Exercise

I realize I haven't said a whole lot about exercise on here, yet. My relationship with exercise is rather rocky, dysfunctional at best. We bought an exercise bike back in 2008, when I started this journey. I would use it religiously for several weeks, then it would sit and gather dust for several more. I also own a treadmill, a fitness ball, several different sizes of weights, running shoes, a handful of workout DVDs. You get the picture. I try really hard to get into a routine. I do great for a little while, maybe a week or two. Then, I get burnt out, get tired, get bored, and so on.

But, I figured something out. I may never get into a set "routine". That's okay. As long as I'm doing something most days of the week, my body will get stronger and healthier. I honestly don't think there's a thing wrong with running some one week, riding the bike the next, using weights a little bit here and there. I'm not trying to become an athlete. I don't want to be a body builder. I just want to be healthy. If that's your only fitness goal, then don't worry about learning to stick to a routine. Heck, all the experts say you have to change your routine up periodically anyway; otherwise your body will get used to it and it won't be as effective.

So, here are the things I like to do. Keep in mind I don't do all these things regularly.

Zumba- My Mom bought me the Zumba DVDs for my birthday and I love them! I look like a totally dorky white girl trying to do latino moves, but it's so much fun. I especially love it when my three little kids do the dances with me. They like to exercise with me, and the dance DVDs are their favorite.

Fitness Ball- This thing is awesome. Mine came with a DVD with several different workouts on it. I also bought a book detailing some different exercises you can do. My kids also love to get out their toy balls and sit on them and do the workouts with me. It makes it all the more fun when somebody falls off theirs. :)

Stationary Bike- Great for watching TV or movies with my hubby.

Treadmill- I haven't quite gotten the hang of this one yet. We bought it at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago. I am trying, but I have a hard time finding the right speed. I keep feeling like I'm going to fall off the thing. I'll keep working on it.

Running- I discovered that I can run. Who knew? I ran my first mile without stopping just this morning. It felt great. I am working my way, slowly, up to a 5K (which is 3.1 miles).

Weights- I use the weights by themselves, and with the fitness ball. They're just good, general tools to have around.

I do not believe you absolutely must exercise in order to lose weight, at least not in the beginning. Weight loss happens in the kitchen. Exercise is wonderful. It lifts your mood, it makes your body work better and look better. But, if you don't learn to eat healthy, all the exercise in the world isn't going to give you the body you want. So, start with your eating habits. Then start in on exercise. Take it slow. Work in some activity here and there. Try different things. You never know, you may find a form of exercise that you really love!