Last week we talked about body image. I was overwhelmed and awed by all of your comments. I think that it is so important over here to keep an open and honest dialogue and to keep things real as much as possible. Today I wanted to talk about exercise. I don’t talk about it very much over here as it isn’t necessarily relevant to my day to day content; but I’ve been on a bit of a fitness kick over the past couple months.
For the better part of my life, I ran… a lot. In high school, the only team that would take me was track. {I lacked the coordination to do any of the other sports.} When I started, I could barely run a mile but with time, I got to a point where I could run a mile in six minutes. I ran three seasons – Track, Indoor Track, and Cross Country {my personal favorite.} My teammates were my best friends, and running was my life. It wasn’t about being thin or even really being in shape; it was about my team, and achieving our goals. Some of my favorite memories are of my cross country team… goofing off, sing alongs to Tracy Chapman and Wyclef in the big van that took us to away meets, going for ten mile runs (and then eating giant ice cream sundaes afterward), big team pasta dinners. I could go on. Even though I’ve lost touch with most of them, it was my teammates + coach that helped me survive high school – and shaped me into the person I am today.
I tried running for a season in college and didn’t like it very much – it felt too competitive and it lacked that collaborative team nature. So I stopped running – competitively at least. I’d maybe run three times a week.. never more than ten miles a week.
A few years after college, I got back into it. It started with the treadmill and before I knew it I was running laps around the Charles River in Boston {where I lived for the first few years after school.} I met a boy who ran too, and we ran together. In eighteen months {when I was 24 or 25}, I ran three marathons. I started with the Nike Womens Marathon in San Francisco, and did Boston after that. {Both were for charity… I did not qualify for Boston!} After that I did Chicago. My best time was 4:11 {Boston.} I ran it with that boyfriend and actually beat him. I felt badly for him, but it was kind of awesome to beat your boyfriend at a sport, you know? That was probably my high point because after that it was all downhill. My knees weren’t what they were, I was always getting injured, and when I ran Chicago I pretty much hated every minute of it. It just got to a point where it only felt like work and no fun. I dreaded it.
That was nearly eight years ago and I still cringe at the thought of going out for a run. I do try to run once or twice a week but my knees still hurt (especially in the cold!) and I just don’t enjoy it the way I used to. But when I need to clear my head and really think, there is no better way to do it. Still, to this day, some of my best ideas happen over a run.
But for the most part, that high impact stuff just sounds terrible to me. I have friends that thrive on Soul Cycle and Fly Wheel. My one Fly Wheel addicted friend loves it because they rate everyoen and post everyone’s score on the board in the front to spur the competition. This sounds absolutely awful to me! CrossFit has no appeal either. Heavy weights and calluses? I’m just too much of a priss. What I really started to love though, is yoga and Barre classes. I take yoga at Yoga Vida, and this past month, started taking Core Fusion a few times a week at Exhale. Once a week, I make myself take Core Fusion Cardio and to be honest, my only goal is to just survive. I don’t care about my form… I just want to make it through the class. It is that hard.
But I love Core Fusion {Barre} probably more than anything I’ve ever tried. To be honest, I feel a little bit cultish about it. I love the small class environment. And I love that you work really hard but aren’t dizzy and out of breath. I’ve taken a few classes with Victoria and we joke that we’re lazy exercisers… we love Pilates because you get to lay down for part of it! After just ten classes my body has started to change in ways I didn’t think were possible. My posture is measurably better and I’m so much more flexible – I can touch my toes quite easily. I feel like a new person from those two things alone. And while I don’t weigh myself, my clothes fit considerably better and I feel a lot more toned…. longer and stronger. The funny thing is that ten classes in, I still want to die {in the best way possible} afterward, and can’t do everything in each class. I’m excited to see what the next ten and twenty classes bring and can’t wait til I’m at the point where I’m the girl in the front row.
What I’ve realized is that with exercise, you won’t {or at least I won’t} stick with something unless you really love it. So when my friends wax on and on about CrossFit or SoulCycle or FlyWheel, I just feel really happy for them. There is nothing better than finding something you really love, that works for you. We’re all very different and need different things from a work out. While I always did love running, it had become a chore. And I just don’t like spinning or heavy weights. I thought I was destined to be a couch potato so I feel so thankful for my barre and yoga classes. Oftentimes, they are the best part of my day!
What do you do for exercise? I’m always curious to hear what works for other people. {And are you a lazy exerciser like us?}
I think your right,,,you have to find an activity you enjoy otherwise you will never stick to it, I think lots of people do things to keep fit…and hate every minute of it…then give up a couple of weeks later….!
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
I’ve tried all sorts of exercise things and finally landed upon yoga. I love it. I’m not coordinated, not competitive and I feel like an elephant when I run. Plus, it kills my knees. I’ve been practicing yoga for 3 years now and am so glad I decided to try it. I’ve been wanting to try a barre class too. I took dance forever in my younger years and know what it did for my bod.
Haha. We are the same. I am not even a little bit coordinated. The funny thing is that with yoga and barre, I’m starting to feel a little less clumsy and more balanced.
Grace, it was so awesome to read this! I, too, was a major runner in my school days, and I haven’t gone back to it because of chronic ankle and knee problems, so it took awhile to figure out a substitute for it. I do some yoga and some weight lifting, and the elliptical and good old walking for the cardio. Keep up the good work – it totally comes through that you’re loving it. 🙂
Hi Grace! As a stay at home Mom to two toddlers, I have come to realize that I need to run. I need that time to myself, just to be alone with my thoughts, so that I can recharge myself. Previously, I tried working out at home; however, I failed miserably because I was not happy with my little ones climbing all over me. I then realized that exercising is something I enjoy, but I enjoy it alone. Exercising is wonderful for all parts of your life, but it is just as important to find the right activity for you.
Just found about 500 pictures of running track & XC together while cleaning out my mom’s basement at home. Glad to see you doing so well, Grace! I still run (and bike) but struggle keeping it consistent – either I’m doing regular workouts including intervals or I’m doing nothing at all. Barre sounds intriguing, though!
Oh my gosh, love that! I found all of Coach Hoar’s books… I still have them saved… I love those memories.
I was a gymnast growing up and have always been involved in some form or exercise as an adult. It’s taken many years for me to figure out that I personally have to switch things up and throw in some fun adventure exercise. The biggest improvement was making exercise a part of my lifestyle. Now we take the dog hiking, go for long bike rides and even choose to shop in boutique districts that force you to walk. It has made all the difference in the world.
The only way I used to exercise was running, but it got to the point where I didn’t have the motivation anymore so I did nothing. And doing nothing wasn’t working out. A Pure Barre studio opened near my house, and I absolutely love it–and I also love the Core Fusion videos. Great workout without having to leave your house! And, I feel like it’s changing my body in ways that running didn’t.
I need to try the videos… sounds like a more cost-efficient choice 😉
Ooh, I’ve been wanting to try barre classes, but they scare me as I am not a coordinated, graceful, dancer type person. I started hot yoga (moksha) this summer and really love it, but have only been going once or twice a week, at most, so I need to commit to going more often so I can see results. I was going 3 times a week in the summer and noticed results quickly! They offer barre classes at moksha and I’ve told myself that I WILL go to one over the next 2 weeks. I’m nervous, but this post makes me excited to try it!
Ahhh that’s funny because to me, hot yoga sounds SO much more intimidating than barre class!
Great post Grace! Like you, I was an athlete in high school and played soccer all year round. I specifically remember not ever knowing how I weighed and eating sleeves of oreos whenever I wanted…and then college came haha. I’ve tried all sorts of exercise and I hate that out-of-breath feeling as well. When I found pure barre I was instantly addicted. I’ve been to 150+ classes over the past two years and it’s drastically changed my body. I recently moved to a new city and the studio is kind of far from my apartment 🙁
I’m trying to get the motivation back and get back up to 3-4 classes per week. Here’s hoping!
xx,
jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Haha, I know what you mean… “and then college came…” yup! I am so impressed by how many classes you’ve taken – that is amazing! Cheers to getting back into it.
i love love pilates! i could take a pilates class every day. i do barre once a week and yoga occasionally, i also like to do tone-up classes with free weights (only with an instructor tho!) cardio is not fun for me so i dont like to run or cycle. glad you found something that you love. xo jillian
Me too… they are the best!!! I really need an instructor too. I wish I was more self-motivated, but I’m just not. I need someone there, standing over me and making me do it!
Or an Irish guy in loafers and no socks yelling “do it again – that last 400 was too slow!” 😉
hahaha oh… those were the days! 😉
I had somewhat a similar experience as you on running… I started running races and doing triathlons and was getting injured all the time. But, I love being outside and listening to music so my goal this year is to cut back on my running to the point that it’s just fun and enjoyable again. I LOVE barre also but it’s tough finding a good barre studio! Do you find that the repetitive movement also hurts your knees a bit?
This makes me happy – for you, for anyone finding what makes them want to be a better version of themselves. Whatever it may be that gets you moving and feeling good is all that matters. The fact that there are so many options out there shows how likeminded we all are when it comes to fitness, even if we go about it on a different path – and I love that! xx
I’m so with you on lazy exercising – but worse – as in I bought a mini portable “elliptical” b/c I thought I might pedal on it while sitting on the couch and that’s exercise, right? I grew up dancing so barre style workouts are the only ones that I don’t really hate… Physique 57 is my fave!
Workout junkie here too! Over the years I find that I really like exercises that lengthen my body instead of crunching it, does that make sense? So I prefer things like bikram yoga, barre classes, and yoga to things like running and spinning. I danced pre-professionally in high school and love love corefusion and physique57 classes but the price tag hinders me from going! I do have the dvds but wish there were a more affordable option!
I’m a big fan of a class setting. It’s much easier to stay committed if you know someone is waiting for you. Spinning is my thing… I love the dark room, the great sound track, and the major sweat. I think my eyes are closed for 60% of the class- it’s almost like meditation to me. After almost 3 years of spin 2-3x a week, I’ve never been fitter or more confident! Whatever you do, do it for you only! It’s a waste of time & energy if it doesn’t bring you joy…
XOXO, Stella
http://www.theheartsdlite.com
I have never been a fun of exercise. I went to the gym for many years but it was just an obligation. And when I moved to a new city 3 years ago I tried to start the gym a couple of times but I abandoned after 3 weeks. I’m lazy and I hate the process of going to the gym. BUT, my in laws had an excercise bike at their home that was used only to collect dust so I told my boyfriend to take it home just to give it a try. And it worked!! I use it for 40 minutes every day, it doesn’t sound as a lot of exercise but it really works! I have a tendency to high cholesterol, even eating healthy food, but after the bike my choleserol dropped like crazy. And the best thing is that I do it at home, watching my favorite tv series.
Grace, thanks for sharing this post. I can total relate when you talk about Cross Country and running being something you loved to do, and how much it truly shaped you as a person. When I was younger, I did martial arts for over 7 years. I loved it so much, it gave me confidence, and it taught me so much about myself. It wasn’t just that I got to kick people’s a** (I will admit, that was fun), but I actual learned a lot about team work, self-confidence, respect, and so much more. Unfortunately, as I got older, it became at lot less about those things, and more about competing in tournaments. Although I loved competing in tournaments from time to time, it wasn’t why I loved martial arts. I’ve recently thought about getting back into martial arts. I think about martial arts almost every day, and the huge impact it had on my self-image. But, I just don’t think it will ever be the same for me…
I go to spin classes and run on the treadmill. Living in Alaska, we do a lot of hiking too – which I enjoy. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to keep moving…it definitely makes me feel better, especially if I enjoy the type of exercise.
http://www.liquidsunshineak.com
I’ve never commented on here before but your last few posts have been so great! I was the same in high school, track and cross country were my lifeline, they held the best memories for me and the best friends! I ran in college for three years, and when I got a new coach that did not inspire me, I quit. I ran on my own for years, though it wasn’t the same without a team. Then when I entered my 30s I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. For a while I kept running but then I had to give it up, it was too hard on my joints and made my feet ache terribly (toe joints are one of the major RA joints). Now I walk and do yoga when I can, modified for my joints that can’t handle some of the poses. I was just so glad to hear you talk about how you can’t do spinning or cross fit, my brother loves cross fit but first of all it’s no good for my condition and second, I could never get into that! I want to try a class like zumba but slowed down a bit for my condition maybe, something to get me grooving! that’s something else I do sometimes is just turn on music and dance around the house – it’s great exercise and I don’t notice how hard I’m working cuz when I hear the beat I just gotta move! 😉 Keep up the great work on your blog and your fitness!
Congratulations on finding something that makes you feel great. I fully believe that happiness is most important. I loved Core Fusion when I lived in NYC and can’t be more happy for you. I have found that running and yoga are what makes me happier than anything else and therefore am focusing on these two activities more than anything else.
Cardio kickboxing, spinning, and zumba! Exercising is addicting when you put effort and will into it.
I’ve tried going the running route many times and it just isn’t for me… I applaud those that stick with it though! I’ve been wanting to try core fusion to mix up my workouts; I’ve heard such great things about it. I do love love spinning class though – I know it’s not for everyone – but I found an awesome instructor that is so motivating & plays awesome music, so it helps to get through it 🙂
I cannot do yoga or pilates, I will fall asleep seriously. But I do bootcamp 3-4 times a week. It is a nightmare but the energy, rush and feeling I get from it is addictive. I just love the fact that I can fall asleep so easily and go through 4 flight of stairs without breaking a sweat. But it is not for everyone as is it very fast pace but once you get the hang of it, it is the best.
I LOVE Core Fusion Cardio! (All CF classes really, but cardio is my favorite.) I stream the classes through YogaVibes and it is seriously such an amazing workout, but SO hard.
I’m a huge fan of Les Mills group classes (probably because I taught them for five year?) They kick your butt and are so much fun! I’ve tried Barre & Crossfit and love them too. I really just love group X!
<3 Vicki
wildeinthecity.blogspot.com
You totally do just have to find what works for you. I, for instance, hate running. Found my perfect exercise happy place in P90x (especially the new one, P90x3, which is only 30 min a day).
I recently started doing pilates via Blogilates and it has been great! She has Song Challenges which on a busy day keeps me energized and wanting to work out rather than dreading working out. Also since incurring a knee injury at the end of 2012 I have had a hard time finding workouts that don’t stress my knees out too much.
I had always been relatively skinny all throughout high school even with minimal sports effort. In my junior and senior years I did tennis and indoor track. I did a year of tennis in college, but I am not a very competitive person and that, like you said, is what matters a good portion in college. In turn, my knees are completely shot. We have something called Pole Fitness in my area where half the class is spent building your core while the other half is spent mastering a position on a pole. It’s so much fun and the ladies (some into their 60s) give so much advice and help. I’m going back to school and hope that I could pick up running again. If not, maybe aimlessly wandering my new city might help 🙂
I’ve become a huge barre fan too! (I wrote about my love of it here: http://www.thesparklylife.com/2013/08/how-to-lose-baby-belly.html) And my new thing is Pilates Reformer classes. It’s pricey (ugh) but it’s working out while LYING DOWN THE ENTIRE TIME. um, what’s better than that!?! 😉
I’ve always been curious, what is barre like compared to actual ballet classes? I took ballet here for about a year at Ballet Academy East but then a lot of other things happened in my life last year and I fell out of it. I’m planning to pick it back up this spring (I danced for 15 years growing up), but I also need the calisthenics aspect after a hip injury and barre sounds like it kind of fits that? I’m so all over the place, I do SoulCycle about once or twice a week, any more than that is too much for me, and I take yoga classes and swim and do my own thing at the Y, too!
Blonde in this City
I love pilates and barre classes but I hate the price tag associated with them. I finally had to stop going because I was spending so much money– but I LOVED the classes. I actually just bought a package of ballet classes on living social and cannot wait to start. I mean, at only $6 a class I couldn’t pass it up. Let’s just hope I still have SOME of my coordination from when I was a child.
You make Core Fusion sound wonderful! I used to be a runner too (although started post college) but injuries and surgery have kept me from doing much of that the past 2 years. With a 9 month old I can’t get out to a gym but do stretches, pushups, and ride our exercise bike. I don’t love it but I do it because I know it’s good for me. Watching DVDs really helps. I should look into the DVDs the library has to try something new. Too easy to get too comfortable with a routine!
For some reason I’ve never been able to enjoy running, I always don’t feel very good during or afterwards. I prefer doing a workout DVD or Zumba but I’ve always wished I could enjoy running 🙁
The Artistically Challenged
I play soccer! I run (although I don’t LOVE it). Soccer is distracted running, and never gets boring for me. I do love taking long walks or hikes, especially in the fall. And I enjoy yoga as well. Glad you have found your happy place for exercising!
XO,
Gina
http://www.popcornandpandas.com