I am away from home a lot and not always able to get to the gym.  But I will be home the rest of July and tried a spin class at the gym.  OMG, what a work out.  I do a kick boxing class, a latin dance class, and a boxing class, but wasnt interested in the rest of the classes that they offered.  I decided to try spin, I had been avoiding it because I thought sitting on a bike for an hour would be so boring. WRONG, they mix up the intensity and the speed and positions and its to music, and the class is in front of a huge window, so its almost like being outside.  I can really feel it in my it in my legs.  I think this is what I needed.  It gets boring doing the same things, so mix it up and have fun.  Try new things, even if you think you cant do it.  You can always modify the moves to suit you better, most instructors encourage that anyways. 

When I cant get to the gym I bought DVD's, Core Rythms and Turbo Jam.  When I didnt have a DVD player at one of the homes I was staying at (I pet sit) I went swimming, and did some of the core rythms moves in the pool.  I stayed at a beautiful home with a private beach, and walked in the sand.  I really dont have any excuse not to exercise anymore.  I just use what I have at the moment.  Seeing muscles finally and toning up keeps me motivated.   Life is to much better without aching knees, hips and bad back!

Judi

Hi judiwright, 

It sounds like you're doing great with your workouts!  It is so important to include a variety of exercises to keep your mind and body challenged and motivated!  Your are right.... spinning classes are a great way to burn tons of calories and challenge your legs to a new level of muscle endurance and fitness!  

You seem to have such a great outlook and attitude on life and on staying active and healthy!  Exercise should be considered a privilege and honor to keep our bodies strong and vibrant! Utilize it whenever and however you can.... Life is better when we honor our bodies giving us energy and a better quality of life!

Best in health, 

Kelli

 Hi and thanks Kelli

I am going back to bootcamp this weekend.  I did 3 weeks of a 5 week bootcamp session in June, and because of my schedule, I couldnt finish.  The instructor of my boxing class (I always refered to him as a drill sargeant : ) also leads the boot camp, so when I saw him at boxing last weekend, he told me to get back to camp.  Its really a challenge!  lots of obstactle courses, military style drills, running with a parachute and boxing(which is my favorite) You cant believe how long 1 minute is, until you try a 1minute boxing round.

I have come so far in a year.  I couldnt even walk around the block without pain last year.  I had to drop out of a charity walk because of severe pain in my back and hip last September. 

Life is better when we treat our bodies right.

Judi

Hi judiwright, 

You should be so proud of yourself and what you've accomplished in the past year!  You are right that life is so much richer, fuller and even more enjoyable when we're healthy. That doesn't mean a certain dress size or even a specific # on the scale, but your body is capable, strong, and viable!  Good for you!!  

I encourage you to get back to your camp or whatever type of exercise that will challenge you, motivate you and get you closer to your ideal weight.  

Best of luck and continue to work hard and stay committed! 

Keep me updated with your progress!

Kelli