Okay, but Regina George aside, it's high time to kick the holiday treats and the lazing around on the couch. My body is begging me to run a few miles on the dreadmill -- which I am actually not dreading -- and lift some weights. I'm truly embarrassed to report that the last time I hit the gym was December 22.
It seems that I gained about 3 pounds over the 5 weeks I've been home. I don't weigh myself daily; I want to get fit, not be a slave to the scale.
I know so because I was weighed at my doctor's appointment yesterday. I always find myself biting my tongue so I won't scream out, "Let me take off my Uggs! They weigh at least 15 pounds!"
My gym routine is definitely thrown off when I'm not at school.
It's an easy thirty-second commute to my apartment complex's gym. I never have to fight old, sweaty men for a treadmill, or weave my way between the humongous biceps to meekly "pump" a few weights. I wake up early on my schedule, prep myself for a workout on my schedule, and exercise on my schedule. I prefer not to have a workout buddy, actually.
At home, I feel uncomfortable driving 15 minutes to the YMCA by myself, signing myself up for machines and having soccer moms in visors stare daggers at me, and accidentally spraying the super-tan types with the machine cleaning solution.
My fridge at my apartment is constantly stocked with Vitamin Water and SoBe Life Water, plus exotic flavors of Chobani Greek yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, and skim milk. My cabinets are full of whole wheat pasta, low-cal cereals, 12-grain bread, and heart-healthy oatmeal.
I make it a personal rule to never stock dessert items. Because I will eat them.
I make it a personal rule to always stock low-cal, low-fat snacks to bring to my 2.5-hour night classes. I eat regular, pre-planned meals on a schedule. I don't skip meals, and I don't overeat.
Alas, I cannot make these claims for this winter break.
[Disclaimer: I blame none of this routine disruption on my family.]
My life during the school year is organized and governed by routine. Hitting the gym 5 days a week isn't a chore, but rather something I look forward to. I'm excited about the prospect of getting back into a routine of fitness, healthy eating, and healthy living. I know I'll feel better and have more energy, and I want to establish a routine that I can actually make an effort to carry over into the summer. My exceptionally nerdy side is thrilled about logging new fitness hours into my Excel spreadsheet.
But, I'm not in a rush to say good-bye to my family or my Mama's home-cooked meals. Until Sunday, I'm still on "island time." Ta ta!
P.S. Are you diligent about your fitness and healthy eating routines over holidays and vacations? Do you overindulge and regret it sometimes?
1 comment:
I've become less rigid about my fitness routine since I graduated. I go to the gym 4 - 5 days a week, but if I'm not feeling it (ie: yesterday and today) I don't push it. I used to be in a place where exercise was *mandatory* and it was absolutely a chore. Now, I do it because it makes me feel good. And it prevents me from having to buy new jeans ;)
Oh and yeah - I also eat dessert every night, but only regret it on random nights. I'm a strange bird.
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