Health and Fitness 3 - Indoor Cycling

I started cycling this week, after a 2 year absence.  And two things are clear.  First, I am way out of shape.  And second, my crotch is not as used to the bike seat as it used to be.  So I started with 25 minutes per day at an aerobic intensity, but took a day off yesterday to give my crotch a rest.

At this point, it's so easy to get discouraged by my lack of bike conditioning.  I used to teach at least 5 spinning classes per week.  I had no issues being on the bike for longer periods of time, both in comfort and fitness level.  And now there are issues.  That discouragement can easily translate to giving up.  Surprisingly, what has gotten me on that bike every day is the music.  I blasted some of my old spinning music while I worked out and it helped motivate me, get me going, and distract me from any discomfort.  The first day I tried playing a movie while working out, and after that I switched to music.  The music was much better.  Much more motivating, and much more energizing!

So whether you're on a bike, treadmill, elliptical, or any other gym cardio toy, skip the daily news or crappy daytime tv, and pump up the volume on your favorite tunes.

And if you have a few moments, let me know in the comments what music inspires you or pumps you up.  What do you like to workout to?

Health and Fitness 2 - Getting the Routine Started

Like many things, it's hard to start an exercise routine.  Once we start, and get in the groove, it becomes automatic.  We don't have to plan it anymore.  Just like we don't plan getting dressed, or brushing our teeth, or taking a shower.  It's automatic.  Wake up, shower, brush teeth, get dressed.  No planning required.  No notation in our agenda that says Wednesday, 7am, get dressed.  But starting a new routine is something else.  We have to think about it.  We have to plan.  We have to shift our schedule.  And let's face it, we have to shift our priorities.

That's where I'm starting.  At the beginning.  Putting regular exercise back into my daily routine.  On top of my daily walks with the dogs, I'm starting with 30 minutes per day of aerobic exercise - 70% max heart rate (more on this later).  I'm telling you so that I'm accountable.

I got this sexy looking CycleOps indoor bike to help me on my way.  It's beautiful.  And more importantly, it feels just like a real bike - without the rain, snow, heat, cold, or crazy motorists.  I love cycling.  I am not a runner.  Not even a little bit.  But cycling is awesome.  I have dreamed of having my very own bike for a long time.  Such a time saver.  Just hop on, work out, and you're done.  No driving to the gym, waiting for a machine to open up, then having to drive home again.  So much easier and faster when you've got something at home.  Once I get this routine down, I'll add longer rides.  Then I'll add resistance training.  But for now, it's 30 minutes per day.  I've got to start somewhere.

What have you been up to this week?  How have you made Time for You?

Time For You Segment and Blog Hop

As you know, I recently made a pact with myself to take better care of myself.  But in reality, it's not easy for me to make myself a priority.  And sometimes, I need a bit of inspiration, and a bit of support.  So I have teamed up with the wonderful Jia to bring you a weekly segment and blog hop called 'A Time for You'.  It's a way for all of us to inspire each other to meet our goals.

Here's how it will work:

* Every Friday night, visit Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy where we will post a link up. Every week a new list will be added, so make sure to come back each week and link up.

* Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.

* Blog about the steps you are taking to improve your health and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)

* Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!

And remember, this is about taking care of yourself and taking time out of your busy schedule for you.  In my case, the goal is fitness and weight loss, but you may be trying to quit smoking (yes little sister, I'm talking to you!), or overcoming depression, or uncluttering your closet, or looking for a job you don't hate, or even trying to get pregnant.  So blog about your goals and the steps you are taking to meet them, tell us about your struggles and your successes, and then share those blog posts with us every Saturday.

New Segment - Health and Fitness

I am a mountain biking tomboy.  I am a biologist.  I am a certified Spinning instructor.  

I am overweight.

I have been putting the needs of others before my own needs for the past year.  I eat when I have time, and I eat whatever is around at the time.  I have not been exercising.  And the results have been predictable.

I have gained weight.  I have lost muscle mass.  I am out of shape.

I am now ready to put myself first again.  I will be watching what I eat and planning my meals better. I am in the process of getting my own indoor bike so I can work out regularly again.  I have lived like this before, and felt great.  For 5 years I taught 5+ spinning classes per week.  I watched what I ate.  I felt great.

I am ready to reacquaint myself with old habits.  To get myself back.

As I do this, I will bring you on my journey.  I will share all I have learned, and re-learned.  I will tell you about my workouts, and my eating plan.

This will be a weekly segment - with its own spiffy header link.

Welcome to my health and fitness journey!