My Week Away From the Gym - Part 4

So, it's the last two days of my week away from the gym.  I've actually enjoyed it although it's been a bit strange at times.  There really are times that I've thought to myself, what did I forget to do today?  Also, I've noticed that I feel a bit more lazy than I usually do.  But, I'm also not quite as hungry because I'm not burning as many calories, despite trying to stay somewhat active.  I've made myself stay busy enough that I haven't been able to get back into a habit of coming home from work and curling up on the couch.  I don't really think that would happen, but, with this weather, it would be so easy to do.  But, I don't want to go backwards.  And, I'm fairly certain Renee' would kick me in my butt if I did anything like that. 

So, why did I write all that?  Because I want anyone who reads this to know that, despite all the changes I've gone through over the last year, I still get it.  I always will.  My weight and issues with food are going to be lifelong struggles for me.  I understand why it's difficult to make yourself workout.  Why it's easy to get burnt out and just stop.  And, most of all, why it's easy to get frustrated with not seeing any progress and just say, forget it.  Nothing's going to work.  However, I am here to tell you that it is possible to start enjoying working out.  When you get burnt out on something, find something new to try.  Don't go full force on day one.  Make a small goal of exercising for 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week to start with.  You'll eventually want to do more but this will get you moving and you'll start to see more benefits from that 20 minutes than you ever thought possible.  

Okay, so yesterday, I gave this yoga stuff a try.  Luckily, I have an amazing sister-in-law (friend) who was willing to go with me.  No way would I have gone by myself.  It was an interesting experience.  The room was so quiet when we walked in but we got to be right behind the instructor because we are both new to yoga.  Woohoo!  So, first of all, there's a lot of weird words that are said during a yoga class.  Second, I am still not anywhere close to being flexible enough for yoga.  But, it was different, I was able to do a little more than I thought I would and I enjoyed it.  I would try it again.  The people were really nice at the place we went.  If only it wasn't so expensive! 

So, by trying to stay active, I made myself clean my house yesterday morning.  I admit, when I got home from yoga, I took a nap.  But, it wouldn't be Sunday without a nap on the couch, right?  I watched my niece and nephew last night and I always consider that to be pretty active.  But, I have to admit, my favorite part of the night was when my niece cuddled up beside me while watching a night-night show and, after I put her to bed, my nephew did the same.  Their innocence and how much I know they love me makes every moment I spend with them that much more special.

I took my nephew to Entertrainment Junction this morning for a couple of hours.  I wanted to take him and I figured running around with him for a couple of hours counted as being active.  We had a great time and, to this day, it still amazes me how much easier (and how much more fun) it is to run around with him after losing all of this weight.  Being healthy has so many more benefits than I ever thought possible.

So, in conclusion, a week ago I wasn't sure what this week would bring.  But, I am happy to say that I've enjoyed it and it's actually been refreshing.  I should have known there'd be a lesson in there somewhere.... ;) I have no idea if it will make any difference with the number I see on the scale in the next few weeks.  But, I won't give up on my goals and, if nothing else happens, that speaks volumes to me about the type of person I've become over the last year.  If I've learned anything, it's that it's okay to take a few days off at times.  Sometimes you need to take a step away from something to really see the benefits and keep enjoying it.  That includes exercise.  I can see why so many people talk about the importance of a rest day each week.  Now, while I haven't really done that throughout the last year, I would consider the walks I take to be kind of an active rest.  I'm still moving but not going full speed.  Just another reason why I can't wait for spring.  My 'rest day' can become my day to walk around and enjoy the fresh air!!

Tomorrow I start working out again.  Should be fun!  Or, maybe I should hold off on saying that til I see what I have to do.... Either way, I have a feeling there will be a decent amount of laughing at myself - Hey, when doesn't that happen?? :)