The Problem
I am the world’s most uncoordinated person. I can’t hit a single identified flying object with a sports-shaped stick in my hand. This handicap essentially eliminates all tennis, golf, softball and a host of other activities from my exercise-deprived life.
Additionally, I am incapable of throwing a football, basketball, bowling ball or Frisbee and having it land within a mile of its intended target.
On top of all that, I run slower than molasses and even at that pace my knees scream out in arthritic pain.
And to cap it all off, I don’t like to sweat.
Add that all up and you have an unskilled, untalented, unathletic Florida girl who hates to exercise.
The Solution
About 10 years ago, Gold’s Gym opened a branch near our house. In an unguarded moment, forgetting completely who I was, I signed up. I am so glad that I did.
Lysa states in Chapter Nine that the best exercise is the one that you will actually do, and at the gym I found something I could do. I could stand in an air-conditioned gym, step on a low impact Elliptical machine centered under a ceiling fan, place my uncoordinated hands on the handles, hold on for dear life and move back and forth, back and forth. It isn’t fun or easy, but I could do it.
A routine was born. After 20 minutes on the Elliptical, I would walk over to the weight machines, follow the directions, push and pull for 40 minutes and then go home. It’s really wasn’t that bad.
Of course, I distracted myself the entire time by listening to worship music on my iPod, watching all six of the TV’s on the wall, gaping at the odd types of people who strutted by, and visiting with a friend - all simultaneously - to help the hour pass quickly. But at least I was moving.
Relapse
That had been my exercise regimen for about eight years until something happened. Life interfered. I got sick, we moved, crises erupted, I was weary and so, I slept in. For the past two years, I’ve been sleeping in. You know what? I’m still tired.
All that sleeping hasn’t helped me feel rested, peaceful, fit or more in control. I miss my exercise. No, that’s not strictly true. I miss the benefits of being physically fit.
Try, Try Again
With God’s help I’m ramping it back up. My plan is to exercise four days a week. I have a different friend lined up to work out with me each of those days to increase my accountability. And now I am telling you.
It’s time for this tired, old body to get moving again.
I’ll make you a deal. If you pray for me, I’ll pray for you. And I’ll look for you at the gym. You can’t miss me; I’m the one hanging onto the Elliptical for dear life.
Jump Right In
To increase accountability and encourage others PLEASE take a minute to comment below: introduce yourself, share your successes or struggles, add your food list or simply say ‘hi.’
The journey to change will be more successful if you walk it with others.
What About You?
What type of exercise works best for you? How do you motivate yourself to do it?
Please join our discussion and
leave a comment here.
Made to Crave ~ Index to Previous Posts
Good for you, Kim. Starting an exercise program is challenging. It looks like you’ve taken some excellent steps to hold yourself accountable until you get back into the swing of things.
I’m also very uncoordinated. I’ve been working out since I was 13 though, mostly for the psychological benefits. I don’t LOVE it all the time but it’s just something I do now, like brushing my teeth. At least this is one step in Made to Crave that I’m not struggling with!
push mowing the yard, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, walking the dog, things that make me feel productive help me keep moving.
Sounds like you have a great plan kim!
the results of feeling healthy and strong are so great! Rootin for ya:)
Glad to hear Kim you are heading back to the gym. I, on the other hand, have been ‘working’ at working out for quite a long time. However, with the reading of the chapter realize I need to rev it up a bit and the reasons for being there as well. I don’t like to exercise but I would get to the gym but make it more of a social hour than exercise time. So …. I’m changing that! I began the COUCH TO 5K program using my Ipod. It has really pushed me to the next level! Learning to run and while I’m at it-working on praying and focusing on the Lord at the same time! Craving Jesus! Amen! Have a great week!
Yaah, Kim! I have to say….my exercise has been so spotty….some weeks I will walk or exercise 4-5 times per week and others, I couldn’t even tell you what an elliptical was (which by the way, I LOVE the elliptical, too…and I usually don’t LOVE anything about exercise! ha!) The past two weeks, I have been doing some deep cleaning and having a yard sale, etc. I don’t think that constitutes exercise, but I sure am pooped with all the constant work (company coming tomorrow!) I love walking on summer mornings, elliptical, dancing, and riding my bike (with NO HILLS! ha!) Well, and racquetball with my kids. My schedule is more flexible now than ever, so I have NO EXCUSES……I plan MWF to go to the rec center and TTH walk. (Deep breath) Okay, now where is that dust mop!? Have a great week everyone!
So glad to hear that others struggle with this, I sometimes let my physical problems get in the way of regular exercise. I have pain in my hips and back if I over do, but also hurt if I don’t do anything so… I have truly got to get and keep on a more regular schedule. This study reminds me I am not doing it just for my benefit but to grow my relationship with the Lord! I enjoy biking but have to switch back and forth from biking to walking due to the physical limitations.
Again I have to thank my dear husband for keeping me accountable. We have this “date” MWF at Gold’s Gym in Winter Haven or at Club West here in Minneapolis. The time is set each day and we plan for it together. One of the benefits of retirement is that we can go in the middle of the day rather than at peak hours. In WH I like to use the women’s gym for resistant training and I know it helps with core muscles. My favorite machine is the elliptical which is easy to use when one wants to do other things like read, listen to music or messages, or memorize Bible verses. I always work up a good sweat and feel great after a shower. On off days, we like to take a brisk 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. These have become precious moments together. Here we each have bikes so the bike trails around the Twin Cities beg us to come and enjoy God’s creation. I agree, find someone to go with and it makes the process less painful…in fact, it is rather enjoyable.
Exercise has been a part of my life for 25 years. Sometimes I don’t feel like doing it and certain activities I like better than others but I love the challenge. As I get a bit older I really like that I can out-workout a lot of people a lot younger than me. Nice attitude, huh?
What I do miss is a work-out buddy. Haven’t had one for a while and that would really be a great addition for me socially and make working out a bit more fun.
Wow - you all are my heroes. It sounds like exercising is tough for everyone yet each of you are still hanging in there with it.
You inspire me!
I only wished you lived in Winter Haven, FL so you could meet me at the gym :).
Kim, your beginning comments about yourself and exercise made me laugh. I am so uncoordinated and have always hated exercise. I’ve been trying the WII fit at home and I can only do very few of the exercises- I’ve found myself laughing on the floor more than once-asking “you want me to do what?”
Too funny. I’m not sure I even have the courage to try the WII fit, but now that you said that, it might be worth a try. If nothing else, it would provide some great entertainment for my husband and the kids.
PS- I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one who seems to be missing the ‘coordination gene.’
Keep it up!
Was wanting to start a Christian Ladies exercise class within our church. We have a large gym & and big screen to use DVD’s with. There are many ladies who I think would come to this but perhaps not the usual Ladies Bible Study. Do any of you know of a workout christian workout that you’d recommend? Would appreciate any recommendations or suggestions anyone has in starting this class.
Hi Linda,
That sounds like fun. I know I sure would love exercising with my church friends a whole lot more than just going up to the gym. I don’t know of any Christian workout DVD’s but there has to be some. Let’s just leave this comment up and here and pray that the Lord leads you to just the right thing.
I hope you come back and share what you find. I’m sure other will benefit.
This is me totally. I am too busy. I try to sleep extra and didn’t exercise. I have started walk/run in the mornings again. 4 days a week. Feel much better. I, too, am slow as cold molasses, but I saw a sign with a penguin on it “They see me waddlin, They hatin” too cute! this is me! I am ok with that! Too many people try to make you feel bad for whatever reason. Don’t listen! Listen to God! He always has something good to say!
I’ve always said I am “allergic” to exercise. I don’t like to sweat either. My favorite exercise is just walking. After the winter months inside (because of fear of falling on the ice…been there. Done that!) I start slow and try to do a little more each time. I love walking by the lake. The sounds of the water are healing to my soul. And blow away the weariness!
I agree. There’s nothing like the beauty of God’s creation to soothe the soul :).