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Back to Exercising

By Jen Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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The secret truth: I exercise because I like to eat whatever I want. Specifically, I like chocolate and Oreos®. (Yes, they're related.)

Some people don't exercise because they claim they can't find the time, others because their health limitations make it difficult. But really, the reason most of prefer not to sweat is because we prefer not to sweat. Also, we're lazy.

I admit it. I have been lazy.

After a three-month hiatus which happened to coincide with my children's summer vacation, I found it necessary to return to and, in fact, intensify, my exercise routine. Aside from the eating part, I found it necessary because I have a mean doctor who insists that I must do something extreme and immediate for the health of my wimpy bones and not-as-young-as-they-used-to-be joints.

Here's the hilarious part. She says I must exercise four times a week for at least an hour. After I hire Alice from The Brady Bunch to man the fort, this schedule will be possible. Then there's that small problem with meeting those deadlines. Excuses again.

To redeem myself a bit here I should point out that I have actually done an abbreviated version of this workout for seven years. And because I prefer not to sweat (and at the recommendation of that pesky doctor), most of my exercising is in the pool via an aquatic exercise class. It's not exactly water aerobics because of the swimming elements, but one thing is for sure, the water is cold.

This adventure hasn't been what I expected, that's for certain. I envisioned little blue-haired ladies gingerly hopping to and fro. No splashing. I hadn't banked on a perky drill sergeant who never tires (seriously, NEVER) and some of the most fit women I've ever met. Some have babies and make me feel ancient; others are grandmothers with the ability to tread water while carrying on lengthy conversations. They make me feel ancient, too.

I've been at this for a month now and I'm waiting for that surge of endorphins that'll inspire me to clean out the closet, pull the weeds in the side yard, or get out of bed in the morning without the snap, crackle and pop.

Yet I soldier on! As I plunge into the frigid waters, I dream of again fitting comfortably into that little black dress, of walking painlessly through parking lots and, yes, of Oreos®

Holiday exercise tip: For those of you who are perfectly capable of hopping and stretching on land, check out www.5minutesformom.com for Lisa's "Deck of Cards" column. This is a very cool idea for a daily workout!