Does anyone remember those Participaction commercials? With…Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod? Maybe not. Maybe it was just a BC thing…or maybe I’m just showing my age again.
I am one of those really odd people who likes to work out. I enjoy it, honestly and truly. When we lived in Vancouver, I would go to the gym 5 days a week, either before work or on my lunch hour. I was a stepping machine.
When we moved here, there was nary a fitness class to be seen. I decided to take up running. My sweet hubby bought be a book on running for women, and ran with me as I got up to speed. You know, run a few minutes, walk a few minutes, with the run times gradually lengthening. As soon as I could run the whole time, he quit. The truth then came out - he hates running, but did it to encourage me. He’s a keeper.
I love running. Unfortunately, my knees can no longer take it. I had knee surgery 12 years ago, and I don’t want to have it again unless necessary. Plus, I don’t know if surgery is the answer. What to do, what to do?
I am a cardio lover, with weights thrown in for good measure. I know that Pilates and such are a good workout, but I need to move. Quickly, and maybe a little violently. Hence I took up Tae Bo. Yes, Tae Bo, with Billy and his unitard. It’s a great workout, if you can stop laughing long enough to actually do it.
I had taken a hiatus from working out after the fire when we were out of our house. I bought a few other workout videos when we returned, but got pregnant with Miss Emily shortly thereafter. Situps and pregnancy don’t mix well. Walking was an option, but pushing my two boys in a double stroller whilst pregnant was more workout than anyone should have to participate in. I resigned myself to starting up again after baby arrived…or maybe after Christmas.
Graham has swimming class two afternoons a week. Usually I spend my time sitting on a chair, and chatting with my friend Shelley. Her son is in the same class. Nathan usually runs around asking for treats from the vending machine, and Emily sleeps in her carseat. Behind another set of windows is the fitness facility, and Shelley made a comment that we should workout while the boys are swimming. Matthew thought it was a great idea, and I left Nathan and Emily here yesterday so Shelley and I could workout.
We decided to try the elliptical machines. I had borrowed Amanda’s to try it here at home, but I didn’t enjoy it. The ones at the gym are a bit different, and it seemed to go well. We started out and it seemed to easy. Let’s start at Level 5, I thought. We did, and that got hard. Hmmm…maybe we should bump down to Level 4…this went on. We ended up back at Level 1. Gotta start somewhere.
It was good. It’s good, It’s goood, it’s gooooood (anyone catch Bruce Almighty on TV last week?). I felt fantastic, and am already looking forward to Thursday. I’m trying to figure out when I’m going to blow the dust off of my workout DVD’s as well…I miss Billy. Maybe once I get a little more caught up on my sleep. Which will likely be after Christmas. I can start the New Year with a workout goal, just like everyone else. Here’s hoping I can stick with it.
20 Comments
Good for you, I wish I could catch the “I love to work out” thing from you! I’m glad you’ve found a way to fit it in. 
I am not a lover of cardio but I do force myself regularly to run or do the elliptical. Unlike you, I have never been a runner so this running thing is new to me. Hopefully my aging body will support my new habit for years to come. As much as I don’t always feel like working out I do love the feeling of having done it. Enjoy your work outs.
Comment by Heidi on November 29th, 2006 @ 11:45 amWow, I think it took me a year and half after Kamden before I finally got my butt on my eliptical…. Good for you!
I also enjoy a good workout and have recently taken up Pilates for strength training. LOVE it!
Comment by Kami on November 29th, 2006 @ 11:57 amI hate exercising, unless it’s soccer. And body checking people on the field doesn’t mix with pregnancy. You are an inspiration. And your husband is amazing. I can’t believe he went to such great lengths to support you. What a sweety.
Comment by Susan on November 29th, 2006 @ 12:49 pmGood for you! I am in the same boat, (well I didn’t have a good excuse like the fire for giving it up in the first place, but you know what I mean). I think the New Year is the perfect time to start. As long as the children agree and start sleeping. I’m glad you found an eliptical you like, it’s such a good all over workout. And 1 is the PERFECT place to start!
Comment by Amanda Franks on November 29th, 2006 @ 12:50 pmIt sure feels good to work out and have some adult time.
Comment by Jolanda on November 29th, 2006 @ 2:13 pmHa! I SO remember those commercials.. this is… Body Break!
Comment by Elizabeth on November 29th, 2006 @ 3:56 pmGood job! 1/2 the battle is usually the motivation. Too bad you can’t run anymore-that is my favorite most therapeutic thing to do…
Comment by holli on November 29th, 2006 @ 4:42 pmThey still have those commercials, with the same people. I’ve started working out on the stationary bike that Rob bought, except that I HATE working out. In fact I hate any kind of quick moving, so this is tough for me. But if I plan on laying around in my bathing suit over New Year’s I feel a need to shed some of the ten pounds I’ve put on since May, and I need a little more than wishing it away to help me lose.
Congratulations on starting somewhere!!
I applaud every effort!
Comment by Lisa on November 29th, 2006 @ 6:45 pmKeep fit and have fun…you bet I remember Hal and Joanne. I often think of them when I park far away from my destination. It would make them proud.
I heard rumours that they’re married. Do you think that’s true? (I hope it is)
yes I remember Hal and Joanne…
Good for you, can’t say I feel your love of working out but I like a good walk.
I remember those commercials, actually I think they still run them sometimes! “Stay fit and have fun!”
Good for you on the running thing. I used to love it when I played basketball. Now, not so much. I need to be running with a destination/purpose in mind, not just aimlessly running…or a drill sargeant beside me.
I’m a power yoga lady now, and it works just fine, so long as you can stop laughing enough the first class to figure it out!
I’m sure you’ll stick it at - it’s that super mom thing!
Getting back to the gym is such a good feeling..I just started back a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!! You could take a stripperobics class…ok, its not really strenuous, but it is fun!
I totally remember Hal and Joanne…now they are looking so old — have you seen their new commercials? I always wondered if they were married or like each other and stuff.
Comment by bitetherabbit on November 29th, 2006 @ 8:09 pmThose Participaction commercials? Still running. Still making them, I think. I always thought they were married…
Comment by reddirtroad on November 30th, 2006 @ 12:25 amOh I totally remember those commercials. I thought maybe they were siblings, but never could tell.
I have only managed to do the water aerobic stuff in the late evening when hubby is home to watch the kids. What do you do with Nathan in the meantime? Our gym doesn’t include childcare or I’d love to go during the day. Anyway, good for you!
Sounds like an awesome plan…I too am itching to get back to the gym after baby 2 finally comes out!
Ya just feel better all over when your thighs are a burnin’=)
Comment by Tanneal on November 30th, 2006 @ 2:55 pmGood for you Ang. I am with you in that I love getting that exercise.. It feels so good. I let life get in the way of that but reading your post started me thinking of the times in which I could possibly squeeze in some gym time. Maybe I”ll see you there sometime!
Comment by Stephanie on November 30th, 2006 @ 3:49 pmBody Break, with Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod… I was just talking about those commercials with someone. In fact, I saw a new one not too long ago… hilarious. Good job with exercise… I don’t get along too well with exercise. Full time school doesn’t lend itself well to giving you time for that. Although I’m sure neither does 3 kids… kudos!
Comment by Carla on November 30th, 2006 @ 5:26 pm
Good for you, Ange. I am chock full of excuses when it comes to working out and I wish I liked it like you do. Ahwell.
Comment by Amanda on November 29th, 2006 @ 10:30 am