Maybe I thought yoga was enough. Maybe I’ve been deluding myself that all of those Starbucks mochas are actually about caffeine and not chocolate sauce. But whatever it is, it ended Monday, when I finally went back to serious aerobic exercise, weights and strength-building. And I don’t mind telling you: I’m in agony.
Maybe not that bad, but after I ran just two measly sets of steps at the gym this morning (at, yes, 5:45 AM!), I could barely breathe, and by the time I got to work, I was glad to be able to just sit down. But it’s a start, and I’m going back out there tomorrow morning, when, I’m sure, it will be dark and — oh, yeah — raining.
So how do you get through this beginning-again pain? Does lots of water, lots of Advil or lots of wine make a difference for you? Maybe it’s my music … this morning, it was a barely audible radio. If you’ve got advice (and don’t tell me it’s just my age), let me hear it.
Responses to “What “out of shape” really feels like.”
April 1st, 2008 at 9:34 am
That sounds like the boot camp from you-know-where. Have you bought the cute little iPod shuffle clip? It looks like a little clip-on microphone, but in Easter egg colors and it holds about 300 songs & costs $75 at Target. Here’s what you do, iDiva, you buy a sharp leather c.d. zip case from any fun store & in it you stash Nike headphones from Target(the kind that hang behind your neck and don’t make you deaf) and a little iPod clip with your most bumpin’ tunes downloaded (Nike.com even has workout song lists ready to download). Download a few extras from iTunes like Kanye West’s “Stronger.” Keep that leather case in your purse or car. Then you do like Oprah’s Dr. guys suggest and walk 30 minutes every day, no excuses. 5:45am is a perfect time. Done. Shower. If a year from now you want to spin or push or pull or climb something, then maybe. But by then your jeans will fit & those 30 minutes will be your morning “me” time. And you’ll be writing a novel instead of going to the gym…
April 1st, 2008 at 9:53 am
when I started my work out in January, I began one of those “Couch to 5K” programs where it mapped out a plan of steadily increasing walking and running. It allowed me to build up my strength and endurance over time so I never really suffered that Pain-vs.-Gain thing. It’s felt good, b/c I have been burning calories but at a rate that hasn’t killed me.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Yea you should definitely invest in some tunes. It will not only keep you motivated and pumped, but it’ll help you pass the time much faster. I have a mini and a new shuffle (the shuffle is awesome tiny and clips anywhere!) When I have my ipod on I don’t pay attention to how long I’ve been on the elliptical and then before I notice it’s been an hour and a half and it’s time for me to go to work. Music really helps me to focus on what I’m doing and makes me want to push for more.
As far as the pain all I can say is grin and bear it. That pain is good, it lets you know that when you train your muscles are working at taking a new shape. If you are in serious pain you probably over did it and need to take a break. Ibuprofen will take the swelling down. If all you are is sore I would take a nice long soak … add a little bath salt and relax. Think of it this way, do you really want to put chemicals into your body?
Alright thats all I’ve got. Have a good day!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
walk every day, but do the cardio and weights every other. You need to give your muscles time to recoup.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I would have to say it has nothing to do with age. I’m 18-years-old, and I used to justify exercising as walking to and from class everyday. Now I have started running around my neighborhood, and let me tell you…I feel it. I never realized how out of shape I was until I started running. The only things that help me are listening to music, doing a few little dances along the way, and my own personal test of making it to the next mailbox.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:08 am
I’ve been serious about my cardio since the beginning of January. I had never quit walking or taking my aerobics class, but I had been lax. I’m a big believer in Aleve! It seems to help my muscle pain better than Advil. Music does make a difference — you need to pump up the volume and the beat! I’m trying to do something every day of the week, but on Sunday I go a little easier. Last week I did 30 minutes of Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii — fun and exercise at the same time! Good luck and stick with it — it is worth it!