Jun 12, 2009

Spinning Block


No, that is not me. That is not my toned thigh or clear skin or environmentally friendly aluminum water receptacle. I am having a spin crisis and I need help.

I've been spinning regularly since 1996. That's 12 years. Ridiculi. For the first time in 12 years, I cannot get myself to go, and I'm noticing a difference in my body. Although I am still exercising everyday, and get plenty of cardio, it just isn't the same as that all over drenched with sweat, constant butt and leg workout I get from spinning.

What happened? Two things:

  • I quit working in an office. This means I do not need to set an alarm so I can get to the gym by 6am or else I won't get a workout in. Now I have the luxury of working out at 6am or 10am or 2pm...you get my drift. Plainly put, I have too many workout options and thus I choose the most comforting ones, such as running in my neighborhood or doing an online yoga class in my livingroom. I know, boo hoo, but tell that to my love handles.

  • My very favoritest spin instructor, John Faulkner, went and moved to Kentucky. I viewed his class as workout meditation; his music and calming demeanor let me dance with my stationary bike, oblivious to my surroundings. I have mourned his leaving, and rarely put my ass in a seat since.

I want this to change and so I am writing it and publishing it and making it known that I have every intention of attending 10am spin this Monday and every Monday I can. Why? I will feel better, faster, stronger and (hopefully, just a bit) tighter and smaller. I know I should be embracing this curvier, clever culinary studentesque, new wifey who's hoping to procreate one year soon, doesn't look half bad for 32 self, and sometimes I do. And sometimes...I want to go on a smoothie diet.

Do you ever have exercise blocks? Do tell!

2 comments:

  1. As I sit here eating 1/2 of a crumble cheese danish from Coffee Bean I read your post and I want to scream! I can't even get my butt out of the house to walk around the neighborhood. The hardest thing for me -I guess my block - is getting started. Once I'm at the gym or on the hill hiking or whatever, I'm good. I love it, I feel great all day and am generally a happier person.
    You'd think that'd be motivation enough. But no, I come up with so many reasons not to go - too tired, too stressed, I have two jobs and I'm a single mom so I deserve a break, my back hurts, I have a headache, you name it, I can use it as an excuse.
    I'm a teacher and am on my feet for pretty much 6 hours a day. Thank God for that or I wouldn't get any physical activity. In one week I am faced with 2 1/2 months of no work and tons of time. My goal is to do something physical every day. However, I can already feel the excuse mechanisms churning in my head. It's so self-defeating. Left to my own devices I will sleep in, do nothing and gain 5-10 pounds this summer. So, I reach out to God, to my fellow-educator(s) (especially the one who lives in my building) and I move forward one step at a time.
    Mandy, I wish we lived closer. I love spinning and never go. I know I'll be over the hill quite a bit this summer for neurology appts., etc. working on this nerve thing in my back. Maybe we can get a few workouts in. Love you!

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  2. Love you too, Ms. Kathryn! Would love to get some summer workouts in with you! xoxo

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