Today I finished creating a new exercise space, one where I can spend hours and hours focusing on a different kind of pain: The physical. The burn. The torture you make for yourself on purpose and put in our planners. Why do we do it? Let’s talk in the comments below.
Well, wait: let’s not talk about that just yet. The psychological, even metaphysical, back-and-forth about why some people go balls out and some people flow and ohhhhmmm is a discussion for another day. And it’s the weekend.
When it comes to fitness, sometimes it’s fun just to talk about what we’re up to. Many of those who’ve stopped by are fitness-focused, so I hope you’ll join in. But I think it’s important to hear about whatever movement moves any of you!
My space, your space
Everyone needs a good exercise space. In the comments below, I want to hear about yours. Do tell!
Me, I’d been exercising in my bedroom. I’m an exercise-at-home type, very private, and I have a couple of cats who might get under foot. But even someone as short as me wants to make a leg extension without hitting a bed corner, chair, wall…
Now my new space runs about 6′ x 10′, and is covered with a dark blue ultra plush rug into which my hands can hook snugly for easier V-position work and handstands. My hands are strong but I’ll take the assist. The rug’s also flush with a solid banister that I can either hook onto lengthwise for decline work or use as a barre.
When I need a higher barre, a white fold-up IKEA barstool tucks neatly behind a maple storage cube that sits on high nickel legs. That sounds quite fancy. It’s not. It’s falling apart and needs to be replaced. Badly. But it too is rather tucked away, so…another payday.
I keep all my mats, weights, loops, bands, this nifty kettlebell converter and gliders – Corelle plates, finally handy! – in a homey, sweater-covered storage tub. So until the area starts to smell, which will be soon, trust, it won’t even be entirely obvious what happens over there. It’s like a grown-up lives here or something.
My movement, your movement
Are you a gym rat? Have a favorite trainer? In the comments below, talk about your favorite workouts!
I’d mentioned in a previous post that I can go on and on. And on. Today:
- Tonique Tokyo Onsen Express (35 min)
- Tonique Sculpt Dynamics Arms (37 min)
- Tracy Anderson post-pregnancy floor core work (~20 min)
- Tracy Anderson method mat unweighted and weighted arms (~15 min)
- countless jackknifes (~80? depends if the music’s good!)
And this is a light day, meant to help work out some serious DOMS from yesterday’s stupid heavy leg day. Man, I just wasn’t thinking. I mean, I’m an old lady who doesn’t eat carbs and somehow I thought this wouldn’t hurt:
- Tonique Born to Move (~58 minutes)
- Tonique The Box mat/wall workout (37 min)
- Linda Wooldridge standing barre thighs (26 min)
- Tracy Anderson post-pregnancy floor core work (~20 min)
- Tracy Anderson method mat unweighted and weighted arms (~15 min)
IDIOT.
I think tomorrow will have to include some very light dance aerobics just keep myself from turning to stone, maybe 45-60 minutes. You reap what you sow.
Now, I’m not giving you these itineraries to show off. (Well, maybe a little!) I’m doing so to invite conversation about what you do and exchange ideas. Let’s talk!
Final notes
First, stay tuned for a key follow-up post. I have good news. I think!
I work out for hours at a time. It’s contemplative, meditative, painful. I can’t imagine working out for a normal amount of time; it wouldn’t seem enough. Today’s workout made me realize that this is another cover, and it’s not just for my vanity. The pain feels familiar. It feels like weakness. It is weakness. Nobody works out for hours if they don’t have to.
thingspeoplelookup.com 