11.29.2008

# Books # exercise

On Exercise


Today I went hiking up Runyon Canyon with two of my good friends. I consider myself to be pretty physically fit, but for some reason, today's hike was incredibly difficult.

Had the hills gotten steeper since the last time I went? Or maybe it was the headwind?

No, I believe it is because I had taken a few days off from my usual exercise routine for the Thanksgiving holiday. That, coupled with the fact that I consumed copious amounts of food I don't normally eat, along with various glasses of wine and coffee (although not all at the same time... thankfully).

What a difference a few days can make!

I think everyone hits that plateau when they are exercising, when they think they simply cannot go on. Where they would rather be any place, doing anything else than what they are currently doing. This happened today while hiking up the unusually steep hill (it has been raining here, maybe it was just a tad steeper). I honestly considered asking my friends to turn around so we could all get breakfast. But then I remembered the title of one of my favorite books by Jon Kabat-Zinn, that says: "Wherever You Go, There You Are".

And there I was. Out of breath, sweating profusely, arduously climbing the hill. I just accepted it in that moment and was able to push through. Not so bad after all...

Now if only I can remember this bit of wisdom in my early Monday morning yoga class...

I would love to know what you do to keep physically fit...

12 comments:

vicki archer said...

Two words - not enough! But I am oh so full of good intentions. When I am in my "fit mood" I like to run, swim laps and go to Pilates. xv

Rose said...

With excercise you sometimes have to think just another ten seconds don't you.

My very favourite exercise is dancing! I really do think it's the best. It's great for fitness, posture and gives you great shape.

Otherwise I enjoy ashtanga yoga, although I am not sure I will ever get to Madonna levels. I used to be religious about it and have really dropped off and feel bad about it. I need to get back into the routine in the new year!

I much prefer exercise that comes as part of life, a long walk, a climb, a night out dancing etc- but practically you need more than life tends to give.

ScentScelf said...

Oh, you've hit me right in the solar plexus. Can I answer with my ideal???

Which would be...yoga, at least twice a week; strength training (weights), twice a week; various cardio, especially walking, at least three times a week.

I am NOT saying how many of those have fallen to zero; I am working on a plan that has them all in place by MLK's birthday. :)

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Vicki- You forgot to mention olive picking- which absolutely counts as exercise :)

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Rose- I am completely with you on this one... I love incorporating exercise into my life. I've never been one to go to a gym and walk on a treadmill for an hour. That's why the hike was so great for me.

Dancing is so fabulous too. It puts you in a positive state of mind which I think is equally important to the work being done.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Scentscelf- lol! Best of luck with your plan. We all go through this so you are not alone...

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Pre-baby I would do aerobics, Pilates and baby Yoga. Now, zilch! However, I do walk everywhere and will walk for miles when lesser souls quiver at the thought. My 'baby' is now three and for the new year I may actually join a gym. I also love swimming when I get the chance as I find it so relaxing.

Here, There, Elsewhere... and more said...

Outdoor exercise has always played a very important role in my life - skiing, running, hiking, watersports...you name it - I've had to adapt my approach to sports though as I have a couple of prolapsed discs (slipped discs) n my lower back which means I can no longer run (but I do Nordic Walk) and, although I still ski, I now leisure ski gently...
I need to get out and move my body, it's part of my "equilibre" (life balance) plus being fit means I've bags of energy, I'm never ill...etc. plus, I'm the same size I was as a teenager (30 years on..!)
Oh, and last but not least, I dance every day..:)

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Primrose- I love walking as a form of exercise... When I lived in France I didn't do an ounce of exercise but walked everywhere instead and I was in excellent shape... even while eating all of those pastries and crepes :) That's fantastic that you keep that up...

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Here There- I love your attitude! Most people with injuries give up entirely...

I'm now putting two and two together that very happy people tend to dance everyday...

I love your joie de vivre!

Unknown said...

I would say yoga is my preference, but right now I am looking to take belly dancing classes. I also have not been very good about it lately because of my bout of Labyrinthitis.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Hi Jena- I've always wanted to take belly dancing too... I take a meditation class on Sunday nights at my yoga studio and right before it is the belly dancing class... the women look so happy and rested when they exit...