It was refreshing to hear Alice say we can focus on cardio and not to feel rushed into weights, core work, etc. I was feeling like I had to fit it all in but then not having the energy to do it. Reframing my goals to just cardio and stretching made it seem less overwhelming and more of what I enjoy.

Exercise, more accurately my AVERSION to it, is directly related to unpleasant experiences in my past. While I am able to appreciate this intellectually, I struggle with changing the repetition of AVOIDANCE. Typically, I have a flurry of ideas for what I will do, a plethora of products for doing and…no return on my investment of time and money because I stop doing.

At the group meeting, Alice’s words (once again) reached that remote frequency in my stored memory. She consistently reinforces a message of “slow and steady.” I, in turn think of the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.” In doing so, I perk up and smile at the thought, “Oh yeah, the turtle won.” For me, this message gently juxtaposes the belief that I have to make big changes quickly…or not at all.

Geez, I wonder where this thinking originates? I promise not to bash my parents (plenty of material for another blog) however, it is significant for me to appreciate the “if it isn’t a big change, why bother?” thinking may have been the Family Way. In fairness and in the spirit of good intentions, it seems to tie into a “hard work” ethic, one role modeled for me by adults in my life. Unfortunately, they too, have a similar history of lofty goals that tail off into incompletion and/or nothingness.

Knowledge is power, Alice provides information that supports paying attention to slowing things down, choosing realistic goals and how to tune into your body. As I ease into fitness, in hopes of incorporating it into my lifestyle, I am actually having fun with redefining exercise. I feel excited when I do something enjoyable. Unintentionally, I am combining the elements of cardio, strength and balance by looking around my gym (remember I own just about every gadget) and doing what my body feels like doing. Alice’s chart and words are really helpful. As it turns out, I am often doing interval training. Who knew?

I worry about injury. I’m 53, thank you, and enjoy a fairly painfree existence. I don’t like pain. What? Another misconception, “No pain, no gain!” Slow and steady reduces the likelihood of injury. Good news. I am still shaking my head over Alice’s announcement. It provides a new frame of reference to my ideas about the time frame for introducing new exercise into my life. Turns out, according to Alice, doing cardio for one year is legitimate and meaningful. Whaaaaat? Can’t say exactly why I find this news so exciting. She looks great, so count me in. Why not take a year before adding strength work? What’s the hurry?

Seriously, I’m truly enjoying the act of chipping away at “old ways” of thinking by at least questioning them.