For a start, psychologically, when it got to 10am and I'd already been to the gym, showered, washed, dried and straightened my hair and I was sat in the library ready to start my essay, I felt productive and as a consequence, I was productive. I had also, before getting to the library, packed myself a lunch which I have to say was much more healthy than my usual haul, and I wonder if having been to the gym had something to do with my reaching for the cucumber, as opposed to the cheese.
Now, it's no secret that exercise helps to boost your mood, so it's no surprise that I felt a lot more cheerful, positive and confident this morning than I usually do after my normal sluggish start. Exercise has always been my way to control stress though, and it has given me confidence in myself over the years which I don't think I could have had otherwise. I don't really use it to control my weight so it doesn't give me confidence in that way (although given that I've been a gymbunny since I was 16 it would be impossible to say how I might look had I not been consistent in exercising), but it's just something about being in control of my own fitness, having aims and always pushing myself to beat my own previous best which gives me confidence. I think it might also have a lot to do with being fitter than most men, and I do like that; I like that I'm small but not pathetic, and I like that I can hold my own and shun all the stereotypes.
But now I'm worried, as having been so into my fitness for so long, I am now concerned that when I move and can't afford the gym for a while (and even when I can, will I have the time/energy) that all of these benefits will disappear, and I'm scared of the chubby, stressed, pathetic-feeling girl who might be left behind. I just wish I liked running or had any motivation for it, then there wouldn't be a problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could stay fit without forking out for a gym membership? If you do, please let me know, I really am a bit worried for my health.
6 comments:
I'm afraid I can't really help with any advice here, I am not one for going to the gym or exercising much really lol I would love every day to be as productive as the one you describe here, I love productive days!
You have a really nice blog btw, I'm really enjoying reading it :) visiting from the Life of Meg link-up
I am impressed with a gym visit to start your day! I am not sure what type of place you're moving to, but you can stay active! Make a new friend and go for lots of long walks. It's a great way to both learn a new city and get to know a new friend. Or walk alone before you make a friend. You can rollerblade, ride a bike, do sit ups/push ups at home, an exercise DVD, etc. Lots of ways to be fit without the expense of a gym membership. Good luck! Visiting from Mingle Monday.
I do! (Sidenote: Hi from Mingle Monday) I know this is going to sound silly, but trust me it's no joke.... workout videos. Specifically: Bob Harper's Inside Out Method DVDs. Sooo... hard. I, too, had my lovely gym membership back in the day, but when I moved last summer I had to commit to truly tough videos and running. The thing is that you have to push yourself, because only you know how hard you work. Good luck! I know you can do it!
I'm impressed!
Lots of large churches have free (or donation) exercise classes! I go to a pretty small church, but there are at least four local churches around where I live (Waco, TX) that have Zumba, pilates, BodyFit, etc. classes in their basements for low costs (regardless of your membership to the church). Check it out!
Hello from Mingle Monday! Keep up the good work!
-Sarah
Hi! I'm visiting from Mingle Monday! My suggestion too is workout videos. A friend loaned me the P90x videos and I did 15 minutes yesterday and thought I was going to be sick..yeah haven't been to the gym in a while, but it was a good workout! I really want to get a yoga video too, obviously not a cardio workout but it helps with strength and stretching! Since you have been working out for so long I'm sure you won't have a problem finding ways to stay fit!
Sounds like a great start to the day. I am starting to exercise at home to try and get over a knee injury. I just have some little weights and so squats etc. Also, I used to love running but can't do it any more. The best way to do it at home is ot make it a routine and do the exercise the same time every day to get used to it.
I have an award for you over at my blog :-)
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