Working it out when working out

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.

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Feel the burn.

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!

 

 

Posting as pain relief

I have a confession. I have migraines and depression. And I let them win.

I started this blog two years ago under the advisement of a friend, a dear, dear friend, who was convinced that it would help me feel better on all fronts. That the positive feedback – or any feedback – would make a difference in both mood and pain.

But I let them win. I have forever. I have talent and dreams. What a failure I am.

I’ve posted all of five times, I think. I managed one last night, one I thought was pretty fun. It’s not bad. So I wanted to start an editorial calendar today but could not imagine what my worthless self would talk about. Anxiety filled my throat with acid and shortened breath.

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I’m not looking for sympathy. Just feel like this a lot and wondering if posting would help me lift my head…from time to time.

That one post seemed to change a little something, though, because here I am.

I am wondering what you, my two or three dear readers, think about my friend’s theory. Do you think that regularly posting something, anything, can help fill that hole in your heart? You know, the one you can shrink but never quite sew closed.  I can always find a way to slip backwards into that hole. It’s like I want to.

Do you think posting about something, anything, might keep me upright?

Do you think that over time my migraines, caused primarily by stress and sadness, might alleviate a little bit? If posting something, anything, would help alleviate that stress and sadness, I would take a bit.  Any of you who have chronic migraines or other pain, I know, would take a bit.

Your thoughts and experiences would be invaluable if you’re up for sharing. In the meantime I will do my best to continue posting about the fascinating and useless things I find while cleaning my closet. Maybe some boxing, too.

Thank you all. Thank you so much.