Get Up and Get Moving!

The other day, at the gym, I found myself chuckling. I was standing at this machine doing these knee lifts to strengthen the stomach muscles. No pain, no gain right? As I was doing this, I found myself feeling rather ridiculous but as I looked around the room, most everyone appeared to be looking just about the same (ridiculous).

All on machines or on the floor in some compromising position trying to better their bodies. I happened to look down and saw someone's behind up in the air-seeing a little more than I would have liked- if you get my drift. At first, I did not think much about it until realizing it was not a pretty sight. I, then, found myself laughing. Thinking...

We all look like mice spinning out of control on some wheel. Running, running, walking, walking, climbing, climbing but getting no where. But oh yes, we are helping to improve our bodies, minds, and cardiovascular systems! Right? At least that is what we tell ourselves. Do good for your body, raise that heart rate, tone up, lose a few pounds. It is all good fun!

Whatever!

It hurts, we have to motivate ourselves to do it, convince ourselves it is the best thing, pretend it is great fun, and try to look good doing it. What the hell! Don't you think we all have enough on our plate to then add this to it? Funny, I say. But most of us strive to do this. I know I do. Four times a week I am at that damn gym doing that same thing. So why do I do it?

Well, I do feel much better once I am done. I am happier, feel stronger, and more energized. Go figure. I am a much better person including this in my routine.

However,I do need to get away from the same old thing, so I venture out, on my more motivated days, into the cold with the running group. Yes, I am still involved. But oh, can it be difficult. However, the euphoria felt after is soooo worth it.

I have figured out how everyone got the quick running pace. It is cold, cold. So I am thinking they just want to get done quickly. It has to be it because I know found myself running at a pretty good clip. Or it could be the cool crisp air that you breath in on the cold mornings. Needless to say the first few minutes are brutally painful.

I do miss the Florida heat which equals the sweat. Not too much sweating here. A little secret but do not tell - you really do not have to wash you hair as much here. Kind of funny but it is true.

One more thing. What got me on this tangent(about running) was a run I had.

I ended up running next to a woman (very attractive, young, and an amazing body) who started up a conversation. She seemed nice. Always good to talk to someone, helps pass time.

Anyway, she started talking about how she thought she looked as she was running. She talked about how people in the cars must think she looks ridiculous, wondering if she thought she looked as if she was out of breath or looked as if she was not in shape or maybe thought she should not even be out running. I could not believe it! If you could see this girl.

I come to find out she is barely 30, not comfortable with her good looks or her amazing body. Unbelievable to me. So funny how different our thought process was. I wanted to say "be confident, good lord!" But instead...

I responded: "Girl, the way I see it is look at me, I am out here, I am feeling it, I am taking in the fresh air and relishing in the moment. I would never feel as if others were looking down upon me! See yourself as their motivator! Come on, realistically, 2/3 of America could not be doing what we are doing. We are it"

Now that is how I get through it. We are the only ones who keep ourselves healthy and in shape. Get yourself up, get the heart going, sweat, listen to music, sing along, and most importantly, make NO excuses!!! We are who we are by how we take care of ourselves inside and out(a wrinkle reducing face moisturizer is helpful as well, ha ha).

A good workout is an added plus to my everyday life.