Milo’s got great push-up form…eh?
Of all the things that I am able to justify not doing “because of the baby,”regular exercise is probably the most important. I know that. I teach that weekly to groups of overweight through morbidly obese patients suffering from type-2 diabetes, probably (at least in part) to an inactive lifestyle. Yet, somehow the days come and go and most of them- at least lately- do so without me breaking a sweat. Now, my life is active, and I am happy with my weight and size and everything, but there is something about ACTUAL exercise, not just “Oh, that will count for today” that is important for my sanity. I know I deserve that time…Uhgh. Time.
Do you remember one of my issues with exercise (HERE)? TIME. Everyone’s issue, right? Well, I’m trying to get back on course, and I’m happy to say that it’s taking far less TIME than before thanks to some new exercise research. I remember reading about High Intensity Interval Training (HIT) back in July, right after a study showed that 6 minutes of intense cardio could produce the same fitness results as 30 or more minutes of moderate cardio. Somehow that info got tucked away in the back pocket of my brain and I continued trying to fit 30-40 minutes of gym time, stroller time, wii fit time…etc. into my day, which (you’ll guess, since I’m writing this post) hasn’t worked well. But because exercise is important, I will try, try again. With Dave’s scheduling and planning help I’ve coughed up 8 “all out” minutes on the treadmill for two days in a row (I should celebrate with a cupcake!!) Really, though. I feel better, even just knowing that I am trying. Details? Well, we’re doing things a little differently than the articles I’ve read, but flexibility is key when trying to make life changes. My warm-up is the 30 second jog over to the apartment gym. Then I crank on the treadmill and run
2-minutes at a 5 (that’ s running for me)
then 2-minutes at 7
back down for 2-minutes at 6
and then I finish with 2-minutes at 8 (which is the kind of running that I think I might miss a step and fly into the mirror)
The first day I could only manage 1 minute 10 seconds at 6 and 30 seconds at 8, but yesterday I did it all. The last 20 seconds I held onto the handles and cheered myself on with dry-mouthed, encouraging yelps of “You can do this…” “Step it up Miranda…” “C’mon just a few more seconds…” Luckily, I was the only one in the gym;) As soon as the timer ticks 8 minutes I am slowing the machine down to a fast walk, and I spend about a minute gathering my wits. After a few hearty reps on the weight machine and some sit-ups I am jogging home. 10 minutes has passed since I left, Milo is sleeping, Dave is ready to walk out the door to catch the bus and I begin the day as if I hadn’t even left. But I had. And that feels good.
