Saturday 28 December 2013

Outside my comfort zone ...

... I've joined a GYMWithout turning this into a lifestyle post, basically when I was younger I could eat whatever I wanted and my weight stayed in the healthy range. Fast forward to now, after having 2 kids and being right at the end of my 49 years I have some extra kilos (or fluff) hanging onto my bones ... literally! Why can't extreme all night sewing, hardcore blogging or marathon knitting be enough for me to stay in reasonable shape?
So I have realised that this wiggly weight isn't going to disappear without a little bit of help. After seeing a few pictures on my blog last year I realised that all those wiggly bits can actually be seen ... by all! It was like WOW ~ is that my stomach or the fabric doing that (and I can't always blame the pattern?!?) In 2014 I turn 50 ~ and time is going by way too fast. So I pulled on my Big Girl Panties, and walked out of my comfort zone. That's where the gym comes in ...


I. Joined. Up.  What a learning curve! Did you know that wearing elastic waisted shorts and a tee-shirt doesn't cut it in the gym fashion stakes?!? Who would have thought it ~ I was sadly underdressed and looked like a tourist (minus the camera and bum bag!) The only pair of workoutie-type clothing I had was a little on the 'dated' side .. So how am I feeling ... not just fat and nearly fifty, but frumpy just joined the list.

Now that my confidence is rising, I have donned a pair of 'modern' workout leggings and a very comfortable singlet top (both made out of crazy new-age airwicked technology) and just love it. And I can see me making a few of these myself next year ~ bonus! Bright and fun ~ and motivating.


But all is not as bad as it seems. As I was plodding along on the treadmill for what seemed like minutes the other day I glanced out the window, my eyes stinging from big salty beads of dripping sweat, my sweatstache in full glistening mode.  I actually thought I had heat stroke, as there before my eyes was the most incredible mirage. "Yippeeeeeeeee", I shouted. But ... it wasn't tall icy completely dripping, condesaton-covered, fall in the pool cold water that I was imagining  ~ it was the realisation of what was across the road from me, right in front of my eyes every time I work out ... the perfect motivation ...



So I guess this gym, and me, are meant to be (for now.) The perfect cooldown routine ~ a wander through the aisles of Spottie, stretching my poor worked out hamstrings, loosening up my triceps by reaching for another spool of thread, releasing my punished hip flexor muscles with a gentle bend to select a few bolts of fabric ~ suddenly I realise, I have been living outside my comfort zone all along ... J



28 comments:

  1. Judith,
    I am so happy for you, that you made that move , even though it was not your comfort zone, to do something for yourself.
    I too am, trying to loose weight , [for health reasons]. It is very hard.. As you age, that "fluff" wants to stay with you.lol
    Have a great day, and know I am wishing you the best..

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  2. Too funny Judith! That is the perfect motivation indeed. Happy new year and all the very best in your gym goals... and turning 50 is actually a lot of fun as well :)

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  3. Oh this is so relevant! Have you seen the Jalie Running Skort pattern, would that work in the gym! This would still let me walk across the car park to Spotlight!

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  4. I am a fitness finatic and I get excited when women in our age group commit to an exercise routine. As we age exercise becomes more and more important for overall health. I wish you well on your fitness journey.

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  5. Judith, I can so relate to everything you have said in this post. I too will turn 50 in 2014 and am battling a thickening mid section. I admire your courage in joining the gym and I wish you well. I will be heading back to Weight Watchers and getting back to walking regularly in the new year. We are planning on walking the Overland Track (65km) in Tassie this coming March so I need to prepare.

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  6. sigh, it certainly does get harder to get rid of those extra jiggly bits. I thought just having 1/2 serves of dessert and not going back for thirds would do the trick. Good luck !

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  7. Love the motivation! Melissa of 'Fehr Trade' just came out with a new pattern for a supportive workout top and running tights. Maria of 'How Good is That' made up some very nice tester versions. I need to get myself back to the gym - the tone fades fastat this age! Good luck!

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  8. What a funny post and a great motivation to work out. Good luck with it all.

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  9. Bravo! Thanks for the inspiration. I think I need to add daily exercise into my 2014 New Year Resolution too! Just yesterday I was thinking of just buying some Spanx but perhaps I should get the Spanx and exercise consistently as well!

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  10. It's always nice to have something motivational to look at while working out. We'll done for getting started!

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  11. I laughed out loud at your inspiration picture. I work out in my basement right in front of my sewing area and I have the same thoughts as you!! Mostly, I end up daydreaming about what I'm going to sew next and suddenly 15 minutes has gone by and a good chunk of my workout is already done. I'm impressed by your commitment. Keep it up!!

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  12. Yay! I love going to the gym, in particular group fitness. My advice to you (not that you asked) is if the treadmill gets boring, try group classes, the pool, spinning, etc. Even within classes, if you don't like the instructor, try other instructors til you find the one you like. Do what works for you! :) For me, group fitness works because: I definitely stay for the whole class and I love the social component as well.

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  13. Yes, what better reward after every workout Judith:). I have to admit, a gym does not work for me - I wear my frumpies at home, and do my routine (such as it is) there!! And, when I want a good walk, I walk to Spotlight - bus there, walk back (40 minutes!).

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  14. So funny, looking over at Spotlight, well that would be an incentive for me too. Well done for joining the gym - I have tried several times, but do better with a private trainer, alone in her home studio gym. My workout clothes are worse than frumpy - this year I should remedy that. I'll watch what you make/do in this department. Happy New Year!

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  15. Good for you! I've made the same realization lately, and joined our local sports centre as well. And discovered the amazing swimming pool there in the process! Granted, I've done nothing since the holidays started, but I'm blaming holiday craziness and this stupid cold for now. But boy am I feeling weak and want to get back to it!

    I'm envious of your cool-down routine though. :D

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  16. I've been gyming it for a few months now in an effort to get fitter and more flexible for my sport (karate). It's definately worth it, it's helping me be less sore in the morning which is a good thing and helps to keep me happy! I am rather jealous of your cool-down routine though! I wish my gym was that close to spotlight!!

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  17. Great post! Enjoy the gym (?)!

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  18. Good for you! I joined a gym a couple of years ago (that long??!!) and I found that almost every part of my life improved, I slept better, felt better physically and mentally, and then there is the fact that you can feel all virtuous and superior, because you joined a gym. Always helpful.

    At my gym, the wardrobe changes along with the time of day that you go, if you go before or after work the standard of clothes worn competes with that worn at fashion week in New York City, if you go middle of the day, anything is pretty much okay. I go in the middle of the day 8-D Yours might be similar.

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  19. Good for you, Judith!! And that is too funny that a fabric store is right there!

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  20. Oh boy - I hear you! I'm turning 50 in a few months too; it's what has spurred my recent closet clear-out. I realized that my body has changed, and there's probably no going back! And like Sarah Liz, I work out at home, otherwise I wouldn't do it! But if there were a fabric store near the gym, I might reconsider :-)

    Good luck!

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  21. Good for you and keep up the hard work. And you just might try reading "Eat to Live" by Dr. Fuhrman..http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Live-Amazing-Nutrient-Rich-Sustained-ebook/dp/B0047Y175M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388369133&sr=1-1&keywords=joel+fuhrman+eat+to+live.

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  22. Love it! That Spotlight sign... Motivation indeed! Happy New Year!

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  23. What a great motivator! My Spotlight store is within walking distance, on a bus route. I should do what Sarah Liz does. Wish I was heading for 50 next year, but I passed that mark 23 years ago. Keep up the good work.

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  24. Okay, okay, your enthusiasm guilted me into jogging with my dog today instead of walking! I wish you the best in your fitness endeavors. :)

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  25. Oh dear, well we are all in the same boat having gained around 8lbs since the wedding, but you still look tiny to me.

    Good luck and Happy New Year.

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  26. There are some great patterns for exercise gear doing the rounds so it's really just another opportunity to sew :)

    Good luck and happy new year.

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  27. Good luck! I am starting to swim again ...

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  28. It is so courageous to start going to gym! Congratulations. I wish you a good luck. Do not give up, really soon you will see results!

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