Revisiting my fitness routine

Women on Bicycles --- Image by © John Springer Collection/CORBIS

I recently started swimming, although I have not been as comitted to that activity as I would like to be, I have made great improvements in my endurance and form.  Aside from that huge change I basically teach my regular classes; Spinning, Muscle Conditioning, Senior Strength and Intro to Pilates.  The rest of the time I, somehow, find something more important to do at home and "I could always get a workout in later."  Ha! Yeah right!  Who am I kidding, when I'm done cleaning my bathroom I'm going to either take a nap or sit and relax, read, write, whatever, anything not requiring physical activity.

I decided to begin training myself outside of training anyone else.  I realize that the work I put forth in a class or during a training session is mostly adrenalin.  I needed to be challenged by others the same way I challenge those in my class. I find it amazing how I can push hard and work hard when I'm teaching but when I'm the student I feel the urge to quit every once in a while--I don't quit but I sometimes want to!  My teaching partners say the same thing so I know I'm not alone in this.

Anyway, I started taking a class called Total Body Conditioning (TBC) which is like boot camp training and it was then that I saw myself in the sand pitt with my old Marine Corps Drill Instructor at my heels making me do push-ups, mountain climbers, jacks, back to push ups, crunches, back to push ups....oh the nightmare.  This type of cross training is energizing, motivating, invigorating and super hard.  My first day, last Tuesday, was the toughest for me because there were other instructors in the class who are there regularly and expected me to keep up with them, which I did (barely).

I have been sore ever since.  My core muscles are screaming, every time I laugh, cough, sneeze, stand, sit, walk...I can feel everything, everywhere--oh what a feeling.  AND try teaching a class without showing the pain, oh yes, it's a challenge but I have to say, I feel fantastic.

Sometimes we get into our little workout routines and we're just happy to be in a routine at all so we stick with it and go about our business without taking into consideration how we might feel in a month or six weeks from now.  It is so important to switch workouts around from one week to the next and sometimes from day to day to ensure that we are working all the muscles and that we don't get bored with the same old routine.  When one activity becomes boring then we are not being challenged and there really is no point in doing it so we either make it more challenging by adding resistance or distance or we find something else that accomplishes the same goal.

I would strongly suggest to those of you who feel you are stuck in a rut, find a class or an activity that will keep you challanged, motivated and make you work hard.  One that will challenge your strength, cardiovascular endurance AND your mind!  Go for it!

Comments

[Lance]

Hi Spin Diva,

I'm laughing...the pain - I can relate, I've been there - and I'm feeling a bit of it today (so I'm not laughing too hard...it hurts!!). After being a bit of a slacker in our weight room - I made it back there yesterday. So today I'm starting to feel sore. It's coming, I know it is... (if that makes you feel any better, I'm in the boat with you...that one where it hurts to laugh)

And - good for you on getting yourself out there - and doing something for YOU. That's important.

[LaTonya Richardson]

Hi Spin Diva. Oh the pain. I'm getting started, again, today, and you've scared me! The pain in getting started again, or trying something new is enough to say FORGET it, maybe another day.

[Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach]

The pain, the agony, let me tell you, I can relate from having done 300 pushups yesterday (30 per hour) and wow, I'm feeling it today!

But every little step and bit help. Motivation rocks!

[CurtissAnn]

Hey there, Spin Diva. Our church started a community walk as a reaching out project. Maybe reaching in, too, to get us doing things together. Since most of our church body are older folks, walking is something we can all do and need to do. I have a problem ankle, but I've started, and it seems to help my ankle. Of course, all day I have sat here. I sure need walking tonight!

[SpinDiva]

Sometimes that little "pain" we feel after a good hard workout serves as a reminder of our work to stay in shape. I welcome a little soreness every now and then. Keep up the good work everyone. Every bit activity you do makes a difference! Thanks for visiting and commenting on this article.

[Fred Nicklaus]

Push ups, mountain climbers, more push ups, michigan sit ups, flutter kicks. Sounds familiar. It's a pleasure to see the effort and intensity of those who are 40 plus using these types of exercises to increase core strength, upper body strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. It's amazing what we can do when we make a decision to do something.