If you build it...

...they will come!

WEEK 3

I must admit, cardio bores me to tears in it's more "common" forms.  Walking on a treadmill, gliding on an eliptical, pedaling on a recumbant bike...*SNORE*  I can tolerate the stair master but it's moreso because I'm concentrating on keeping my clumsiness suppressed than the actual exercise.  You put me on a cardio machine and it's like I develop A.D.D., EVERYTHING seems more appealing at the time than the task at hand.  I try to mix it up with a bike ride or walking on the street where at least the scenery is changing.

Another venue I actually enjoy is group exercise.  Research has shown that people who participate in group exercise are more likely to stick with an exercise routine than those who workout alone. The accountability and fellowship that comes from group activity keeps peoples interest levels high. You are less likely to miss a workout when you feel others are counting on you or expecting your company. I know for me, when I know I'm working out alone it's easy to say "I'll do it after work," or "I'll do it tomorrow," because I'm simply cancelling on myself - not those anticipating my arrival.

I LOVE classes like Zumba or step aerobics; boot camps or water aerobics; but the problem is those can become costly and let's face it - funds aren't endless in my account.  One day I'm going to have a floodgate break and $$money$$ come rolling in...then I'll have state-of-the-art cardio equipment in the movie theatre of my custom built house rather than lounge chairs.  I can see it now, I'll have all my friends over for ACTION movie night.  Who knows, that just may increase my interest in those fat burning cardio machines (Wha? I can dream...).

ANYWAY...back to the basis of my post.

WEEK 3:  I was looking for a way to motivate myself in cardio workouts.  My gym offers group classes but most are during my work hours or times I'm already busy.  Last August I initiated a 100 mile challenge that really pushed me in the cardio arena but I wasn't really ready to rush into that challenge again (although it may be coming).  This year I was looking for something to change it up and get me going.  I love taking advantage of our beautiful walk/bike trails in Olathe and the Johnson County area so utilizing them was a priority...but WHAT could I do that I'd faithfully stick with?

A walking club.  Yep, PERFECT!  Three weeks ago I started a walking club that meets every Thursday at different locations to exercise at your own pace but in a social environment.  This club mainly consists of co-workers although everyone is welcome to invite friends or family members to join us.  The turnout for our walks has been great!  Week one we had 4 walkers and a stroller, week two there were 5 walkers and last week we had SIX walkers and one who showed up late.  The numbers are rising and it brings to mind the famous line from Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come."

Last week we set GOALS for ourselves to work towards until our next group walk.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am certainly goal oriented on this journey and understand the purpose of marking them out.  Every person was to set a healthy goal to strive towards, one that challenged them in a realistic way.  There was a wide-range of goals such as cutting down pop, increasing water intake, walking 1 mile or more daily and getting proper sleep.  There is so much MORE to healthy living than just exercising although cardio is highly important for your heart - a muscle you do not want to overlook.  I want us to be a group that doesn't just walk a few miles once a week - I want us to be a group who is actively learning more about healthy living every day!

If you're struggling to get motivated or stick to your heart-pumping cardio routine, try starting a group exercise club with family, colleagues and/or friends.  Walking, jogging, biking or even hiking.  Try to change the scenery with different locations and consider ways to keep them coming (incentives, challenges, recognition, t-shirts, benefit events, gifts, etc).  Some times the greatest way to encourage yourself is by encouraging others.

I look forward to the weeks ahead - what is YOUR goal towards better health for this week?

Verse(s) of the Day:

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 (NIV)

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."