inspiration

I've been inspired by Beth and Ellen. They've been walking and getting in shape.

I'm quite faithful to "take a walk"  but my walks are most often leisurely rambles and not geared to work up a sweat.

My exercise history  has been a series of enthusiastic activity bursts punctuated with long periods of slacking. But the diagnosis of a genetic heart condition has kyboshed my ability to do activity bursts anymore and the same diagnosis makes slacking an non-option.

So I called on my old friend Leslie. She's faithful - always ready for a walk - even in the worst of weather. I can do her  walk  - no hills which are the killer for me - and it does work up a sweat.

I hope Leslie doesn't take it personally that I don't listen to her conversation - she's always talks about the same things :) I can only listen to "C'mon!" "You can do it!" and "Isn't this fun!" so many times . . .

Instead, I turn her volume down and listen to an audio book from Librivox.

Right now The Railway Children is keeping Leslie and me company as we walk.

I wanted to add some strengthening and flexibility exercises to my walking routine. Something simple and quick but that would exercise the whole body as well as gradually increase in difficulty.

A friend of mine reminded me of the old RCAF XBX fitness program. I can remember my mother doing these exercises. They've been around for a long time. I found a free interactive XBX site online. So I registered yesterday and started on level 1.

12 minutes a day is all it takes. That's do-able.

I was amused by the note included on the instruction page of the XBX program:

Note: Do not expect startling results. Fitness takes time and persistence. Couple your XBX program with a good diet, and your progress will be steady.

Startling results? Like what?? My imagination is running away with that description.

Getting in shape would be a pleasant but not startling result - now, growing hair on my chest would definitely be startling :)

 I like the rest of the advice - "Fitness takes time and persistence. Couple your XBX program with a good diet, and your progress will be steady."

So, my new goal?

Slow and steady.

We all know the end of that proverb.

I'm not in a race, but  if I can get in the exercise habit, 

I'll feel like  a winner.

Happy Thursday everyone!

with love,

Comments

[ellen b]

I think that's an ongoing problem for me...I want startling results!!
:0)
Slow and steady wins the race...I'll keep repeating that to myself.
I'm going to have to find a friend like Leslie for the really stormy days here...

[beth]

Yeah, Kathie! I am so glad you have a plan for getting more fit. I find that the plan helps so, so much. Results may not be startling, but after just a few weeks of consistent exercise, you will probably notice that you have more energy, feel more flexible, and just generally feet better! I do.

Leisurely rambles are important, too - for health of mind and soul!

God bless you in your efforts.
Love,
Beth

[Jill]

Good for you, Kathie!

May I join you? I'm not looking for startling results either. Just pleasant ones.

XO

[nikkipolani]

Kathie, I don't know whether those exercise images are from the XBX program or not, but they are terrific! I used to get a cooking magazine that would also include a section of exercise/workout ideas. The women in them are intimidatingly tall perfect models.

Congratulations on starting on a program that will hopefully work for you, startling results notwithstanding!

[Tracie]

That's funny... Leslie comes down and walks with me in Florida, too! But yep, she's a giggler, and it can get on the nerves. I do her tapes, and I dance with Richard (simmons) and all kinds of others. My favorite tapes are Margaret Richard's Body Electric. Deceptively simple looking; they are weight, strength and flexibility training and they WORK! I DID have startling results with her tapes. I also ride my exercycle for 1/2 hour daily while I read my Bible. Perseverance is definitely the key. I say it is like brushing your teeth. Each day doesn't seem like it does much, but one day you wake up and realize, "Hey, my teeth never fell out!" Enjoy!

[Sara]

Your post today is encouraging to me....yes, going slow and steady, and developing a habit! Making it a habit is always the hard part for me. So I'm going to get started on that, slowly and steadily!

[Judy]

Keep us posted as to how Leslie's program goes. I've fallen off the walking band-wagon with the onset of winter weather...and have just ordered a treadmill. I feel so much better if I walk.

[Jody]

I am a faithful 2-mile-a-day walker (brisk and uphill) but am not so good in regular exercising stuff. I used to do Yoga, but haven't revisited that in awhile. I should when winter comes on and I am not as active.

Jody