Thursday, January 12, 2012

Project 40 to 41: Shoveling is the new aerobics

Just finished my FAVORITE winter-time workout: Shoveling the driveway.

I'm not even kidding. About it being my favorite winter workout, I mean. I love that feeling of good, honest work. Even when it's compacted at the end of the driveway.

Easy to say now, I realize. Ask me again in a month.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Project 40 to 41: Variety, baby!

I'm in the groove. I've figured out the big, hot tip (at least this week): Change it up.

In the last few days, my workouts have consisted of: swimming laps, walking the dog, jumping on the trampoline at the gym, grooving on the elliptical machine, taking a Pilates class, and -- get this -- biking. In January. In a puffy vest instead of a coat.

It's pretty cool. I'm really feeling great, too. Although that might have something to do with the fact that I've been laying off the sugar for the last week. I'm something of a candy junkie, so this is a big deal. I've been watching labels for added sugar and it turns out it's in EVERYTHING. I'm eating Kashi cereal, bushels of fruits and veggies, and I haven't had a candy bar in a week.

It would actually have been nice if I'd not noticed a difference. Then I could say, "See? Guess I can keep eating my sweets."

But no. I feel healthier. No so sluggish in the afternoon. Sleeping better.

Sigh. Looks like it's almond-and-flaxseed snack bars for me for the foreseeable future....

Friday, January 6, 2012

Project 40 to 41: Back on the Wagon (err, yoga mat)

Last night it was 10 minutes of yoga before bed and a sinking feeling that I'm never, ever, as long as I live, going to get back in the groove.

Today, my workout was a killer 60-minute yoga-lates class that made me feel equal parts alive and pummeled into the ground. It ended just three hours ago, and I'm already starting to feel the DOMS that don't usually rear their heads for a good 24 hours.

Mostly, that makes me feel pretty damn good.

Also, it's bright and sunny out there on my deck where I'm now peeking, which always brings out the optimist in me. Daisy Dog's going to want a walk later. I'm in.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Major Fail

I can hardly face those of you following my Project 40 to 41 progress.

We'll leave the details and excuses out and just say we can up the ante from two inactive days... to seven. The holidays were a killer.

But it's a fresh new day! And what did I do with my fresh new day? Pilates!

The gym I go to just started offering free Pilates mat classes (they used to charge for them and I'm far too cheap for that) -- so I signed right on up. Today's hour-long intro class was a lot of chatting and basics, but I'm still counting on feeling the burn tomorrow when I wake up.

I do believe I'm going to need to sign up for more classes. The shiny motivation newness of exercising alone has worn off. Way off. So: Wednesdays is Pilates. There, done.

Other ideas? I'm all ears.