Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Gaining more energy


I started an outdoor fitness group last night. This unusual behaviour was prompted by a customer who is also a fitness trainer (he used to train me when I went to the gym, quite a few years ago). He now runs his own outdoor fitness company and invited me to join a ten-week programme, for free. He's such a great guy and said 'just come along, join in'. The class started a two minute walk from work, I had no excuses! So I did.

There were eleven other people in the group and we did all sorts of mad things. It took me almost 16 minutes to run up a mountain (as you do). I had to walk/run most of the way, but I still got there. It brought home to me just how unfit I am. Walking and yoga, as much as I love them, don't get your heart rate up.

I had a little bit of a headache at the top of the mountain, and had visions of me all burnt out and shaky like after a full-on aerobics workout, but I will just take it easy and know my limits.

The class is twice a week so I will be off again on Thursday. I'm so happy that I was offered the opportunity to try this class as I would never have gone looking for it on my own. It reminded me how much I enjoy running and exerting myself. It's such a pleasure to exercise outside too. I just can't get excited about being inside a gym, walking nowhere on a treadmill.

After my shower when I arrived home I was like a jellyfish. It felt so good. I slept the sleep of the dead too.

I've been feeling a bit lately like something is missing - and it is high energy. I've been so 'busy' wafting around being serene that I've not been that productive. I need to get busier at the shop and finish all my work projects and I need to be more organised with my time at home.

I've been keeping on top of things at home but my main stressor which I want to resolve is our small home-office. Usually it is reasonably tidy with my sewing machine and overlocker, a bookshelf with my French Chic folders, knitting and embroidery supplies, wrapping paper, ribbons and cards etc.

Then recently my grandmother-in-law went into a rest home (at 98, good effort!) and her home which she had lived in for seventy years was cleaned out. Because I am the only one in the family who is even faintly crafty, I have inherited all her knitting yarn, tapestry wool, vintage sewing and knitting patterns, fabrics, buttons and fascinating old sewing equipment.

It is all wonderful stuff, I feel so blessed to have it, and I have been sorting through it, putting like things together. Next I have to merge it with my 'stuff' and declutter at the same time. The poor little office is rather full right now.

One of my days off I want to pull everything out of the office (which could take over the entire living room it is attached to) and then put back in order, editing as I go. I will have to start this first thing in the morning if I want to finish by dinner time.

But for now, looking at fitting two more exercise classes into my schedule each week is testing my time management skills (and meal planning since we get home an hour later than normal). I am making sure being busy forces me to be more organised and motivated, rather than feeling awash, like I have been lately.

12 comments:

  1. Fiona,
    I think your outside exercise class sounds great! I used to be an avid outside runner when I ran track and field but since university I don't do that so much anymore. But that "jellyfish feeling", I totally understand and reminds me of why I stuck through 4 years of track in the first place!
    I also have come to realize recently that I needed something high energy to balance things out. Last week I took up swing dance! haha not quite the same but a different experience enough for me to become fully exhausted
    good luck with your class!

    ~lenna

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  2. Good for you! I have been doing alot of speed walking lately and I love it! On the days I can't do that, I do have a treadmill at home that gets a good workout in! I am more organized the busier I am, go figure! :) Have a fab day! xxoo :)

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  3. That's great, Fiona. You can't very well turn down 'free'!
    I have decided to get more higher impact exercise as well. I spend entirely too much time puttering and laptopping and I am getting the rear end to show for it!

    I look forward to hearing how the next 10 weeks goes.

    Good for you....

    A

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  4. I once heard (and even used to SAY) something like: "Energy begets energy".

    You're a GREAT example of this! I'm inspired. Now to put my pedal to the metal!

    "The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you will feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results."
    - Anthony Robbins

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  5. Fiona,

    Your new class sounds very energizing...and free is too good to pass up.

    I love walking and my Yoga practise...afraid I spend too much time on my laptop and will need to wean myself when the better weather arrives!

    Inspiring me yet again...you are a star!

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  6. I have often said the main reason people pay a trainer is because it is hard to think of fun and challenging workouts on your own. It is so great to have your buddy/ trainer give you this opportunity to find your groove again! Love it.

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  7. How very nice that he offered you the class for free. There is something about being outdoors and getting fresh air that is so nice.

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  8. Lenna, swing dancing sounds like so much fun. I've often thought of finding a swing or salsa dance class but that's about as far as I've got. Just sitting on my bum thinking about it. Enjoy your fun exercise.

    Cathi, speed walking is great too. Not as jarring as running but you still feel really good and worked out at the end. I imagine a treadmill at home would be fantastic - with a big tv in front for trashy tv and French movies!

    Adrienne, I saw on their website the course is actually quite expensive, so I feel very lucky. I am the same with pottering and laptopping (and the rear end).

    Rebecca, that's such a true quote (and fabulous). I love the Tony Robbins quote too.

    Leslie, yes, outdoor exercise in colder and snowier areas is more of a challenge. I'm very happy to live in a temperate climate where I can pretty much do outdoor exercise all year round (just with an umbrella sometimes, walking though, not running!).

    Debra, I was thinking the exact same thing last night. I COULD just run up the mountain and do squat jumps and the plank and dips myself after work. But I wouldn't. I would go for a leisurely walk and then home for a glass of wine. Having someone train you is so motivating. That's why I love my yoga class. I wouldn't do it otherwise. But I just follow the instructions. Having group classes for both yoga and outdoor fitness makes it much more affordable than having a private instructor too.

    Stephanie, I know! I feel so blessed. Being outside is the best. It's good for the soul.

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  9. Enjoy your class--being outside is the BEST way to exercise. I am out everyday now walking the dog (sometimes twice) and I just love it (except when it is sub-zero and spitting ice balls in my face). I have even been running with the dog--what the heck is wrong with me? I am NOT a runner. Tonight we "jog/walked"...Rockefeller loves running. He's so cute when his little feet slowly pick up speed and just when he thinks he's about to break into a full throttle run--eeeecchhkk!--he reaches the end of the leash. Such a bummer for the little guy. xxBliss

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  10. I absolutely love walking, even speed-walking, outdoors. There's something about being in nature and being with other people that energizes me, and it is probably the main reason I rebel against using indoor cardio equipment. So good for you! Once you get your stamina back, you'll be able to tackle those home and time organization projects with vigor!

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  11. Fiona, I know just what you mean about something being missing. While I thoroughly enjoy Pilates, it doesn't get it my heart rate up. Two days ago I went for the gusto and accomplished a 19 mile bike ride. Of course, I could barely walk the next day, but it certainly has me ready to take on more.

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  12. An outdoor fitness group? What a FABULOUS idea!!! I will have to see what I can do to start one in my area - thank you for the idea!!!
    ~Christina

    http://christinaville.wordpress.com/

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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