More On Exercise

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Just a refresher...joined Contours Express 3 weeks ago -- which is basically the same thing as Curves, Shapes, etc. (only different! ). And although I am not on a food plan (although I am trying to eat less), I am feeling great -- at least afterwards.

Since WISH is about health and not just weight loss, I wanted to say how much this type of work out has helped me mentally. DH & I continue to go through really rough times and being depressed is part of the routine. Yesterday when I got home I was really shaky (job problems -- what if I lose my job? I won't be able to get one that pays enough? DH doesn't have a job, what if I can't get one? What if? What if?). I just wanted to curl up and cry. But I made myself go to Contours and I really felt better overall afterwards. Maybe this is the exercise high that they talk about (which I did not get when I was walking). I have just noticed that if I am depressed or in a foul mood, if I go work out I feel better.

So, for better mental health, to raise your spirits, to feel good -- get out there and exercise.

 

[tlgoblue]

Another excellent reason to exercise. My pilates instructer said it the other day: "Are you tired yet? Are you thinking of anything else right now?" Exercise clears your mind of the trappings of everyday life, and empowers you to tackle the rest of the day's challenges, even if only for the moments immediately afterward. I went through this with DS and football. After the first 2 practices, he was ready to throw in the towl. I convinced (ordered ) him to stay. After his first game, they were slaughtered and the final injustice was he didn't even get to play!
What's the use, he asked. I told him every day he walks off that practice field or game field, he has won. He finally got it after his second week, and now that the season is over, he really misses those 2 hours of daily mind clearing. He misses the mind over body challenges, and he misses the feeling afterward of I did it!
Even if it is a walk or rollong around on the floor with your kids, get moving. Your creator gave you a body to use. If not, we'd all be brains in jars.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

Sometimes remembering how good I feel AFTER I exercise is the only thing that helps me get started. It doesn't ALWAYS work but it sure helps. There are so many proven benefits to exercise that I really feel like I'm cheating myself if I don't.

I know that exercising releases endorphins ( those "feel-good" chemicals in your body) and boosts your immune system. What a way to show that I am loving myself and taking care of myself!

 

[lulu201]

I couldn't agree more with you all! Exercise is becoming an increasingly more important part of my life and is probably the best way that I show myself that I matter and that taking care of myself is important. It's my "me time," and I'm learning to take time in my day--to actually schedule around my workout times--in order to make sure my exercise time is not lost. It's kind of sad that when we're stressed or our lives are hectic, the first thing we throw out the window is time to care for ourselves. Right when we need to be caring more!

AnnieandHallie'smom, here's a as you deal with everything that's in your life right now.

Erin

 

[snoopy]

I love to exercise! I love how it makes me feel both physically and mentally.

Annie&Hallie'sMom, could you give us a synopsis on what Contours is? I haven't heard of it.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

From what I hear Contours Express is very similar to Curves, but here's my take on it...

Start off on a stationary bike for 3 minutes (or more -- if I don't want to Contours I try to bike for 8 minutes), then on to a weight machine (which is adjustable -- some machines I can really do, but some I can handle barely 1 5 lb weight). In between each weight machine is a step and light dumbells (2 lbs). So you do 45 seconds on the weight machine, move to the step for 45 seconds, move on to the next machine, etc. You go around 2 x. Then you go over to the mats to use the abdominizer and do some stretching. Pretty simple and there are a wide variety of women. I try to do extra biking and circuits (usually cycle for 6-8 and go another half circuit).

Don't know about other Contours, but mine has the on staff person ask you a question (trivia == I think they are using the cards from the 20th anniverary edition of Trivial Pursuit). If you get the question right, you "win" a Contours dollar. And of course they have stuff that you can purchase with your Contours dollars -- water bottles, t-shirts...and 2 really nice gift baskets. I'm aiming for the gift basket, but as it is $50 Contours, it's going to take a while.