We were playing around with the digital cameras last night. I got snapped — well, let’s just say it wasn’t a pretty picture.
Bloated. Tired expression. Thin hair pulled back into a too-tight ponytail giving me this pinched, angry look. And the roundness in the face, the double chin, the …
Yeah. I’m done.
It’s been a week. One week of half-a-mile walking. I can’t even make it a mile. I give up as soon as it gets uncomfortable.
But this image problem isn’t going away in half a mile a day and a few gentle yoga poses. It ain’t going to fix itself unless I get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
So. New plan: a self-induced boot camp.
The folks at Biggest Loser do this, right? Several workouts a day? I don’t have time for four hours of this nonsense, but I do have time for a more focused approach.
I went through my DVDs. I’ve got quite a few. Turbo Body Jam. Yoga Booty Ballet. The New York City Ballet workout. Several yoga DVDs. The Budokan workout. A Pilates DVD.
Sad, isn’t it?
OK, so what do I know?
- I can’t just start out with two workouts a day. Not at full speed anyway.
- I do need to push myself more than I am, though.
- I do have a back problem to look out for, as well as hypertension. I’m also obese.
I need, therefore, to focus first on core stabilization, on getting used to exercising, on building stamina and aerobic fitness. Pilates speaks to the first; any of them will work for the second; something aerobic for the third.
I still think walking is the best idea for aerobic work. It’s recommended most often for folks with orthopedic issues and with obesity.
So, tomorrow (no rest, no delay, no time to question myself and talk myself out of it this time) I’m starting a new regimen:
- AM: Pilates and yoga for an hour
- AM or PM: 30 minutes of walking fast
- Midday: alternate one of the workouts (NYC Ballet, Yoga Booty, & TurboJam)
Yi. Kes.