make the move
it’s time for a little change-up here on the blog. and it’s about time. time to get my fanny back in the gym that is. this move has been a long time coming, with the initial start date intended for august 1st. but better late than never. i’ve signed up for classes at orange theory which has a three-prong fitness philosophy: endurance, strength, and power. did you know that after the age of 40 we lose 8 percent of our muscle mass each decade? which leads to decreased muscle strength, problems with mobility, and decreased activity levels. and who wants that?! my mother always told me that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (i’m pretty sure she was quoting benjamin franklin) but she was right, yet again. so it’s back to the gym i go, and i couldn’t be happier. because exercise is just as good for the mind as it is for the body. for now, i’ll stick to the orange theory workout and work my way up to five times a week. then in a month or two, i’ll add on a spin class and pilates reformer. i’ll be sure to check in with you now and then, depending on your interest in my fitness journey. maybe a few of you will join me and we can compare notes! one thing is for certain, there’s a whole new world of fashion to conquer. you didn’t think i’d show up at the gym in ratty sweatpants, did you? no,no, i’m sporting some new duds that are pretty darn cute. and practical. of course, i’m sharing my resources with all of you lovely ladies! and let me know your thoughts about adding a fitness segment to the blog. i always love to hear from you.
labels: gym shorts Ideology; tee Ideology; sports bra Calvin Klein; jacket Ideology; shoes New Balance (similar here and here)
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Ahead with that!
thanks, maria!
xoxo
You are my hero! Gotta take care of the temple… We walk every morning but I hope to lengthen the distance now that it’s a little cooler. xoxo
you go, donna! walking is the perfect exercise and gentle on the joints. plus, it’s done outside. hooray for fall and cooler temps.
xoxo beth
I walk a lot. I walk 30 mins at lunch and an hour after work. But I detest the gym. I prefer being outside. BUT I think that if our gym had a larger variety of classes that worked better with my work schedule that I would make myself go back. I went to the gym for over 10 years, but quit about 2 years ago to have that time to spend outside. Its a dilemma for me.
Your outfit is great and I think a fitness segment is a great idea.
🙂 gwingal
that is so great, nikki! walking is such great exercise – one of my favorite pastimes. i hear you about gyms, but if you have an orange theory in your city check it out. it isn’t boring at all and you have a trainer pushing you (which i sometimes need). but the whole point is to keep moving because every decade presents its fitness challenges.
xoxo beth
Good for you. I used to swim a mile and a half every day and then walk 4 miles in an hour, daily. Did that for years and years. I can’t do so much of what I used to be able to do since RA hit, at 58. (I’ve been told I have “severe RA,” even with some intense meds I self-inject and take by mouth too, but even with my now limited abilities, I still do what I can. My Fitbit doesn’t see as many miles as it used to these days, sadly…
But it’s so important. Your mom was right. (and Ben Franklin,too)
Keep us posted on it all!
i will, girlfriend! do you take enbrel by chance? mr. style has a severe case of psoriatic/arthritis and his weekly injection of enbrel has made all the difference with his quality of life. it’s just so crazy how one day we’re doing just fine, then bam, life throws us a curveball. but i know you’re the kind of gal that will always do what you can. my mom would call you a ‘prairie woman’. 🙂
xoxo
I take double doses of Humira–as well as Plaquenil, which is an anti-malarial and lupus drug, too. The Humira had me develop psoriatic arthritis as well, which is ironic since it is typically used to treat it, but in some cases, it initiates it as well. ;(
Sorry to hear about Mr Style. That’s rough. Enbrel did nothing for me, but everyone is different, with meds. I hope it continues to help him!
And yes, I am probably a prairie woman. Your mom sounds sweet.
You go girl!
i’m goin’!
xoxo beth
I’ve been going to Orange Theory Fitness for nearly three years now and it is a great workout. I’ve added a bit of muscle and toned up my arms and legs a lot. But I can’t do two days in a row because it is too hard on my knees so I supplement with workouts at another gym or walking.
that’s good to hear! i’ve been impressed with orange theory and the up-to-date stats i have with my workout. and kuddo’s to you for adding on other workouts to your weekly routine. it feels good to keep moving, doesn’t it?!
xoxo beth
Great idea! One of the best ways to look good in your clothes is to have good posture. By the way you have very good posture already. I have not taken classes at Orange Theory but I agree the endurance, strength and power are critically important for physical fitness. However what many exercise programs omit is flexibility … real flexibility. You can not imagine how important that is especially as you get older.
Yoga and Pilates can give you flexibility and good posture if you do either or both of them with enough frequency and intensity. I’m 68 and do yoga three times a week and Pilates twice a week. Plus I do a strength class. Obviously that is a lot but I’m retired. Still I highly recommend making yoga and or Pilates a regular part of any exercise program. You just can’t get that kind of flexibility anywhere else in my experience.
For years I walked for exercise (and I still do) but it was not until I took regular intense yoga classes that my posture improved. And posture is not just about looking good. Poor posture exacerbates joint problems. Joint replacement is the most frequent Medicare paid procedure. Before I started yoga I had hip and knee pain. Not anymore. Get out ahead of those issues that get worse with age. Start doing the right exercises now!
And there are so many cute (and comfortable) yoga clothes these days.
hi holden!
you are absolutely correct about flexibility. when i lived in vietnam i had the privilege to train and become friends with the owner of an exercise studio. nicole repeatedly said “you are only as strong as you are flexible.” and that advice has stayed with me. good for you for maintaining such an admirable workout routine. but i bet you feel amazing. and that’s the best part about exercise. not only does your body feel great but your mind too. i’ll keep you posted as i squeeze in pilates to my regime. i’m a big fan of the reformer and its many benefits.
xoxo beth
Please share your fitness journey with us. I have been doing Jazzercise for over a year now and have not felt better. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment that follows a good workout.
Great post, i follow you, thanks for sheran! !!!