rUN FOR YOUR lIFE!!

This may sound crazy to some of you, but I actually like to exercise.  I may feel like dying while I actually do the workout but afterwards and in general I always feel better during those periods of time when I exercise, versus when I do not.  I do not however like going to "health clubs".  The "health clubs" of the 80's were essentially meat markets and pick up spots.  Maybe if I had been single at the time, I would have thought differently, but I wasn't.  I am not saying health clubs are bad, just not for me, based on my experiences.

Long story short, I got in the habit of doing workouts at home.  I bought a series of exercise tapes that I loved and used them regularly. Believe me, 30 plus years after Mommy was born, I am glad that I worked out.  It was easier not to "eat for two" and gain excessive weight while pregnant.  I bounced back physically after the gang was born.  I actually left the hospital in my regular clothes each time.  And believe me, exercising helped my to have the energy to keep up with the kids.  (just send me a message and I will be happy to share products, video information and encouragement with you.)  I also bought some hand weights and eventually a treadmill. 

I know you have all seen the funny videos of people falling on and off treadmills.  Not so funny when it happens to you.  I have mis-stepped a few times and burned my leg or arm on the treadmill as it continued to whirl past me while I lay on it.  The kids were fascinated by it.  When they were little they always wanted to try it.  I thought it was a great idea at a very slow pace.  I figured they were getting the idea that regular exercise is something good to include in your life.  Wrong, they thought it was a great toy and way to get a laugh on the other guy.

The Surprise in particular always wanted to get on the treadmill.  If I was able to be in the room with him and supervise him, I would let him.  It never took long before he wanted to stop.  Note to self - NEVER let a sibling do the treadmill supervision.  There was one particular day when The Surprise want to "workout".  I was busy, but his oldest brother,  Calvin was available and I gave him the responsibility of looking out for his brother.  (Yes, He was old enough to do the job).  I don't think I had left the room for five seconds before I turned around to the sound of The Surprise crying.  As I walked back into the room, he was laying face down at the end of the treadmill with his head bouncing lightly on it (It was going VERY slow) and Calvin was bent over and in tears laughing at him!  Never a dull moment!

The kids have gotten used to my exercise routines over the years.  It does not surprise them to walk into the house and see me in the middle of a videotape or on the treadmill.  Unless, they walk into the room and find the treadmill running and me on the couch watching TV.  I don't know why Pook was unwilling to accept that I had my workout interrupted and rather than repeating the preset routine, I allowed the treadmill to work without me until it caught back up to where we left off.  Makes sense, right?!

As much as I tell my kids that they will never get away with things, they prove to me every day that I must live by the code I set, because the minute they detect a flaw, they are ALL OVER IT!

Have a blessed week, do something for yourself.  Exercise can help you mentally, physically and emotionally.  Start small and work your way up.  Everyone can do something!!!!!  Send me a message and we can talk!