Still, I find it hard to fit regular exercise into my busy everyday schedule. What a shame!
I’ve always been athletic. I won many medals in my childhood. Now, I can’t take a flight upstairs without huffing and puffing. But, “No more!” I declared! Regular exercise was one of my 2011 plan. I have to admit that, when revising my plan, I was shocked by my ambitious exercising goals. I didn’t achieve any of them. I have to catch up before the year comes to an end. (at least to practice what I preach!)
My work is basically sedentary and the weather here in Dubai is pretty hot during this time of the year. I can’t walk or cycle (my favorite two aerobic exercises), so I decided to enroll in a ladies’ gym.
As a novice gym savvy, my next decision was to try all the classes (well, almost all, I’m not too much into boxing) before deciding which one to adopt especially that many new options are now available other than the usual aerobics and yoga I was used to. Last week, with my daughter, we tried Zumba class. It was so much fun! An energy packed class mixing aerobic moves with Salsa and Rumba steps on a refreshing Latin music background. I experienced firsthand the amazing boost of endorphins (mood boosting neurotransmitter released during physical exercise) along with the melting away of calories.
Tomorrow, I’ll try the Latino dance mix, and then may be some belly dancing (I’m Egyptian after all!) and end the sessions with yoga stretches and breathing. Next week, time for body pump and may be some pilates.
Wow! Suddenly, exercise doesn’t seem boring anymore. It was fun to experiment. I love new ideas and experiences. Exercise doesn’t have to be a boring task or a burden. We can make it enjoyable. Find motivation. Exercises are not only calorie-burners, they improve your blood circulation, energize your heart, boost your mood, improve your memory, and pump calcium into your bones. Start today! Choose a ‘buddy’, join a new gym, experiment with new sports, start a walkathon, or simply brisk walk with your camera around your neighborhood. Find your own way, but make sure to make it fun so that you don’t give up after a week or two or after some of the calories melt away.
Have a Great Day!