In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit

[Prism]

I am very much like a hobbit--except in my body build!  I like comfort, 2nd (and 3rd!) breakfasts, lots of nice people around me and not much adventure in my life.  I am 43 years old, and the mother of 3 really awesome nerdlets, as well as the unofficial mom of 5 more (2 of them live with us full time, the others are here 80% of the time--I am not exaggerating this!).  I don't look very overweight, because I was blessed with an amazon build--I am 5'10 with extremely long legs, which make it almost impossible to find pants that fit!  However, I have been steadily gaining weight for the last 10 years, mostly because of my sedentary life choices--(I have always hated exercise) and my complete lack of will power where sugar is involved. 

 

Last fall, several things changed in my life.  I changed from home-schooling my two oldest children when they chose to enroll in an awesome Vocational High School in a town about 30 minutes away.  I also teach an early morning scripture study class for teens in my home, so it made sense for me to drive my 3 (2 biological + the extra one who lives with us) and their 3 friends to school in the morning--and one of the other moms usually picks them up.  In October, my sweet husband asked if I might want to join the YMCA in the town their school is located in (I wasn't aware that there WAS a "Y" in that town!) , but I checked it out, and it was a perfect fit for me!

 

The reason it was so perfect is a little odd--I love it because it is pretty old, a bit shabby and not really "gym-like"!  In another nearby town, they have a brand spanking new "Y", filled with  lots of very daunting equipment, and busy, physically fit, really intimidating people!  MY "Y" has nice equipment, but a much more laid back attitude, and most of the people who are exercising at the same time I am are very old guys, who don't intimidate me at all!  So, I started, very gently, to exercise a bit (I drop the kids off at school and drive over, so I have a nice habit pattern!). 

 

I began with doing an 8 minute walk on the treadmill (which has an automatic 2 minute cooldown, so I only spent 10 minutes).  Then, I joined the M-W-F "Aquadance" class, which is filled with old ladies (I am by far the youngest class mate!).  However, it is a nice stretch, and a good workout which is fun and enjoyable, and since I am in the water--nobody can tell how terrible I am at the dance steps!  (I am getting better all the time, though!).  I also joined the T-Th Qi Gong class, where I am also the youngest. Then I met with a trainer, and started using the machines.  I haven't lost any weight, but I am getting stronger, and (best of all!), my hips, neck and back don't hurt, and I am actually enjoying and looking forward to the exercising!

 

I still only spend between 8-10 minutes on the treadmill, but I listen to music and put a little bit of dancing into it and I never do the same exact thing--I vary the speed and the incline, so it isn't just "same old, same old", which I am discovering is DEATH for me!  I like the freedom of not "HAVING" to do a certain routine--if I am busy or just not in the mood, I will do something different, but I do SOMETHING ACTIVE every day. 

 

I found Nerd Fitness around the same time, but I have been putting off joining, both for financial and emotional reasons--it takes me a long time to decide!  But, I think it really is a perfect fit, and I joined officially on Monday, and have done enough quests to get to level 2!

 

My biggest motivation for fitness is not losing weight, or eating better, even though I know both of those things will bless my life.  The biggest reason is I need to strengthen my core and my arms, because my youngest child has pretty severe Special Needs, and has to be carried a lot, and I want to be strong enough to help her without hurting myself.  However, the way I see it, there really isn't a downside to this adventure! 

 

[ShortStrider]

Prism,

 

Welcome and congratulations on your journey.  Being a hobbit, you're familiar with "There and Back Again".  Remember that the journey changes us, and when we come back, we are different and better than when we left.  It's that cycle of improvement and little steps that matter the most.  Keep it up!

[Elastigirl]

Sounds like you have a very full very house.  Looks like you are making some great changes, way to go.

[Raincloak]

Aquadance sounds adorkably fun. Water has a nice way of supporting weary joints without giving you anything to tangle up in / crash into.

Have you heard of the "Walking to Mordor" challenge? If you're on a treadmill and a LOTR fan you should def check it out.

[Prism]

Where do I find more info on "Walking to Mordor"?  Does sound like my style!

[Klara Kim]

Wow, you have a full house! It's awesome to hear how much you've taken to your exercise routine. Welcome to the Rebellion!