Down Thighsing

Ex-er-cise

Pronunciation: \'ek –sǝr-sī\

2 a : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ b : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness

I really hate to disappoint Merriam-Webster, but I don't exercise my faculities when it comes to the concept of working out. I was fortunate for the first several decades of my life and didn’t have to worry about things like dieting or exercising. Not sure what’s up with the number 40, but I swear the very day I crossed that threshold it all started going south. Literally. I ignored it and hoped it would go away. It didn’t and now I’m paying the price. The pounds have piled on, shifted and settled in the oddest places. I’m also more easily fatigued. In addition to having to control my weight and improve my stamina, I need to think about things like preventing disease, strengthening and toning, and enhancing my flexibility. If I feel this way now, what’s it going to be like when I’m 75? Do I redeem myself in the eyes of MW by declaring that say I DO want to develop and maintain physical fitness? Yes, simply put, I’m trying to get more exercise.

So where to start? Well, there definitely is varying opinion as to how much, how often. Some say 20 minutes per day and others swear by 60. From everything I’ve read, though, it seems to be the general consensus that at least 30 minutes a day is recommended if you are of normal weight and would like to experience the benefits of physical activity. 30 minutes? That’s only 1/48 of my day! Reduced to those terms it somehow seems less daunting. I HOPE to be of normal weight. Does that count?

My home gym is comprised of a treadmill, stationary bicycle, weight machine, aerobic step, free weights, a balance ball, and a myriad of exercise CDs and DVDs. Impressive, huh? It would be if I ever used any of it. Unfortunately, it garners more dust than workouts. I get bored easily and love to try new things, but realize I can’t do it all at once. I believe the best way to approach this is with small steps, which will turn into big strides with patience and perseverance. Focus is the key!

That being said, I’m going to start by walking. I know I can do that … I go to and from the mailbox each day! My first goal is to run a 5K in May. I’ve never really run before, but an 8-week walk/run plan I’ve discovered on line will help me to build a running base and then transition into a 5K training schedule. Three days a week on the treadmill to start, throw in a couple of days of cross training, and I’m in the zone!

Ready?  Set?  Go!