some thoughts on fitness

I was never really that into "working out".  Some of my friends in college were runners (and still are), some visited the gym, and I was always sort of "meh" about the whole thing.  I think most of it stemmed from being self-conscious about my lack of coordination, not being as fast as them, worried about wearing out quickly... basically I had a long list of excuses.  Blah, blah, blah.

After college I moved to Washington, DC to intern in a house with inner-city kids, and my roommate was a cute little Norwegian (not little in the sense that she was a kid, but active, stylish and dainty).  She worked out every single day at 5am.  Talk about subconscious guilt.  So I decided to join her.  It took about 2 days to realize that I am not friends with the early morning, but I did get into a routine of going most days of the week in the afternoon.

I have had ups and downs as far as my dedication goes, but all in all, I get a deep satisfaction from a good workout.  These days, I get in at least three per week, but the goal is four or five.  They usually consist of a 3 mile run on the treadmill or some time on the elliptical.  But the latest workout that I love and definitely feel the burn from:  Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I love it!  It's three workouts, each 25 minutes, and it's a combo of strength, cardio and abs.  My husband even does it with me, which is a bonus.  Plus, who doesn't have 25 minutes of spare time?  So there really is no excuse for me to miss out.

Another discovery yesterday: On Demand.  We haven't had cable for 2 years.  It was kind of a spur of the moment decision to get it again, and the guy came yesterday to hook it up.  Now we have On Demand and it comes with an exercise channel with at least 50 workouts.  If you have OD, you should check it out, because The 30-Day is on there for a few more weeks.  It will kick your tush!

It's a new year... never a better time to get motivated.  It is really hard to do on your own.  I certainly wouldn't have started without the help of my favorite European.  Don't get discouraged if you've hit a slump - find a friend, some online buddies, a partner, spouse, sibling, parent - whatever it takes to get you moving.  Something my husband tells me whenever I hem and haw about it: you'll never regret doing it, but you'll definitely regret not doing it.

So what gets you going? What's your routine?  Who keeps you motivated? Do you have an end goal?  I love hearing what keeps people moving!