Saturday, February 2, 2013

A Change In Perspective

Today, I'm linking up again with Cherish at Southern Soul Mates to talk a bit about exercise and other things.

I have never been a fan of traditional exercise.  Stinky gyms?  No, thank you.  I did get exercise, though.  As a kid, I was into everything at one point or another.  Gymnastics?  Check.  Soccer?  Check.  Cheerleading?  Check.  Dance?  Double Check (I did this really young and later again in high school).  Growing up, we had an exercise bike, which mostly I would just play on.  Then, we got a treadmill.  I went through phases with this thing.  We basically had a love/hate relationship.

Sometime later, I realized it was kinda nice to actually do my running jogging outside.  Of course, I live in Florida, so this isn't possible April - September (you would not be able to breathe).  But, being outside can change your perspective and give you more of an avenue to think.

After a freak horseback riding knee injury, it got a little difficult to do any type of jogging, at all.  I try to pick it up again every once in a while, only to realize that it just isn't the best thing for my poor knee.  So now, I just enjoy a good walk.  I can't say that I do it as often as I should.  In fact, it's been a long time since I could say I did it regularly.  Since I've started on this new track to healthy eating/living (you can read about that HERE), one of my goals is to pick back up an exercise routine.

Last Sunday afternoon, my mom and I decided to go on a walk together.  We are both trying to make big lifestyle changes this year, and it's so great to have someone to help keep you accountable.





We didn't go to a fancy park.  Instead, we just walked in a neighborhood across the street from where I live.  It's quiet, so we didn't have to dodge too many cars.

Marshy area in the neighborhood


One of the things that stuck out to me when we were walking is just how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful area.  It's corny, I know, but I think sometimes it's easy to lose appreciation for a place when it seems so familiar.  I've lived in the same town my whole life and have always wished I had grown up somewhere in the mountains.  People love to come down here for the beach, but it's never been anything special to me.  The older I get, the more I'm learning to love my home.  Now, I don't live at the beach.  Around here, you either live on the beach or "in town."  I'm an "in town" kinda girl (Spring Break?? No, thank you...).  But, the Panhandle really is a beautiful place to live and a great place to grow up.

New appreciation for my hometown?  Check.

Okay, mushiness over.  I got sick on Monday morning, and it's stuck around all week, so I haven't made it back outside to walk since Sunday.  So much for new routine, huh?  I'm finally feeling better today but still not 100%.  Hopefully this upcoming week I'll be able to head back out again.  My goal is 3-5 times/week.  We shall see!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  The weather is perfect here!




8 comments:

  1. I'm also trying to exercise more and change up my workouts between the gym/neighborhood or park. I hope you're feeling better!!

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    1. Thank you so much...much better today!! Good luck with your workouts. It's so hard to get that routine down.

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  2. I've started walking again and I love it! You're right, it does give you more time to think! ;)

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    1. I love it, too! It's one of those things I never want to do until I actually do it, and then I'm always happy that I did. And, the thinking time is such a good bonus. :)

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  3. Suzanne, I am SO proud of you!! Walking is absolutely wonderful and I think it's wonderful that you and your mom walked together! Brandon and I love to go on walks together when the weather is nice, too. It's great to be able exercise and de-stress at the same time! Thank you for linking up! I hope you have a great week! xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Cherish! I'm hoping to be able to get out a lot more this week. The weather is perfect! Hard to start a new routine, but so worth it. I hope you have a great week, too!

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  4. I have never been a big runner but love to go for walks, and having a companion makes them even better! I'm a big fan of exercise classes (cycle specifically) at the gym...I have a hard time pushing myself without an instructor yelling at me, haha!

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    1. I've never tried a cycling class, but if I were going to go to the gym, that's the kind of class I'd want to take. I've tried Zumba before, and I liked that alright, but cycling sounds more up my alley. May have to look into that... :)

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