Getting Back into Your Own Skin

Every Monday I make a decision that I'm going to work harder at feeling more comfortable in my body. I haven't felt good in my body for years. The rounds of hormone injections, depriving myself of certain foods and then gorging when I'm feeling disappointed and sad, mixed with general lack of motivation for working out has left me kind of...blah. Add traveling and having family in town and I can officially say I feel like a manatee.

I really struggle between having realistic expectations and wanting to be kind to myself and my body and wanting to train for a marathon. Note: I've never trained for a marathon. I wouldn't even know how. I can barely run to the mailbox. But the idea of being super strict and structured when it comes to exercise sometimes appeals to me. At least every Monday morning, where I decide this is going to be the week I get back into shape! 

I think we all have to understand that living on IF Island usually means living with a few extra pounds in unwanted places. We have to accept that as part of the battle. But we also have to do everything we can to feel good in our bodies again. At least I think we do. 

This weekend my dad brought over a punching bag. It was the perfect idea to getting out some aggression and getting into my skin again. It doesn't take a long time, it's a cardio workout, and I get to wear boxing gloves and punch away in the privacy of my living room. Sometimes we have to get creative. Lugging myself to the gym and plopping around on the treadmill seems like monkey torture. I already feel like my life is a treadmill, why make myself miserable and drive the metaphor home several times a week.  But a daily boxing routine may just be the thing! (In addition to yoga, of course). 

Anyone else have creative workouts or ideas for feeling good again? I'm all ears! 

Comments

[Cheryl]

Gardening seems to soothe my soul. It brings me back to my childhood days spent with my grandmother in her garden, dusting off baby carrots and eating them as quickly as we could pick them. Find your happy place and visit it often! Wishing you the best, always.

[Don't Count Your Eggs]

Alright, I'm hearing dance workouts is where it's at! Too bad I dance like an ostrich having a seizure. But that's not the point, it fun and burns calories, I get it. Mayra, Hubs and I went for a walk last night but I ended up with a big bowl of frozen yogurt, which kind of defeats the weight loss purpose, but it was delicious! Thanks ladies!

[Myra]

The hubby and I started walking every night for at least half an hour. It's been nice, because it's the one time we can talk without any disruptions--no TV, no cellphones, no computers, etc. It's been a good start after not working out for so long. I want my body back!!

[KFH]

Zumba is a fun way to exercise. You don't feel like it's a workout. My sister and I go twice a week. Takes my mind off everything at least for a little while.

[Davy S]

Have you tried Zumba? I hate working out, but Zumba is fun enough that I forget it's a workout.

[Gladys]

There's an awesome dance studio you once joined me at! Nothing says workout and party like their cardio hip hop classes!!! Let's let our hair down and get down to Beyoncé! xo

[Dani]

I'm so glad you wrote about this. It's not something I see talked about often. Beta failure day has always been pancake day for me. Cool gift from your dad!