Well, I’ve made it through my first week at Curves, and I’m still walking. Sort of. As long as I don’t sit down for too long. I tend to stiffen up then, and sort of do these shuffles until the muscles loosen up. It’s not an excruciating pain, like one would expect from a woman who becomes out of breath going up a curb, but a nice, all over, feel-good type hurt. Yes, I realize that was an oxymoron, but it was the best way I could figure out how to explain it.
The goal of Curves is to work out three times a week, for 30 minutes each time. This would preferably be on Mon/Wed/Fri, as they recommend you have a day off in between. It fits well with my schedule. I’ve adjusted my hours so I can go in early, and then I head on over to work out at the end of the day.
You would think that 30 minutes wouldn’t be much of a work out, but I’m here to tell you, it is. Basically, you have what is called a circuit. Around that circuit are various machines (I tend to think of them as Ogres) that work on every part of your body. In between most of the Ogres is what they call recovery stations. Why they call them that, I’m not sure because you have to do exercises on each of them.
You work out on every Ogre/recovery station for thirty-seconds each. Again, it doesn’t seem like much but after you make it about a quarter of the way around the circuit you begin to rethink your original idea that this would be easy. There are some Ogres that I dread, and some are not that bad. Every once in a while, you stop to check your heart rate, to make sure you aren’t over doing it. I love these moments of respite because this means I can become a slacker, and think “please, please God, make this be over soon.”
In the beginning of the workout, I’m pumped. I am so ready and raring to go. As it progresses, I reach a stage of serious hurt. I think that there is no possible way that I am going to be able to make it to another station. I hang with it, ignore my mind and body completely, and do everything on automatic pilot. Why? Because in the short period of time that I have been doing this, I have come to realize that there is a point when it really stops flattening me with exhaustion, and I become energized. I imagine (but have no first hand knowledge) this is what runners refer to as the wall.
As I stated above, I’ve not been terribly sore, just stiff. It takes me a bit after I get home to get all my bearings in order, and think logically. During this time I grab some water, surf some of my favorite blogs and answer email. Then I’m up again to do the evening routine. I’ve noticed that I’m raring to go after a short rest. It’s been a bit difficult for me to get to sleep but when I do sleep, I sleep the entire night through. I haven’t been able to do that for quite some time.
I’ve had three workouts so far. I’m by no means close to my goal. But it’s a start. I’m headed in the right direction for a healthier me. I’m doing it for my girls because I want to be there for them, and play with them without getting tired. I want to live a healthy life, and enjoy it. I want to be motivated to keep my house clean and in order. I want to care about how I look. Quite simply, I want to care again. I want to be the “me” that I know I can be. I want to get out of the hole that I have been digging myself into. I want to look at myself and see the smart, beautiful talented woman that I have the potential to be. Somewhere along the line I lost that.
I intend to find it again.
Comments
Good job! I used to get up at 4 in the morning when they had the 20 Minute Work Out on TV. My husband thought I was crazy, but I was in good shape and kept my wait at 95-100 lbs. I loved it!
Posted by: Ma at March 4, 2006 8:29 PM
OMG. She's turning into a Stepform Wife!
Moogie, I'm just kidding. I appreciate all the hard work you are doing and the resolve you have exhibited to change your life around and be a better person. I applaud you no end. You are exercising more than I am, and that's good.
You go girl!
Posted by: motherkitty at March 4, 2006 9:42 PM
Sorry, that should be Stepford Wife!
Posted by: motherkitty at March 4, 2006 9:43 PM
*thumbs* is all im gonna say...
Posted by: Gopher at March 4, 2006 10:12 PM
Go Moogie! Good job! Keep it up, you can do it!
Posted by: Sweetie at March 5, 2006 7:58 AM
Good for you!!! Good for You!!! You're a far better woman than I.
and just for the record....we already see a beautiful and talented woman!
Posted by: Suzanne at March 5, 2006 11:39 AM
That is wonderful. I am hoping to get the courage to join you soon.
Posted by: vw bug at March 5, 2006 12:18 PM
Good for you, honey, good for you!
Pat yourself on the back and be your own best cheerleader, it means you love yourself, too!
Posted by: Christina at March 7, 2006 5:06 PM
Hooray! Something about this time of year always gets my feet moving again too (after winter slothdom). Keep up the good intentions & ditto everyone else's sentiments :-)
Posted by: Wahwer at March 8, 2006 10:33 AM
