I'm not really a resolutions kinda person. Pretty much, if I decide I want to do something...I just go ahead and do it. For better or for worse, for good or for evil...
This year however...I and my hubby and I joined the local gym!
We have very different goals...
The hubs wants to lose weight.
I want to gain a bit and get my muscle mass built back up.
Last year was the first year I have rode and worked as hard as I did and didn't gain the muscle and tone I usually do. It was really depressing. The first wicked sign that I am not as young as I once was.
This fall when my back started spasming again, I had the chiropractor work me over and work me over. I doubled up on my MSM and even picked up some all natural pain relievers. That finally helped break the spasms. Finally the chiropractor was able to get my neck and back to stay in, but he told me...my back muscles are seriously imbalanced and that is what keeps yanking me out of alignment. He recommended I start doing some weight-lifting and yoga.
Then the holidays started with Thanksgiving, then the NFR, then Christmas...well...we all know how that time flies by...
So here we are in January, finally getting around to jumping on the treadmill.
Literally!
I know my cardio is crap. My back muscles are imbalanced and my legs are sure not what they used to be. Do I really need to mention that I ain't exactly sporting six-pack abs?...Oh good...cause...yeaaa...that was never a reality, even when I was in primo condition.
I can't complain about everything though...I still got my 'guns' and weight isn't an issue.
I gotta confess...Ya'll know my addiction to sky-high heels right?
Well since my legs (and hamstrings) have gone as soft as marshmallows and I got a bit of that 'c'-word stuff going on back there...I haven't been terribly comfortable in skirts above the knees. Seriously...Sky-high heels NEED a little leg showing. I'm not talking 6-inch heels and 3-inch skirts...but ya know...it would be nice to be able to show a little bit of a well-toned thigh again.
Hey...just because I am in my forty's doesn't mean I don't like to turn it out once in awhile. ;-) LOL
I am excited about some of the classes that are available as well...Zumba dance? I've heard about it...haven't actually seen anyone do it yet...but I'm game. There are also Yoga classes, Pilates classes, Step classes, Aerobics classes and (squeals)...Kickboxing!!
Okay...so besides vanity...there is a more basic reasons for getting into better physical condition...my back for one...but ultimately I think my lack of strength last year really hindered my competitive riding ability. I need to get my leg strength and core strength back up to par so I feel like I can really ride in a balanced manner.
Wish me (us) luck...I'm pretty sure sometime in the next few weeks I will be on here whining about how sore I am. ;-)
(And Yes...I will be getting back to the horsie-posts immediately...I haven't abandoned the ponies...just been figuring out a few things in my head)
9 comments:
I hear that! I used to be so much stronger and I hate the fact that my muscles are so out of tone. I've always been stoutly built and have had very strong legs, but this old grey mare??? She ain't what she used to be!! Have fun! I used to love working out because I was strong...but now, it's just work, and it's not so much fun! But, like they say - it's never too late!! I need to do something too, especially about the leg strength and core muscles. My riding balance has suffered and that's no fun.
BEC you should come on over and write at CLFC once in awhile! Let me know if you want to :)
I have been doing my yoga and sometimes a bit of pilates thrown in, but just not seeing the results I want to. Maybe it's time to step up the game and hit the gym too. Only I get carried away lifting, bulk up and yeah... I am going to be riding the bicycle more in hopes of helping the cardio too.
Why is it so much easier to put together workouts for the horses than for ourselves?
strength is the thing I have been fighting to regain for so long.If you knew me 15 yrs ago... pick up a square (50lb) bale in each hand and off I would go! Now we roll it onto a sled and drag. Yes it is working smarter , than harder , but dang it! I feel week as a kitten most of the time now. finally got things sorted more or less with my shoulders and I just want to be me again
I gotta get back into the swing of thing too - used to be so good at working out. Now its just kinda of "whenever"...
Yeah! That will be fun for you guys! I started back into working out back in mid-November and it is going well so far...
I've been meaning to try Zumba - it looks and sounds like fun - but I have zero coordination, so I would probably have a hard time!
Keep us posted on how you guys do!
Kinda wish I lived closer to town so I could join a gym, but for now I got my WII workout and that will have to do. But I feel I would be a better rider as well if I were stronger and more balanced
Interesting about your back, I'm having those same spasms and it's kickin my butt. I read up and know that my muscles are imbalanced and I need to do better, but DANG, my muscles hurt when I do that, lol.
Can't wait to hear about your workouts!
Good luck! The key is to first find that pace you and your body can be comfortable with. When you reach that point, you can slowly make improvements, slowly increasing your limits and becoming more effective in the exercises.
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