I have an on-again off-again relationship with exercise. There have been periods in my life where I’ve really hit the gym and had an actual routine of physical activity and there have been long periods where I’ve done, well, nothing.
When I look back on it, most of my times of regular exercise are in the spring or summer months. Come autumn, I’m usually hindered by the lure of pumpkin with its spiced lattes and cream cheese muffins not to mention its aromatic candles that make it so inviting to just lounge around the living room watching television or reading books. And then autumn gives ways to winter lagers and cookies and hearty stews and slow-cooked meats and I keep telling myself that I’ll get back to eating right and exercising in the new year and then January goes by and then February and then come April I’m eating lettuce for the next two months and cursing myself for not keeping a regimen through the winter.
Last year my doctor totally busted me – between November and March last year I gained almost 15 pounds. She said that even though I’m not overweight, any kind of rapid weight gain like that is really really bad for your heart. She also said that as I get older it’s going to become harder and harder to lose that winter weight. (Wait, I’m getting older?!)
Now I’m definitely not going to give up all my winter lagers and sugar cookies because that would just be bananas, but I’m hoping that if I can bring exercise into the mix I can at least maintain my weight through the winter this year and I won’t have to be a bad after-school special for crash diets come April.
But yeah, there is a LOT of candy in my house right now (and a four-layer pumpkin cake) and with this dreary weather I’m already feeling my resolve going down, down, down. See, my favorite activity is walking which is harder to do come bad weather and going to the gym is pretty difficult with my current schedule. I’m trying to keep motivated doing video games and videos at home but I already know it’s going to be a long winter, especially when it’s difficult to make it to the gym. I’m arming myself with fitness games for the Wii and Kinect though, so hopefully Zumba Fitness Rush and Just Dance 4 will keep my butt in shape this year.
And for those of you who CAN get to the gym, I’m very happy to announce that Verve 360 is going to give one free Pilates Equipment class (a $40 value) to one of my lucky readers!!!
To be entered for the giveaway, you need to leave a comment about why you like Pilates or how you stick to an exercise routine through the winter months.
Thanks to Verve 360 Pilates Pittsburgh for the prize and I look forward to hearing your responses.
Laurie Koozer: Writer. Reader. Lover of all things Pittsburgh.
Blogging Pittsburgh, readers, writers, pop culture and my book, What Happens on Sunday
I hate exercise. I hate pilates. However, it makes me feel good. So, I would like to continue to that trend of hating it.
My friend and I are signing up for pilates and yoga classes this winter. She’s much more into exercise than men and I need the support. In fact, that’s the only way I’ve ever been able to stick to exercise, having someone go with me.
In the winter, it’s even harder. But I find that if I put it in my calendar and focus on going. I’ll get there. As long as it’s before 8pm. If I don’t get in before then, there is no chance of me getting off of my couch.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
This year my winter fitness regimen will be working out with my trainer and supplementing with treadmill workouts in my livingroom. The treadmill is so big that it’s hard to ignore it!