Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Mental movement vs. physical movement

Last spring one of my coworkers found a small gym--The Pocket Gym. Val would leave right after work, and go exercise. She had more energy, and she was singing the owner's praises. I started thinking, could I start going to gym again? I mean, mentally I knew that it would be a great idea. I also knew I would benefit both mentally and physically. My mental self was eager, but my physical one could not make my legs move towards the gym.

Summer vacation started. I knew I had time. Still, my legs kept moving me in every other direction except the gym. In about middle of July, it hit me: my summer vacation was half over, and I had done nothing regarding my legs' aversion of northwest direction. I guess I would have to make the decision regardless of my legs' preferences.

I arrived at the gym. I huffed and puffed my first hour. My knee was hurting. I was sweating. I was thirsty. I was not mentally prepared for this. Did I mention, I was really hot? There was no miracle weight loss or marathon running in my near future. But, there was laughing, puffing and huffing, little less knee pain every week, more energy, sweating, strange looking workout clothes that came out of the closet, and new friends.

I am no longer sweating that much. Well, the fact that it is cold outside just might have something to do with that. Nevertheless, I can bike, walk on the treadmill, jump (or walk) on the trampoline, and do strength training without any pain! I am excited! I feel that finally, my mental and physical self are walking on the same road. Why did it take me so long??

24 comments:

  1. Oh boy! It's hard to read this post because I'm where you were at the beginning. I need to return and I'm putting it off. I'm scared of how hard it will be and I find any excuse not to go. Boy, I'm being very honest here. Your post is inspiring! Hoping it's the thing that helps get me back! Thank you for writing about this!

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    1. Michelle, keep me posted! Small steps can lead to big results! When you go back, maybe you can hear my voice saying, "you can do it Michelle!"

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  2. 40 days is what's required to change a habit. Those 40 days are the hardest but GREAT that you've put in the work and feel great! Please break it to me gently that workout clothes look strange...I live in 'em.

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    1. I am sure that your workout clothes are much better than mine. I need to see a couple of more months progress before I dare to buy any new clothes.

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  3. As I read this, I am mentally thinking I should start walking again since weather does not cooperate with biking. I guess mentally walking doesn't have the same effect. Sigh. . .

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    1. I used to mentally bike many miles! Now the actual biking and walking is energizing me!

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  4. Great stuff to hear, Jaana. Congratulations on 'moving' to that gym!

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  5. I love how your "mental and physical self are walking on the same road." It is so true how we get divorced from our own bodies. But when the body gets used to it, the mind craves it and keeps us going.

    Thanks for this and thank you for the warm welcome to blogging with SOL. What a great community!

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  6. Congratulations on sticking to your exercise routine!

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    1. Now I really have to keep it up as so many people know about the beginnings!

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  7. Congratulations! I am glad your legs are listening and keeping you headed in the right direction. Maybe yours can send mine a message! :)

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    1. I think the message have to be mental this time! Here is comes: Let's move together!

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  8. Keep at it....don't be like me...you can do it!

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  9. Congratulations on taking that first very hard step. I try to do at least a mile - 15 minutes on the treadmill - every school day. I call it my mental health training for krazy kids, passionate parents, and dreaded decisions that are surely part of every teaching day!

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  10. You are so right. I feel my knees ache and my legs slowing down. I need to do just what you did so I can be energized instead of slowing down.

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    1. Yes, getting moving has been one of the best things that I did this fall!

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  11. Oh, good for you, Jaana! I admire you! I think the last time I went to the gym was last summer... Way to go!!! :-)

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    1. Jennifer, gym or time spent outside, both can be invigorating!

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  12. I drink a heck of a lot of water when I workout since I don't enjoy being hot and sweaty!

    Good for you for taking charge of this. It's so hard, but it can make you feel so much better.

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    1. I am feeling so much better than I did a few months ago!

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  13. yep...I needed this post too...right now I am planted on my chair, eating Boy Scout popcorn...I'm so glad you moved yourself in the right direction. I think I need to make the move to a gym instead of just my elliptical at home. It seems too lonely. xo

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    1. Nanc, I feel that the gym energizes me! Watching others work out encourages me to do better!

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