do the elliptical and some free weights. I also taught weight training for a while... the key is consistency and eating less flour/sugar.
there are plenty of people who exercise daily and see no change in weight, food intake has to be modified as well.
I too need to get back into shape, but I have truly no time- Matt is gone 7-7am and then my day starts. Like I said, no gym in Broadway and I am not so sure the gym on the other side of Harrisonburg offers child care.
Blah.
I like running a lot, but lately the issue has been the knees.
Oh! I also found if I had a really rocking work out mix, things were much easier and I was not looking at the time so much.
I can send that music to you, but I am not sure you would find it nearly so energizing (it is euro).
Good for you for going so early and I am definitely a fan of baggy t shirts, too many oopsie popping outs of cute little young things in my past to ever want tighty-tight workout wardrobe.
I feel your pain on having to get up so early. I started getting up at 5 after my 3rd because it really was the only time. It never gets easier but you will start seeing results and then it will motivate you a little more. Is there anyone you could make your work out partner? Having someone waiting for me is a HUGE motivator.
I think pilates once a week mixed in with those "make your face red and sweaty" workouts is a perfcet mix.
Hang in there. I've found once I miss one workout it's easier to miss another then another. So try to be consistent but don't beat yourself up over it either. I want to see before and after shots of those abs!:)
I'm like you, Becky - I never have gotten into the pilates/yoga-type stuff because it never felt like a REAL workout. But there is something to be said about strengthening your core. It makes the other workouts a little easier, and since it's only once a week you still have other days to do other things (REAL workouts. :)
All those other little chicks in their little tank tops probably looked like idiots their first few times, too. For all it's worth, whenever I've been in classes and seen new people struggle their way through their first class, I cheer inside. I want to run up to them when class is over and say, "You did it!!" I know it's hard to get up and be there and be the new kid, but everyone else is probably either rooting for you, or too self-absorbed to notice anything besides their reflection in the mirror. Don't lose heart, it'll get a teeny bit easier every time.
Ditto on the rockin' workout music (I made a playlist for Dana once, I could send it to you too), and on getting a buddy. Both make a world of difference.
abby, send me the play list. i will just say, becky, keep doing it. decide what you like to do--the core really is important but i haven't strengthened mine yet, but just keep at it. you will feel better eventually. abby, i need a cheerleader like you around when i exercise. you can do it, becky!!!!!
You could always do Pilates at home and go to the gym for the rest. There are a million DVDs you can but that last about an hour. I have done Pilates at home and the short time I was doing it consistently I actually saw improvement in my range and ability to do the exercises pretty quickly, and it did make me feel better. That can't be substituted for cardio, but it does make it a little easier.
And you could always try the all grapefruit diet.
Hi Becky-
I found your blog off your FB. I'm so excited that you are a blogger...me too. www.springdellgirl.blogspot.com
I have a solution for your dilemma...let's go together!! Valynn and I used to get up and go together at 5:30 am and I need to get back in the habit. I've been going around 4pm and I won't be able to do that once school starts. I've been wanting to take that early am pilates class...I've never done it. You will look like a pro compared to me!! I need some SERIOUS core help since Bryn's arrival. SERIOUS HELP!!
You need to really try out your Wii Fit. I can now hold myself in the plank position on the Fit Board for 90 seconds now. I am a little shaky at the end, but I am by no means struggling. I never thought I would be able to do that and I can now :) I do the hula hoop one for 5 minutes in each direction and I can actually see an hourglass figure now. I also find myself putting my hands on my hips more because they are much more defined. Piper is, too, because she is mimicking me LOL. I still have quite a ways to go, but I've lost weight and gained a fair amount of muscle. I also wear ankle or wrist weights while using the Wii to give some added resistance. Nintendo is coming out with a more advanced CD for the Wii Fit this fall, too, so it's only going to get better.
So, as far as eating goes, I am doing weight watchers. I started a couple weeks before I went to Pocatello, when I was still nursing, and a lost a couple pounds. But it all went out the window when we moved/went on vacation. But I started again last week and lost the 4 pounds I gained in Poky :) I really like it. I would love any exercise music mixes anyone wants to send me. I use my ipod a lot, when I'm not doing classes.
Erin, I would love to use my wii fit, but Maggie bit the game dvd right after we got it and it doesn't work anymore. I looked at prices to replace it and it is around $60!!! I even checked on ebay. That one will have to wait a bit!!
Kristin, YES!!! Let's be workout buddies!! Do you like to do the classes? I will be there tomorrow at 5:30. See you then?!
I'm no help. I know what I need to do but I'm the worst self motivator on the planet.
I did yoga for a little while last fall and I was the same. I'm the least flexible person I know. It was a joke.
Anyway, what gym do you go to? I really want to get into better shape before I go to Hawaii next spring.
Misty, I go to Oz...I know, I go to Hawaii in 2 months, YIKES!! BTW, I don't know if you got your plane tickets yet, but I saw an ad for Alaskan Air, spokane to Honolulu for $188 (one way). I can't remember what island you are going to, but I think tickets to maui are the same price...
We're going to Kauai. I wonder if it's cheaper to go to one of the main airports and then get an island hopper...I'll have to look into it.
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