Having put it off for ages (and having felt like putting it off forever) I finally did it.
I joined a gym.
Well, I say joined. I actually rejoined, having last been a member about four years ago, and before that about twelve years ago (pre-lad).
I admit it – vanity is to blame. The thought of stripping off my winter layers on an Aussie beach over Christmas and exposing in public what hasn’t been exposed for… well… quite some time…. frankly filled me with dread.
As an old-school feminist I know all those sayings about “Get a bikini body – just put a bikini on your body” and I know I should be focused on seeing my sister rather than the size of my thighs, but well…
What can I say? Vanity, thy name is modflowers.
But I am also aware that having lived the majority of my life as an exercise-hater (I blame the utterly vile experience of PE at school) I have got away with a lot, health-wise, for a long time.
I have a vegan partner who cooks, have been vegetarian for most of my adult life, don’t have much of a sweet tooth and don’t dislike healthy food. This has counted for a lot.
But now I have hit middle-age, I realise more and more that as ye sow, so shall ye reap. I tire easily. I am out of breath when I have to run for the bus.
I have been guilty in recent years of a sedentary lifestyle, fuelled with too many bags of mini poppadoms and extra helpings of pasta.
I want to have the energy, stamina – and confidence, to really enjoy my time in Oz. And beyond.
Fun it may be, but sewing does involve a lot of sitting still.
So today and for the next couple of months you will find me, red faced and sweating, doing my electric prancing (cross-training), lifting weights and grimacing.
Oh, and recuperating at home afterwards by making more buttons. (Which – thankfully – are much prettier than photos of me getting sweaty).
Wish me luck. ♥
I know what you mean about middle age and the pe lessons at school. Imagine how old I felt when I went to visit rush Cliffe -Ryan goes there in sept and Mrs far rah and miss Randall are stillthere!!!! Buttons are gorgeous:)
Oh my goodness! Were they the PE teachers? I couldn’t remember their names. I was scarred by the hours stood on the top of that windy hill, shivering in an aertex top and PE pants (no tracksuits allowed, except for the teachers!) followed up by a humiliating naked shower in filthy, freezing cold changing rooms. I was never one of their favoured ones and just hated every single minute of it.
Mrs modflowers, you are beautiful as you are – but isn’t it time someone revived the bathing dress, modflowers-style? 😉
*blushes*
Thanks Sue! I do so agree about the bathing dress. Actually, my sis swims in board shorts and a rash vest – much less glam than a bathing dress but if you burn easily you do have to cover up when on the beach in Oz! Have been browsing swimwear in the Boden sale but the thought of flashing my thighs is making me want to go back to bed.
Good luck! I’m afraid gyms and I don’t get on very well – I’ve joined and left many times in the past! Now I just do yoga at home – it’s the thing that works for me and I come back to it time and time again. I just love the quiet. Hope you find what works for you xxx
My sister does yoga. I went to classes when I was pregnant, but I don’t have the willpower to do it or any other exercise at home. I need to get myself out of the house to make myself do it!