I work out because I want to feel better.
I want to think more clearly.
I want to fit into my clothes.
I want less stress.
I work out because I must.
I’m struggling in this exercise desert. What once was a budding tropical paradise is now eroding into a dry, desolate wasteland. I’m chasing a mirage of fitness that keeps getting farther away. The guilt of getting lost here is a heavy burden. I need to unload all my extra baggage if I want to make it out of here. I need to travel light with a clear goal. I need to exercise. I need to do some kind of exercise every day. Without it, I loose touch with myself. With it, I find myself and so much more. Every day is a new chance to escape. I’m starting again tomorrow.
I love my elliptical trainer. It fits in a reasonably small space and is quiet. I can use it anytime I want and I don’t have to share it with anyone. It has several pre-programmed workouts and has a manual workout setting. It shows how many calories I’ve burned, how many steps I’ve taken, and my heart rate. Its a great machine. I love it.
I hate my elliptical trainer because its no fun. I get bored even when I’m working hard. I need to see out a window or watch TV to keep my mind busy. Otherwise I’m just watching the clock waiting for the workout to end. I need a low impact workout because of an old knee injury. I need to stay at home to workout because that works best for me. My elliptical is boring and I hate that.
My love hate relationship creates a constant battle for my motivation to work out. I feel better afterwards, but getting on the machine and sometimes just completing the workout is difficult sometimes. I need to find a way to love more than hate. I know its better for me in all kinds of ways.
Gardening is great exercise. Yesterday I moved about 100 bricks making a triple spiral garden border. I know it was a workout because my legs are really sore today. I try to spend a couple of hours a day in the garden. There are always weeds to pull and something that needs fixed.
On days I’m not able to garden I spend at least 30 minutes on the elliptical. I love the elliptical because it’s in my living room and I can ride it when I want – but I think gardening is better. I get bored on the elliptical. The garden is so fun. Today and for as many days as I can, the garden is my fitness.