For me exercise is a love/hate relationship. In the past I have had to force myself into any type of exercise I really did just loathe it. This year thought I have been really keen on Pilates and then Yoga (and they both count as exercise, they are by no means easy). And then I couldn't do them for a while, so then it all went out of the window. But since July, I've really wanted to actually go to the gym regularly.
So this week, I joined a gym and I have been 4 times so far! I came to London on Friday, so my gym duties are put off until I'm back, but yes, I'm proud of myself! I'm still finding my way around the gym; I've been on the cable pulley thing, as if I'm rowing a boat or so. Been on the
cross trainer etc etc. However I find myself with a bit of gym shyness, which
is frustrating because I know that in order to get the results I want I need to
be using the weights.
I really want to exercise for various reason:
- I want to tone up - no shame in being vain!
- I want to be able to run for the bus without feeling like death is approaching
- I won't be blessed with a fast metabolism forever, so may as well not pile on the pounds, especially with my diet!
But in the gym, people stare. Like goodness me, I couldn't imagine
anything worse for my SA than a huge room filled with people (this also happens
to be filled with equipment). But alas, I did manage to fight the pesky anxiety
and use some weight leg machine. I didn't manage to do much and after that I
quickly bolted before my anxiety reached an all time high.
.
Anyway gym and fitness can also be confusing, like is stretching before
actually bad for you or not? What foods should you eat? Do you really need to take protein shakes? There is SO much information out there about the gym and female bodies, that it's hard to know which one will work for you. For now I've started off by taking on what I can, now I'm drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. Trying out different veg and adding loads to my meals. However staying motivated is what concerns me - with most things I do I throw in the towel after two weeks.
Thing is I feel really great after I workout and it’s really excellent from taking my mind of the blues that frequent me. So it’s a winner overall! Anyway, watch this space for my body transformation (haha). But here are some more words and pictures I use to keep me motivated.
I actually have this on my noticeboard
How do you stay motivated?
xxx
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