Why I Don’t Work Out

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There are these images that flash through my mind (and on a Google image search for “workout”):

Why I Don't Work Out

And then there is this reality that exists in my midsection:

Why I Don't Work Out

I tried this “working out” thing, dear sister. I truly did. I woke up for six months straight at the unholy hour of 5:45 a.m. in order to get my butt to my workout class. It took me about the first 15 minutes of the class to completely come out of my sleep coma, stop gagging on my morning breath, and adjust to the volume coming out of the instructor’s wireless mic. Everyone around me seemed so chipper and alert. I was aching for the comfort of my king-sized bed. It didn’t take me too long to realize this type of exercise was not for me. I wanted my bed, I needed to wake up gently, and I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out how to get the caffeine in my bloodstream to the appropriate level before 6 a.m.

Now, before I get loads of “But Marti…” comments, let me clarify a few things. I am not against being physically fit and healthy. I am not against exercise. I am actually a fan of most things athletic and sports oriented. BUT, over the years I’ve determined I am not one who enjoys “working out.”

From the time I was very young I realized I had a very competitive spark in me. I tried most sports that came across my path and enjoyed several of them at a competitive level. I often arrived at high school hours before it started to practice my hurdle cadence and stayed hours afterwards with my volleyball team. I really love sports.

However, something changed after I had kids and entered this “thirty-something” phase of life. Instead of the thrill of competition and the joy of camaraderie on the stage of organized sports, I found myself looking into the grim hole of “working out.” Luckily for me, exercise comes in many forms.

Re-Kindling an Old Flame

Why I Don't Work OutSo, I’ve recently reunited with a lost love. I have dubbed it “Intense Recreation.” Okay, I started riding my bike again, and I’ve found that I love it. A lot. Like 20 miles at a time a lot.

I don’t have to get up to make it to class on time. I can choose to hop on my bike early in the morning (which is a lot easier than facing an Ace of Base remix over a loud speaker) or wait until the heat of the day cools off and ride at night.

It’s quiet, there’s always a cool breeze rushing over my face, and when I get in a groove I feel like I could ride forever. Conversely, 45 minutes at the gym felt like an eternity in Dante’s Inferno.

There’s Nothing Like Spandex to Inspire Healthier Choices

AWhy I Don't Work Outfter riding for several weeks, there were a few surprises I had to deal with. Namely, taking care of my rump and “hoo ha” on long rides. Riding for 10-15 miles every day starts to make an impression on your nether regions. Luckily, I have a good female bike riding friend with whom I could ask a myriad of personal questions.

After a trip to a local sporting goods shop I was ready to roll. Covered in some sweet spandex and a gel padded rump, my rides have been delightful. And, as the weeks have progressed, I’ve noticed some of the previously lumpy areas are disappearing! Hooray for lump-free spandex!

Apparently, there are also cremes designed specifically for a woman’s sensitivities. Creme = heavenly ride. Enough said.

Wide Open Spaces

Why I Don't Work OutOne of the reasons I found “working out” so difficult was because I generally felt trapped. Trapped in a sweat-laden, fluorescent light glowing, volume intensive environment. I do much better outdoors. I have seen some of the most amazing sights on my rides. I’ve seen more wildlife in the past few weeks than I have in months. Chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and some very bizarre insects have crossed my path. The sun glowing over the corn fields is an ethereal view, and nodding cordially to other riders whizzing by lets me know I’m welcome in this brotherhood of bikers. There have literally been mornings when there are chipmunks waiting for me at the finish line. I realize this type of “Intense Recreation” is going to become a problem come November…. Any suggestions?

Bikers Have the Social Scene Figured Out

A bicycle and music festival? Pedaler’s Jamboree? Urban Assault Ride? Sunday Funday Ride? What is this frivolity of which these bikers speak? Isn’t “working out” supposed to be painful and hard? Not so, my dear friends. Bikers have it figured out. Grab some friends and a bike and hit the road. Chances are, any day of the week, there is an adventure awaiting. Check out Bike Iowa for every bike related event or ride you could wish for.

What type of exercise do you enjoy outside of the “workout arena”? How do you get your endorphins pumping? What on earth will I do this winter to keep me going?

Why I Don't Work Out

 

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Marti Skow
Marti Skow is a boy raising, homeschooling, picture taking, blog/song/poetry writing, husband loving, work from home graphic artist. She has learned to graciously thrive in a house full of boys, living a life precariously between wedgie wars and warrior training. Marti has written several worship songs with her husband Josh and describes writing and poetry as her form of “knitting.” Some of her favorite things are good coffee (spelled Smokey Row), historical fiction and breakfast foods…preferably enjoyed together. Marti’s desire is to see the world as God sees it and to love His people as He does. You can read more about Marti’s life with boys at www.betterbelieveit.wordpress.com.

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