Fearless Fitness Friday: Mixing Up Your Routine



TGIF, Shopaholics! Welcome to another edition of Fearless Fitness Friday!

One thing I have learned about working out and trying to get into shape: it is very important to "Mix It Up". If I don't mix up my routines and take new classes, etc - I get bored very quickly. When possible, it's best to keep the exercise fun. It makes the time go by faster, and the overall effort seem less painful.

Friends have commented that I sure am working out a lot. I'm trying to get in 4 classes or workouts every week, and some weeks I have managed to make that 5. Ideally I would love to work out 5-6 days a week, and feel this is reasonable considering I don't have a "real job".

Some of the classes I am taking at the local YMCA include: Hi/Lo Combo Aerobics, Tone To Stone (mainly a toning class with a little cardio), Kickboxing, Cardio Blast (different cardio stations and toning) and Pilates. On the days I don't attend a class at the Y, I am walking/running 4 miles. The 4 miles is actually pretty easy for me now - although I'm trying to run more of the distance.

When I first started my workout program, I could only run maybe 10% of the time. Now I'm up to around 30%. I'd love to be able to run at least 50% of the workout, but I'm having a difficult time conditioning myself to run that much. I'm not sure if it's my breathing or what - I will sometimes feel like I can't breathe any more unless I stop running and start walking instead. Note I don't have any asthma or known breathing issues, so I know that isn't the problem. Maybe I'm just that out of shape still - who knows! But one thing is for sure - I'm going to keep trying.

Next week I plan to try a Zumba class, Yoga and continue working on increasing my running % on the 4-mile trek. This is a long process and I know it will take a while to figure out what works best for me, and helps me achieve my fitness goals.

I have no idea how much weight I've lost. Unfortunately I did not weigh when I started the plan, because I was so discouraged and disgusted that I didn't even WANT to know that number. Really I prefer to judge my progress based on how my clothes fit.

The good news in all of this? I've worn 3 pieces of Lilly in the past week, that were too tight and I wouldn't have been seen in out of the house six weeks ago. That is something to celebrate, although there is still a long way to go.

Are you also working on losing weight and getting into shape? How's it going? What is your favorite form of exercise?

Have a Fantastic Friday!


Comments

  1. You'll have to let us all know how Zumba goes next week - I've been dying to try that for ages!

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  2. Wow! You are working out a lot. I'm taking a break for the summer, but am doing some home routines. Unfortunlatey (or maybe not), I can't run at all. So mine is all core and strength.

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  3. I think part of the breathing problem is that it is so dang hot in the South during the summer!! I feel the same way. I love zumba and yoga. Yoga is one of my faves. It tones you up more than you would think it does! I like to change it up to. Both for boredom and b/c I think muscle confusion gives faster results. It's just my eating that's hard to watch...Ugh. Good job!! :-D

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  4. Lori I do think running and even walking is much harder for you there on the Gulf Coast - that humidity is the worst. I run on my treadmill in the air conditioning, with the tv on :-) I know it's better to be outside but it's easier and you can go farther. You are doing great- keep it up- you will continue to see the results! I love working out but hate dieting. Wendy

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  5. Congratulations on the weight loss! It has been so hot and smoky here that walking outside is not an option. Seriously thinking about joining the Y, got to do something. Thanks for the motivation:)

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