I used to work out a TON in college. Like, I'd go to the gym five days a week, and on Mondays and Wednesdays I'd go at 6:30 IN THE MORNING before my first class. Then? Before bed? I'd do my obligatory 100 sit ups. I felt amazing. My energy was through the roof and my body was pretty sweet too. I'm sure I didn't think so at the time, because that's just how it goes, but hindsight 20-20 and all that? I was smokin'. Due to this regimen, my self-confidence skyrocketed and I was able to get out of a very unhealthy long-term relationship. I felt in control and good about myself and along came Bryan. I'm not saying that working out will automatically get you an amazing husband but seriously, I wouldn't have turned out to be who I am if I hadn't hit the gym and found some inner strength in addition to building muscle.
But, as I'm prone to do, I let life get in the way and my awesome habits died. I graduated, we moved, got married, blah blah blah. I always tell myself I'm going to work out again and it fizzles after a week or two at best. And yet, I remember college and how incredible I felt (and looked), so why is it hard to get back at it? Complacency. Laziness. Not being accountable. We also have little things such as working full time, having a toddler, a house to take care of, a moment for some piece and quiet. . .you see what I'm saying. But those are all excuses. As with anything important, if you want it bad enough you find the time and energy.
I want to find the time and energy.
At work today the thought of working out tonight flickered through my brain. Then on Twitter my friend said she Shredded and it hurt like a mo' fo'. I then replied that I had wanted to but after remembering how hard it was I'd rather plunk down on the couch. Then I got these:
pocklock@samanthajcampen get up. Do it. You will feel better. MOOOOVE IT LADY! (xoxo)Sundry@samanthajcampen It's only 20 minutes! You can do ANYTHING for 20 minutes, and you'll feel like a rockstar afterwards. *clap clap*!
pseudostoops@samanthajcampen do it do it do it!
I agree that you can do anything for 20 minutes, but Jillian's 20 minutes are from a timewarp and actually feel like 40.
Okay, so that wasn't AT ALL encouraging. Sorry.
Working out is hard, yo, as I can always think of about 12 other things I SHOULD be doing and another 8 that I WANT to do. Working out ain't on the list.
But the sense of accomplishment along with the less pinchy pants is soooo worth it.
Keep it up! I know you can!
Posted by: Korinna | May 27, 2009 at 08:30 AM
I totally rejoined the gym last night. We had numerous things that hindered us all going before but things are starting to kind of get back to normal. I'm with you till August 8th. Must work out for the wedding!
Posted by: cjh | May 27, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Oh okay. FINE. I don't know if I'll Shred every day because Jillian grates on my NERVES and I have dreams of kicking her straight in the teeth, but I will exercise and eat better and when it comes time for BlogHer we will both be wicked hawt!
I'm also starting Couch to 5K. Wait, did I just say that out loud?
(HELP!)
Posted by: Pocklock | May 27, 2009 at 09:13 AM
I am IN. Though I think my version is going to be to train for a 10K by BlogHer. (Oh god, that's scary.) But I keep up with the Shred as cross-training when I'm training for a run. And it's true- Jillian's 20 minutes is in fact more like 27. My DVD player has a counter on it, I don't know who she thinks she's fooling.
Posted by: pseudostoops | May 27, 2009 at 09:32 AM
As much as I would love to join you in this challenge, I highly doubt a big mama like myself could do this. Can I just say that Jillian scares the crap out of me? I just joined Jenny Craig today though. YIPPEE!!
Posted by: Maggie | May 27, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Miss Zoot has convinced me to train for a half-marathon with her that we'll run in November. I'm not sure I was sane to agree to this, but at least it's a great goal.
I'm in!
Posted by: Sarah Lena | May 27, 2009 at 10:00 AM
BAHHH! I wish I could join in...but I think my OB would send me to the loony bin!
I shredded a few times in the beginning of pregnancy and then I went on vacation and when I came back the motivation to shred had left me. Now I just walk and do yoga...more up my alley at 33 weeks :-)
You can totally do it! You should take a before pic of yourself...and you don't have to share it here....but it will be awesome to see the changes after 60 days.
You're a bad ass mama!
XOXOXO
Posted by: kristin c. | May 27, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I needed a moment after reading this to pick myself up off the floor from laughing so hard at the thought of me actually being able to shred for 60 straight days. Seriously, my shred dvd is still wrapped in plastic on top of my DVD player - and I bought it a week after the boy entered this world OVER A YEAR AGO.
My goal lately has been to move my ass for (at least) 30 minutes a day which usually consists of walking my kid and my dog...does that count on this 60 day challenge of yours?? Cause the thought of Jillian for 60 days makes me want to go eat doritos.
Posted by: kirsten | May 27, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I've never heard of Shred, and I don't know who this Jillian person is that ignites so much controversy among you and your friends, ;). But now I'm tempted to check it out.
I refuse to join a gym because I don't want to spend the money (holla!), but I work out to DVD's at home, and lately, since I've been a little bored with the DVD's and craving fresh air, I've been running/walking about 3.5 miles in the morning about 4 times a week. I have a couple of 5K's lined up for this summer/fall, and I want to prepare for them. Last year I did one (Morton Arboretum's Fall Colors 5K) and I clocked in at about 31:48, which isn't great, but I did manage to run the whole thing without stopping (my kneecap felt like it was about to fall off though. I don't think long-distance running is my thing, so nothing more than 5K for me). My goal this year is just to beat my time from last year.
I'll also be making the effort to bike to work at least once a week when the summer semester starts, and it's about 10 miles each way. I was able to do this last summer (it actually amounted to more than twice a week, on average), and let me tell you, biking does great things for your behind! :D
Posted by: Lisa G. | May 27, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I'm IN! Although - not via Shred if you don't mind. I just got back into lap swimming about six months ago, but the excitement has worn off and I've been lax about going. So - using you as someone else I need to be accountable to, I'm in - 60 days [more or less] of swim or swim strength and tone classes. [I just started those on Wed AM - love it!]
sound like a deal?
Posted by: Val | May 27, 2009 at 03:32 PM
totally inspiring!
Posted by: emdot | May 27, 2009 at 06:43 PM
I have been shredding on and off for the past couple of weeks. We leave for vacation on June 20th and my last possible day to start and get all 30 days in was last Friday. I started and then I got sick. I took the last couple of days off to give my body a break. I'm restarting tomorrow - I won't be able to get all 30 days in but I figure 22 is better than nothing so count me in at least until the middle of June. I'm planning on bringing my dvd on vacation, but if I'm being honest with myself I know I probably won't do it. But once I get back on back on the train with you!!
Posted by: Kate | May 29, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Well, I just bought a copy of this 30-day Shred thing. I'll probably start it next week. I might not be able to do it every single day, but I'll try to do it at least 5 times a week!
Posted by: Lisa G. | May 29, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Okay I'm not going to join your 60 day challenge exactly, but I'm hoping to Shred at least 3 times a week to become slightly more presentable for a wedding I'm attending in September, I cannot face the prospect of buying anything new to wear right now. I'm hoping for an encouraging shopping trip in August. . .
You go!!!
Posted by: Kelsey | June 05, 2009 at 09:38 AM