Monday, February 15, 2016

No woman is an island...

This was the message that a few people have being trying to drum into my stubborn head in the last couple of weeks. Personally, I think Life has been taking a monumental dump on a lot of people around me and frankly, my problem shared is a problem doubled. But I took their point and have been leaning a little more on those around me.

Last Tuesday, I went for my New Patient check up in my new doctor's surgery. I've only been out in the Wilds for 18 months, I figured it was about time to organise my healthcare over. I got a bit of a shock when the nurse went through my stats. It seems I've been a little too successful in my comfort eating. Yes, my butt has become the size of a South American country. I have been meaning to get back to the gym, but struggled. I sat down, thought about it and signed up for a fitness class before I thought about it too much.

In the past, I've avoided fitness classes like dog poo on the pavement. Generally speaking, the ones I've gone to in the past were filled with bright, shiny, thin, fit women bouncing all over the place. I've got an amazing history of signing up to one class...

I signed up to a Stretch and Flex class, billed for all fitness levels. The women in this fitness class ranged in age from early 20s to mid-60s and were a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They were so welcoming, they pointed me towards the equipment I needed and helped me get settled. The instructor was exactly as you'd expect: young, gorgeous and bouncy - totally lovely. She talked to me beforehand to emphasise that I must only work within my level and to find out what issues I may have. And then we went to work. It was only yesterday that I could move without moaning and groaning. I could barely walk the next day.

I knew I'd let things seriously slip...but good grief...I didn't think it was that bad. But yes, it really has got that bad. It's clear I can't fight my way out of a paper bag and that just won't do. 

The gym I go to is amazing in that the prices of the classes are included in the fees, which is very unusual. Given I'm not particularly robust and quite tight and blocked up, I've decided the more gentle the class, the better. Today, it was a Stretch class (without the flex) and I was practically purring by the time we finished. It was pure bliss. 

Keeping that in mind, I'll do yoga tomorrow and Thursday and do the Stretch & Bitch class again on Wednesday. Because of the booking process, you have to be quick off the mark to get a place on the popular classes, therefore, if I miss a class, I'll hop on the exercise bike or elliptical machine, but keep things fairly low impact for the moment.

It's not the way I envisaged doing gym stuff, I miss lifting and running, but I can't face doing either of those things right now. It's too much. Both those activities require more willpower and effort than I have now. If I keep doing classes, it'll be fun, get me moving; and doing something is better than not moving at all. I also hope that by doing yoga regularly, my knee, lower back and wrists will strengthen up and become more robust. 

That's the Plan. 

18 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:08 pm

    Slowly, slowly, darling. You are SO right, it's better to do someTHING than nothing! And what's good about the yoga is the breathing and mindfullness, something that is beneficial in quite another way than the hard core weights and aerobic classes. Remember, this isn't just about physically improving your body, but mentally as well, it's a wonderful stress reliever and will aid in a good night's rest. Proud of you, girl! - La Diva Cucina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "A good night's rest"? What's one of those? :)

      I have pretty low expectations right now. One step, one downward dog pose at a time.

      Massive hugs to you darling.

      You're my inspiration for sure. Love you loads. xxx

      Delete
  2. I know someone who started an introductory yoga class a few months ago and has been very pleased with the results. The lessons are delivered to her iPad, so I loaned her my Apple TV box so that she could stream it to her TV which makes it easier to follow along.

    Best wishes with the yoga!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like yoga, I just haven't made any time for it recently, so it'll be good to get back to.

      Though I need an instructor to help with the poses. What I think my body is doing...often is nothing like the reality.

      Delete
  3. Very good! And yes, definitely take it slowly. No need to push too hard, injure yourself, and not be able to continue. I am doing the same with a yoga/rehab program thar is working well. I can touch the floor now! Wishing you some stress relied bith physically and mentally, which should come as you move forward with your fym work. Big hugs, darling. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw the pictures you put up on FB. You look amazing.

      I don't know that I've even been able to touch the floor. Here's hoping I will soon.

      I tell myself that there is no "before" and "after", there is only "during". A bit esoteric but it's made it easier.

      Good luck with your yoga journey.

      Delete
    2. Thanks! And good luck on your journey as well. The yoga I do is not the "oommmm" meditative type. I am total crap at meditation. This is a combination of yoga stretches, dynamic resistance and muscle engagement. I have to take it slowly because of all the health issues I have but I am making progress. It is a lifelong journey and this is one form of exercise I feel I can stick to for that long. No gym membership required! xoxo

      Delete
  4. Anonymous8:26 pm

    Can I see Ponita too, without farcebook ? Ach ...

    What helps me sometime is just sitting and meditating, without the contortion. Today I'm just a budd(h)a-like bloke, my aikido days are over. But it was "fun".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am also working on my meditation practice...it's also a work in progress.

      Delete
  5. Snap! I am trying, the slow and sensible way, to reduce some of my excess baggage.So hard when injury sidelines a body! But I'm easing back into yoga and last night, because I'd been far too long on this chair, I did some pretty hard work on my legs. Must have helped cos I hit the deck running at 5am when Sporran threw up in the hall!
    Hugs to you and your Main Man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear of your progress...mind you, I have also been known to hit the deck running from a dead sleep at the first sound of yak.

      All hugs gratefully received. xx

      Delete
  6. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Wear comfortable shoes & enjoy the views & surprises you encounter. You've already done the hard part--you're actually doing something instead of just thinking about it. Keep going, & you'll reach your goal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Today, I'm just thinking about it. I still ache from yesterday and can't move very far or fast.

      I'm going with it. There are other things which require my will power today.
      xx

      Delete
  7. Yoga sorted my arm and shoulder pain out.... it was so bad I couldn't scroll without pain on my iPad... no problems in over a year now.
    Sx

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    Replies
    1. Ha... might have read better if I'd written: it was so bad I couldn't scroll on my iPad without pain. All I need now is something to sort my brain out :-)
      Sx

      Delete
    2. Wow. That's brilliant.

      If you find something that sorts a brain out, can you pass it my way? I'd love some!

      xxx

      Delete
  8. one step, sweetpea, one step, and then, the next one will follow. i keep telling myself that ;) xoxoxox

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  9. Stretch & Flex/Bitch - Heh! I find it so difficult to force myself to do any exercise, so you have my all encompassing awe! Having said that, I did get on my bike at the weekend as it was dry - Do you still go out on yours?

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