The last of my suggested new year’s resolutions was to find an exercise you could enjoy for life. I have a strong opinion about exercise—it mostly sucks. I don’t like to get sweaty. I don’t have time for an hour of anything five times a week. I lack the attention span to stick to anything for very long. I can think of no fewer than 1,400 reasons why I shouldn’t exercise at any given moment. However, I can think of a couple more compelling reasons why I should.
Why I exercise (or, what’s wrong with my body)
My right thigh is larger than my left thigh. I need to exercise to get them even.
I weighed 162 pounds on the scale at work this morning. That number was smaller before Christmas.
My parents are fat so genetically things aren’t looking good for me.
I am getting older. Old people who have exercised their whole lives are cooler than old people who have made excuses their whole lives.
I can gain weight much faster than I can lose it.
I have a disturbing jiggle on the top of my hips (what my sister calls “butt shoulders”).
My tight jeans might saw me in half if I wiggle too much.
What kind of exercise I do (or, how to get the most from the least)
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not lazy or gross. I want to exercise and be healthy and lose weight. The truth of the matter is that I don’t want to yo-yo anymore. I lost weight years ago by working out 2 hours a day. Well, no duh. Who wouldn’t? But I gained it all back, plus some. I don’t have 2 hours to do that again and still be the mother and homemaker that I want to be.
This whole blog is about my jumping off the weight rollercoaster for good. I don’t want to start something that I can’t continue for the rest of my life. So, that means I had better be realistic and efficient. Despite the previous paragraph where I listed all my physical shortcomings, I have seen progress since I’ve adopted this approach. (Those butt shoulders use to barely fit into a size 14!)
Now, I’ve streamlined my workout to this: 30 minutes of cardio twice a week and Pilates twice a week. I try to get some kind of activity in on the weekends, but that usually isn’t real exercise. It’s yard work or house work or shopping or something kid-related. I think that’s a schedule I can maintain for a long time. It’s not too demanding of my time or energy. If I pair that schedule with a healthy approach to healthy food, I should have the prescription for long-term weight management!
easyveganfitness 
Posted by Sarah on January 11, 2012 at 2:36 am
Oh how I can relate to a lot of your posts, including this one. I am loving your approach to exercising. It’s been a while since I’ve been inspired to get back into it, but when you put it like that! 🙂 I think it’s a doable schedule for me too.
I really love your blog. And I wish you the best as you strive for you goals. Bravo!
Posted by stillthinking2023 on January 11, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Thanks for stopping by. I’m learning a lot from yours. You may notice some changes that look familiar in the next few weeks…Just remember, my imitation of you is my highest form of flattery.
Posted by Sarah on January 11, 2012 at 8:59 pm
🙂 i look forward to seeing your changes! Though I do like the way it is now. There’s something about the green that makes me relax, what can I say?
Posted by Arsegoblin on January 11, 2012 at 10:58 pm
interesting read. i liked reading your blog cuz it brightened my spirits up a wee bit
Posted by yoonanimous on January 19, 2012 at 5:29 pm
practical, and inspiring. i have a day planner for work where i jot in the margin how i was active that day–nothing to obsess about but keeps me mindful.