Listen to this post read by Agnes from Speechify Studio.
I’m still enjoying the scenic bike rides available through Peloton. I’m sure no one is surprised that I took some screenshots and doodled on them!
I have been using Peloton for about six months, and while I have made progress, I’m a bit frustrated with how long it’s taking me to get back into shape after about 2 years of not exercising. I’m also realizing that I will never be the same as I was before the Covid Pandemic and Ocular Melanoma experiences. I’m OK with that, and I’m trying to focus on all the good things my exercise program has brought me.
- I’m so much more flexible! The Yoga and stretching classes have worked wonders.
- I’m getting stronger. I still have a way to go, but I’m no longer worried that I won’t be able to get up from the floor!
- I have more stamina. Again, I still have a way to go, but I see a big improvement in my everyday activities.
I suppose I could push harder, but my main goal is to keep showing up – my mantra for the year. I show up in some way every day. I listen to my body. I try to avoid injury. I take a variety of classes. And most importantly, I have found joy in exercise again!
What exercise brings you the most joy?
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This is the BEST part: “I suppose I could push harder, but my main goal is to keep showing up – my mantra for the year. I show up in some way every day. I listen to my body. I try to avoid injury. I take a variety of classes. And most importantly, I have found joy in exercise again!” Even though I want to say the best part is all the joyful doodles – they are just wonderful – that last paragraph is so important. Just keep showing up and have fun while you’re doing it! That’s my motto too. Have some fun! Listen to some good music! Be sweaty! It’s all good.
Now, on to the doodles. I have been to Waterton many times and I feel like I might have once taken a boat ride that technically went to the Glacier side. This is a long time ago, the memories are fuzzy. Fuzzy like the mountain goat! Have you ever seen one in the wild? I have, but from a huge distance. Such beautiful creatures!
Thank you so much, Nicole! You’re so kind and supportive! I have never seen a mountain goat in the wild, just videos, and I think they’re so amazing. You made me remember that my parents took me to Waterton and we stayed at the Prince of Wales hotel, and it was a cool experience. Now I need to go look at my photo album.
Those views are gorgeous! And how fun to have the experience of being cheered for at the NYC marathon! Spectators makes race environments so special! I love spectating at the Twin Cities marathon!
I think showing up is over half the battle. You are probably not giving yourself enough credit for the positive changes that have occurred. And oftentimes, they aren’t obvious to you. The fact that you found an activity that you enjoy and find fun is huge! That’s how I feel about Orange Theory Fitness classes. I love that I show up and get told what to do. I don’t have to think or plan, besides planning when to take classes. The coaches tell me exactly what to do and I have no idea what each class will be like so that keeps it novel and exciting! I haven’t done group fitness since before having kids. It’s been so wonderful to be back at it!
Thank you, Lisa! 😊 I’m so happy you’re enjoying Orange Theory Fitness, plus that’s such a great name. I have never been a spectator at a marathon, but I think I’d enjoy cheering the runners on.
We drove the Going to the Sun Road a few years ago and it is scary! My husband was the driver and he will never do it again. But as a passenger I loved it – such amazingly beautiful scenery.
You are doing so well – it’s good that you’ve found something you love to do and have gained so much strength. And I love your doodles. I’m a big fan of flamingos so that was my favorite.
Thank you, Dulcie! 😊 I appreciate your kindness! I thought Going to the Sun Road was even a bit scary on the Peloton screen!
Your doodles are a hoot! And I am super impressed by your perseverance. I severely dislike indoor exercise or exercise that involves machines. Walking will always be my favorite (even with my stupid neuropathy), and I love to split wood. I used to like swimming laps, but no longer have access to a long pool.
Thank you so much, Jana! I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who loves to split wood. That must be a great workout!
I love the views! Things like this take exercise from “well I guess I oughta” to “this is fun”.
The thing that brings me joy in fitness is the simple joy of moving. I’m struggling right now to find the balance of getting movement but not overdoing it and feeling exhausted, and when I get it right there is no better feeling.
Birchie, I know exactly what you mean about finding the right balance. That sweet spot is the very best!
I love how you doodle on your pictures! I have yet to find an exercise that brings me joy, but I try to keep showing up by doing pilates even for at least 5 minutes before breakfast everyday. Best of wishes and congrats on finding joy in exercise again! Those views are to die for too! 🥰
Thank you so much for your kind words, Alondra!
Good Morning Michelle! I am “Gym phobic”…. its a social distance sort of thing… I like solitary walks outdoors (fresh air is part of it!) and I have been doing a daily chi-gong practice for nearly thirty years now. It keeps me grounded, flexible and chi-ful which I count a blessing every day. I believe exercise should feel invigorating but NOT exhausting…. your body knows the difference and the messages are clear. Heed them! Your “bike rides” are lovely, especially with the personal touches. We see occasional Moose in this region (New England) but my younger son lives in Alaska and he has to check out his window before opening the door. They have had a young moose “living” in their front yard this winter, munching on their bushes and they literally have to dodge carefully or wait patiently to get to the car! I am glad your exercises are making you feel better. Don’t be too hard on yourself… our bodies age and we need to respect that too. There is a reason the “prime of life” is a thing… beating yourself up is not a good thing. Be gentle, love how you are, no matter what! your creativity is beautiful! :):):)
Hi Betsy! Thank you so much for this lovely and wise comment – you really made my day. I am also “gym phobic” and I completely understand about the social distance thing. Chi-gong sounds interesting. We rarely have moose by our house, but every once in a while they pass through. It’s a real shock when they do!
Of course you doodled on the race scenes. So fun. I love the moose. I agree – you never want to mess with a moose. There was a mother moose in Glacier that had laid down in front of someone’s tent in a camp ground. She was the size of a small car. Holy Toledo. The rangers were tossing gravel near her to scare her, because they didn’t want her to be in the camp ground and to be so comfortable around people. We were RIGHT THERE. It was amazing, and I have awesome photos of her baby, cord still attached.
Holy sidetrack . . . the exercise that brings me the most joy – probably being done. Whatever I do, I like it best when I’m done and I feel accomplished, sweaty, and strong. I like running, but it no longer loves me back. Walking is awesome or doing a really intense strength class at the health club with a bunch of other women, or mostly women.
Ernie, that sounds like an amazing experience with the moose! You made me laugh with “the exercise that brings me the most joy – probably being done.” I have to admit that being done does feel great!
Go, Michelle, go! <3 Listening to your body and letting it help guide you to feeling stronger is the biggest win 🙂
My favorite exercise is walking (preferably in the woods), and the full bod workout that working in the garden always seems to involve, lol