When I first began my new fitness regime, I was a little nervous about whether I would be able to keep up with my ‘lofty’ goals. To some, my exercise plan probably looked like more of a rest week than a fresh initiative to work out. However, after nothing except walking for many months, I was more than ready to get moving again. This time though it would be to an extent that was best for me and my health, not by what is deemed expected in the health and fitness world.
If you are a regular reader, than you know I have been loosely following Jamie Eason’s Live Fit Program for almost eight weeks now; hard to believe it’s been that long! I have to say that I was a little doubtful about whether I would be able to stick to a strength training program, but I have to say that in the last couple months I have learned a lot about myself, what type of exercises I enjoy, and how to keep my body healthy and strong.
- I really do enjoy weight training! I am not going to lie, I was always afraid of going into the weight area of the gym, but now I always seem to look forward to that part of my work out the most. I had read for years how important weight lifting is, but it took for me to actually try it myself instead of just reading about it to understand. I can tell I am getting stronger by the weight I am lifting now compared to eight weeks ago, and I also realized yesterday morning just how much more confident I have become around weights. I know the machines better, I know how to adjust them to fit my height, and I no longer feel as clumsy or as confused when following the Live Fit work out of the day.
- I love running! Seems funny that I have learned this from lifting, right? The truth is though I now run more just for the fun of it as opposed to simply completing a work out. I find myself craving runs so much more when it is not forced, and I absolutely can’t wait for the weather to keep warming up so I can take Tebow on more outdoor runs this spring. I have been running twice a week on the treadmill for twenty minutes at a time, and have been incorporating one or two runs on the weekends and a bunch of walks throughout the week. I am still watching my mileage as I transition back into more exercise, but so far I have been happy with 2-3 mile runs at a time.
- I don’t feel as tired as I usual. When running was my main form of exercise, I felt exhausted almost constantly. The running was taking a toll on my body and while one person may be able to handle 25+ miles a week, the 7+ miles I was doing a week before I took a break from exercise was just too much for my body to handle, especially without any strength training and without enough food. Now I feel a lot more energized than I used to and I don’t feel as groggy on a regular basis. I was a bit nervous in the beginning that I would get tired and sick easily with the increase in exercise. I had mono in college and since then I have battled immune deficiency and too much exercise can make me exhausted and susceptible to sickness. However, the constant cardio seemed to have been what truly exhausted me and fatigued my body, not so much with strength training.
- My blood sugar is more level. When I was running as my main form of exercise, I constantly felt hungry and my blood sugar would drop rapidly. By 2:30 pm my headaches would begin, I would need a nap, and I would rely on snacking to get me through the afternoon without falling over. Now I feel as if I can control my appetite a lot easier and my snacks are more for fuel than to keep me awake. I do realize I am eating quite a bit more now than I was before to keep up with my exercise burn and to make sure my body stays happy and healthy, but I definitely don’t seem to have those rapid blood sugar level changes like I used to, which is a definitely a positive effect.
- I feel happier and more accomplished! Exercise truly does get your endorphins going and I love the fulfillment I have after a hard work out. I started my work out plan hoping for three days a week of exercise, but lately I have been getting in exercise almost every day whether it’s through strength training, running, or simply taking a nice long walk. One way or another, I have been finding a way to move each and every day not because I have to, but because I sincerely want to. Exercise provides me with an extra boost of confidence I need, an increased appreciation for myself and my body, and a sense of accomplishment at the end of a long day.
Talk to me!
- Have you ever experienced any of my findings that I listed above? Tell me about them!
- Now that spring is almost here, what type of outdoor exercise are you looking forward to most?
- What is your work out schedule like right now? Do you find your exercise plan changes season by season?
- If you had to pick one type of exercise to do for the rest of your life, what would it be: Strength Training, Running, Yoga, Biking, Pilates, Barre Method, Zumba, Etc.?
Yes!! I feel the same way about lifting! I’m so glad that I stopped being a cardio queen and changed my routine. Although, I’m not running at all now. I’m really looking forward to trying a Barre class soon!
I am taking a Barre Class this morning! They are pretty expensive so I don’t get to take them as much as I would like, but they are a lot of fun and are an intense workout!
Years ago, I remember constantly doing cardio because I thought if I didn’t sweat and MOVE that I wasn’t getting much out of my exercise. I know better now! I make sure I do some sort of weight or resistance training each day. I do love any excersice that you have to rely on your own body weight as well like push ups and pull ups. I really do get better results from my cardio because of it. One excercise that I learned to do recently are handstand push ups. Do a handstand up against a wall (make sure to lock out your arms when you get up) and then lower yourself down and push back up and try to do how ever many you can! In my karate class we usually are combining these with other excercise drills so we do three and then move on to sit ups, squats, burpees, box jumps….whatever Sensei tells us to do!!!
Try ‘em out!
Karate would be my pick for the exercise I want to do for the rest of my life!
That is exactly how I felt too, and it is hard to get out of that mindset too! I always felt super sweaty and exhausted after a nice cardio workout, so it just felt like I was getting so much more out of an hour of cardio vs. an hour of weight lifting. I know it is just the opposite, but when your body and mind has been trained to only believe one thing it can be tough to get over. I am an exercise work in progress, but I know I am getting better with my thoughts and actions!
I can’t wait for warm southern morning runs. Nothing beats getting up before it gets humid and getting in a run!
I fell in love with yoga last year. It has changed the pace of my workout routine. It keeps me calm, less stressed, and I am so much more flexible. I highly recommend a yoga class or two or three as an addition to any workout!
I can’t wait for warm runs too, I only wish that mine were southern!
Gotta love the north lol! We are expecting 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow! The couple of days of warm weather that we got were nothing except a tease! lol
I love yoga too, even took a class in college about it. I don’t go as much as I like because classes are $$ and I have a hard time staying focused during dvds, but I hope to get a few in like you suggested!
Isn’t it crazy how doing something that requires extra energy (like working out) actually ends up leaving you feeling more energized?? I love it!
Lol it does seem like an oxymoron! Gotta love those mood boosting endorphins!
I’m craving warmer weather too! Just not TOO warm right away. I prefer running outdoors 100x more than running on a treadmill.
I love running outdoors as well! The only time I can really even tolerate the treadmill is if I have a good show on I can watch while running..:) Looks like I am going to have to like it for at least another week or so, we are expecting 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow…yikes!
Running is really about finding what distance works for you. A lot of people can crank out 100 mile weeks and feel fine. I find my comfort in the 40 range. But it has taken me awhile to get there. Most people give up on running because they try to hit other runner’s goals rather than focus on their own comfort zone. Stay in your happy running zone and continue to build strength.
Thank you! Always a good reminder to focus on our own pace, and mileage and goals, without comparing ourselves to others. My body may be only able to handle 10 or less miles, while someone else can handle 50+…we are all different!
So glad your exercise routine is going well and things seem to be going great for you! I can’t wait to start running outside again, I have been waiting for it to warm up forever it feels like!
Thanks Laurie! I am always a constant work in progress, but I am getting there…:) It is supposed to snow 6-10 inches in my area tomorrow so running outside may be delayed for at least a week. I am so so ready for spring!