Frugal Fitness
Posted by Beckie | Filed under Beckie
It’s been an embarrassingly long time since I actively engaged in any physical fitness. Of course, I run after my kids playing tag, run up and down the stars numerous times throughout the day, and walk quite a bit at my job on a busy day. But in terms of formal exercise, let’s just say I’ve been giving myself a break….a really long break!
Once upon a time I actually was a member of a gym (this is definitely prior to having two kids) but as someone who is now a definite “beginner” at exercise, I feel like the gym isn’t the right place for me at this time. I just can’t commit to paying for it, knowing that I am embarking on an unpredictable fitness path. Nor do I feel ready to sign-up for specific classes at this time. I went a couple of years ago with my very fit neighbour to a free Spinning class at the community centre near us. Not exactly a wise choice for a newbie. I took a picture of myself on the bike and sent it to a couple of my friends via email. They joked: “that’s awesome” and then (tongue in cheek, of course), “did you Photoshop yourself into the picture?”
My colleague at work passed me a Power Yoga with Rodney Yee DVD a while ago so I decided to FINALLY try it out. I started out with flying colours. By the 8 minute mark, I was huffing and puffing and trying to keep up with the continuous flow of Yoga moves, such as downward dogs, Warrior, and other such contortions. The instructor was soft spoken and mellow but there was no way for me to even focus on breathing when I was trying to keep my balance and not fall over. But all is not lost. I’m happy to report that after following the DVD a few times, I’m starting to “get” some of the moves and I really hope that someday I can touch my toes. I’m even planning to soon return this DVD to my colleague (thank you “A”) and try out a bunch of other fitness DVDs at the library.
The other thing I tried out was going for a jog in my neighbourhood. I live in the ‘burbs so there isn’t much action around here, other than birds, bees and babies. I decided to listen to some music, but realized that it is kind of embarrassing to be walking around with a Discman. Ah well, I’ve never been cool so why start now? With New Order blaring, I ran through the streets for about 20 minutes (stretching before and after) and gave myself a little chore of picking up the mail on my way back. The grand finale: a popsicle from my new chest freezer!
In her late 30s, with a husband and two small children, she lives in the ‘burbs of Toronto. A librarian, Beckie works part-time. In her free time, “I am a chauffeur/part-time cook/boo boo kisser/housecleaner and laundry lady extraordinaire. I do most of the household shopping and financial planning.”
June 4, 2012 at 7:13 am
Good for you! I also decided to start doing something more active this week. I have access to a gym at work, but starting out I feel self-conscious, so I decided I would feel self-conscious closer to home. I’ve always liked skipping, and bought a skipping rope in the fall to help encourage me get into activity, but, well, didn’t before the snow came. Saturday I started for the first time, to the bemusement of my neighbour — I felt silly, because I hadn’t done much skipping since I was about 12, but it is fun. Then I went for a run. Just a little one, alternating running and walking as my sister suggested, because I’ve never been a runner before. Next: out comes the bike from the basement. We can do this!
June 4, 2012 at 8:12 am
If you are enjoying the yoga, look for a studio in your area that offers a beginner’s class. It’s always good to have an instructor who will correct your position as you move through poses. Maybe you can find one of those deal coupons that would give you access to a couple of classes for next to nothing!
There’s also a program you can easily find online called Couch to 5K that helps new runners get into running. You should check that out, too. Of course, I have never used it as I only run if I’m being chased but I’ve heard it’s good.
June 4, 2012 at 10:13 am
The one investment I would recommend to you are some hand weights. You don’t need a whole barbell set, but some 5lbs and 10lbs weights are a good fitness purchase. Women too often focus on cardio and forget about how important strength training is. It is essential to future health and fitness — more so I would argue than cardio which while important, is not what’s going to keep things like osteoporosis at bay they way simple weight training can.
Do reps while you watch T.V. at night. Make a deal to do curls during the commercials. You don’t have to actually buy weights, you can use cans or water jugs or even do push ups and planks, but if you ARE going to allocate a bit of your budget to fitness, start with some decent hand weights or kettle bells.
June 4, 2012 at 12:15 pm
All super suggestions, thanks!
I just bought my kids skipping ropes (they can’t actually use them the right way, but they like to jump over them), that is such a great idea Victoria.
Colleen-definitely I have thought of taking a class or two to learn the correct posture. I have taken a few yoga classes in my life so I know a few basic poses already-I was just highly resistent to the Meditation part. I shouldn’t have gone with a friend, it was like we reverted to 5th grade immaturity and I had to stifle my giggles.
Julie Bo-Yes, I am planning to invest in a few items (yoga mat, hand weights, and now…a skipping rope) to help me out. I think they will be worth it for my health in the long run!
June 5, 2012 at 11:07 pm
You should get a few fitness DVDs…
Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred would be good because you do it every day but it’s only 20 minutes.
June 6, 2012 at 1:01 pm
I exercise in spurts and starts. I will do really well for a few weeks maybe even months, then I will take just one day off which leads to another and and another and so on. Currently I’m in an off cycle.
When I am exercising Kathy Smith is my gal. She has a bunch of DVDs (or VHS) for cardio, weights, and yoga. Some are only 20 minutes and others can go for 45 min. or an hour. Is she cheesy? Absolutely. Is she effective? You betcha.
August 20, 2012 at 12:04 pm
I’m a little bit overweight which makes me not confident when standing in front of men. I love becoming an attractive woman like the one in the your avatar above
… I’m finding a good certified personal instructor. Hope that helps!
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