My mom has a favourite saying that I heard ever so many times growing up. “I’ve lived many lives.” She doesn’t mean she’s returned to earth a zillion times but rather that her life has changed in countless ways. She’s been a nurse, a mom, a university professor, an antiques dealer, an artist and on and on it goes. I have to say that’s me when it comes to the concept of my favourite way to exercise. It’s been all over the map, really.
My favourite way to exercise when I was little was to run. I took great delight in the fact that I could sprint faster than my older sister. I’d grab any opportunity to best her. I do apologise – it must have been exceedingly tiresome for both her and everyone else for miles around.
As I got older, I turned to organized aerobics classes. These were extremely popular when I was in my 20’s. Imagine my delight when my sister’s sister-in-law revealed she was an accomplished exercise leader! I was hooked. She’d start every session with The Hot Butter Popcorn song. Do you know it? Click on the link below. It’ll make this post sing. Promise.
Once my 30’s loomed on the horizon the outside world beckoned. No more gyms for me thank you very much. I wanted to hit the open road and meet some new friends so I took up marathon running. Every Sunday morning from September to May I’d zip down to the local YMCA marathon clinic. We’d run around the city in all kinds of weather, chatting mostly not about running but about food, relationships, and what made us happy. It was group therapy at its best.
I swapped the organized running in favour of spontaneous running not long after my children were born. Exercise for me during the early childhood years was finely attuned with their world. Zooming after them as they careened towards the sharp fireplace ledge, swooping in to rescue the juice glass teetering on the edge of the table and winging after them as they ran into traffic. You know basic parenting 101 kind of thing. Of course, my favourite and least possible way to exercise back then was sleeping.
Once my two children were old enough to withstand the cold without too much complaining we took up cross-country skiing. The local Jack Rabbits program was perfect for me. Parents taught the lessons so I’d follow along and “assist” the younger skiers, all the while secretly picking up rather important tips such as how to make gradual turns and how to stop. Brilliant fun.
Then as my son and daughter started competitive swimming every summer for endless hours at a time I was pleasantly freed up to go for long dog walks with other swim moms. Walking became my favourite form of exercise. It was more group therapy. We’d wax on about our children, our relationships and yes food. While the practices may have dragged on for our swimmers they whizzed by for us.
My Favourite Way To Exercise Now
Now that my two have pretty much swum off out into the world I have yet a new favourite way to exercise. Zumba! This aerobic fitness program that consists of dance moves performed mostly to Latin American music is heart pumpingly fun. With zero dance in my background I often find myself shooting off left when the others veer right. However my ancient aerobics classes come in handy now and then. Grapevine anyone? As for socials there’s little opportunity to chat even if I could draw a full breath so it’s no longer the group therapy aspect that keeps me coming back. It’s the way I feel at the end of an hour. Exhausted and happy.
Yes, these days after I exercise I do find that I am happier and that I sleep so much better. Once I find myself making excuses not to exercise I know that’s when I need it most. Whenever I’m down or feeling blue I know I need to get out and hustle up those endorphins. It also works like a charm at putting minor problems into proper perspective.
But what about the miserably cold, wet and rainy days? Those days that I just want to stay home and hunker down? My go to ticket for readjusting my mental mind map is exercise in the form of laughter. Just this morning I was gifted with a wonderful present by my online pal Alice over at Reiki Pulse. Its 8 minute length put me off initially but I honestly laughed out loud almost throughout. If you can make the time watch it. Please. It is an absolute tonic. *** It gets warmed up at the one and a half minute mark.*** You’ll be snorting and gasping for air by the time you’re two minutes in. Pure genius.
This wraps up my Finish the Sentence Friday post. Today’s prompt was “My favourite way to exercise … ” Many thanks to my marvelous hosts Janine’s Confessions of a Mommyaholic, Stephanie’s Mommy, For Real and Kristi’s Finding Ninee. Today’s guest host is Allison Carter of Go Dansker Mom
42 Responses
Totally needed that laugh tonight and my youngest has been known to snort when she laughs, because she literally with laugh with her whole body, heart and soul. But nevertheless, I have never tried Zumba, but has been on my list to try, so I loved hearing how that is now your go to exercise 🙂
Oh your daughter sounds like a little gem. Love it when folks can laugh like that. As for zumba – go seek it out. Now! So, so much fun.
Ha!! What a wonderful post all around. I particularly love walking through your past: brilliant! And big secret: I am certified to teach Zumba. Just never have!
Oh what a gift you have Allison. Certification to teach Zumba! My hat is off to you.
Listening to Hot Buttered Popcorn as I’m writing this comment. Definitely making the post and my comment writing sing! Loved the many ways that you’ve found to exercise as you’ve travelled through your life! Another way that you are following in your Mom’s footsteps….
Hahahaha! Isn’t it such a peppy song? Played it for my daughter and showed her a couple of moves that we used to do back in the day. She’s still smiling. And yes – hopefully I’ll follow in Mom’s footsteps for a long, long time to come.
“Hot Butter Popcorn?”, I thought. “Don’t recall that song.” But, of course, as soon as I hit play I laughed out loud and was instantly brought back to the ’70s. Just awesome! I am in awe of anyone who can run a marathon (actually anyone who runs at all…). I’m a walker, myself. Also love to swim but my delicate Irish skin does not love this Southern California INTENSE sun. So anxious to watch the video from Alice!
Isn’t it the greatest song Mo? Mind you it’s now stuck in my head and playing over and over and over. Hopefully by Sunday it will have backed off a bit. Do make time to watch Alice’s video. So, so worthy. My son was initially put off by the 8 minute length however he did watch and has shared it with all his pals. I’m going to watch it again today at least 9 times I suspect …
Okay to answer your question I do love my yoga and pilates and there is a plan to walk the 50km race again this year. Now Zumba I have tried and will agree it is fun, fun, fun. As for the grapevine i had completely forgotten that. Yes I did do some aerobics with my lycra pants and leg warmers in the hope of becoming Olivia Newton John.
Olivia! Of course another Aussie. I must, must, must look into pilates. Have heard nothing but good things about it. Thanks for the nudge.
I haven’t heard that popcorn song in MANY years!
If you’ve been reading my blog (and I know you have!) you’ll know I’m all about the exercise. I used to do daily classes (including Zumba, which I loved) at the gym, but now there’s not a class that fits with my schedule.
My dirty secret– I motivate myself to daily exercise by having a daily reminder on my Outlook calendar. I don’t dismiss it until I’ve done something active 🙂
Yes, am still thinking about your piece on your walk where you got lost and your phone was compromised … Hope all better now. What a brilliant idea to do that daily reminder on Outlook. Once I finish these comments I’m out the door to walk the dog.
Things ARE looking up 🙂
And sometimes having a Type A personality has it’s advantages.
So glad Kathy! I often wish I was more of a Type A type …
I’ve never tried Zumba! Should I? Thanks for the awesome video full of laughter and snorts. I love how it was all serious until the guy on the left nodded his head too long and busted out laughing.
YES to Zumba. SO much fun. Time flies by after the first ten minutes. As for the video – for the first minute all I could think of was “oh the poor guy having to sit there sharing the same sofa. They look like they’re waiting for a bus. Why couldn’t they have two chairs or something.” And then minute one thirty rolled around and I was howling along with them. So, so funny and contagious,no?
MY favorite form of exercise? Sitting on the couch and doing “12 oz curls” while lifting a beer can to my mouth 🙂 hahaha stopping in from FTSF, my first time linking up. So far, lots of fun! I love the idea of Zumba, I do. We try it over here in the form of a Wii video game, and my girls shake their little booties, and I mechanically try to burn calories and just stay out of their way.
Hi Joy! Welcome. Love the vision of you and the 12 oz curls! Too funny. Good on you for doing the Wii zumba! Such fun. Off to check out your post once I’ve finished up with the comments here.
Thanks for the trip down exercise memory lane Kelly ! While I was never into running, I did years of aerobic classes, and Jazzercise ( I was always just figuring out the choreography when it was time to switch to a new routine ) , as well as downhill skiing, hiking. Fitting in exercise when you have children is always a challenge, but I realized along the way how important it is, so managed to work around everyones schedules and make time. These days I love to hike, as well as yoga, pilates and strength training classes. My goal is to stay fit for life ! I had a wonderful role model in my Mum, who was still hiking in her late 80’s, and still walking in her 90’s ! I too love Zumba !!
Jazzercise! Oh that was so much fun wasn’t it? I used to do it with my pal before she moved back to New Zealand. I’d forgotten. Once again I am reminded that your mom was one in a million. Thank you for sharing her with me again Jane.
Kelly, I used to love to run, but was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my hip (oh how it pains me to even type that), so my running days are supposed to be over. I keep hearing great things about Zumba, so I will need to add it to my I Dare Allie list!
Oh my friend I’m sorry. My pal has just been diagnosed with arthritis in her knees. I understand the pain that the typing of it must bring you. Do add Zumba to your Dare Allie list. It is really fun and hopefully not too hard on those hips.
I’m a gym gal – I like the classes because they make me work hard, especially strength training ones. But sometimes I just go on the elliptical and read from my Nook – it’s great multitasking! And I did just that this morning, plus a quick walk of the dog.
I really enjoy the elliptical too – haven’t read whilst on it so that gives me something to explore for next time. And yes it’s always great to get out with the dog. Ours would argue that she walks us though.
My goodness….you are a lively one aren’t you! My very favorite activity is actually playing a ‘made up game’ called ‘bumbyball’. Bumbyball is a cross between volleyball and tennis and let me tell you it is a real “hoot” to play. Of course, when I play I always have to bring out my Miss Scarlet persona……”Hay y’all, little ole me is about to serve up this little old ball…now pay attention ya hear!” Then I do this little dance step up to the service line….bat my eyes lashes and let it go! That is my tactic….I don’t play that well, but it is pretty easy to score when everyone is rolling on the ground in laughter! LOL!!!
Smiling here yet again as a result of your comment Debbie. Bumbyball? That sounds like a real hoot. Lovin’ the Miss Scarlet persona – Oh I’d pay to see that!
I suck at Zumba but still occasionally go – I spend most of the time laughing at myself!!!
Running has always been my favorite!!
Oh I’m right there with you in the laughter department Kim. SO funny when I’m spinning left and the entire lot is whirling right. The best part though is when I finally manage to get the routine down and we have moved on to another without a hope of revisiting it.
Around the world of exercise, indeed! I’ve been there too. My favorite actual “go somewhere and do this” organized effort up until recently was belly dance. I continue to make great strides of not killing myself in Yoga, and also I do resistance training 3 times a week. I sort of require myself to stay in good shape because I lead such an active lifestyle. Biking, Canoeing, Backpacking, Scuba, Archery, Trap and Sporting Clays, heck it all requires some hard core strength and endurance. During hunting season alone, I may walk upwards of 12+miles a day, often carrying a 40 pound pack. Oh just thinking about all this makes me tired. I believe it may be happy hour…..see ya….
A pal of mine belly dances and man is she fit now! Your fitness must be over the top – good for you. Happy hour is also a favourite of mine though. So happy that it’s always 5:00 somewhere.
I’ve probably tried a bunch of the fad exercise classes over the years but it has never been something that I really enjoyed, even though I know how good it is for me. Now I mainly exercise my fingers on the computer keys and my creative brain on the canvas!
Oh now that is a creative and very healthy way to exercise Sue! I’m with you on the tippy tapping on the computer but I’ll leave the canvas stuff to you and my mom.
Laughter, the belly-pumping kind is such a delight, and like you, Kelly, I laughed twice through that video.
Oh wow touch my toes! You are an exercise wizard. I might even try Zumba and go left with you when everyone else goes right. You really like that?
My fave exercises: walk, run (just getting back to this), and the newest: rowing! And chasing young grandkids when they say “you’re it!”
Once again you managed to have me grinning ear to ear. “Oh wow touch my toes!” And yes, I’m more often that not soaring left whilst all whoosh to the right. Another favourite option is fist pumping as others indulge in deep knee bends. Typikel. “You’re it!”
Love the “I lived many lives” reference. As a mom, I can so relate. I often just use my kids to exercise and it’s awesome… well, not at the time, but definitely afterwards!
Love how the exercising with kids continues as they get older too! Just finished gardening with my daughter and son – moving huge, heavy bags of rocks. It’s really hot here today so we had so many water breaks! Got a lot done though and despite the bickering we actually all had a lot of fun – they’d tell you that but not me!
Do you remember Cynthia Kereluk’s Everyday Workout? That was my favorite for years. 10 min low impact aerobics and some sit ups and I’m done for the day. However, the VHS tape barely plays anymore and Cynthia quit the biz so I’ve tried lots of videos/youtube videos in the last few years. I’ll sweat along with Denise Austin most days. I’ve done Zumba and like it, but my attention span is too short for an hour (although my waist line is too large for me to NOT like an hour of aerobic activity). Oh well!
Yes- Cynthia Kereluk! My niece introduced me to her. She was amazing. OK – off to check out Denise Austin. Thank you.
I want to try zumba, but so afraid that I’ll trip and fall, or make a complete fool out of myself.
Oh Karen – that is so me. However, my leader is so fun and yes kind. When I zoom left and everyone zooms right she always winks and gives me a huge smile. That really helps.
Zumba! I need to find me a class stat! I went twice and really enjoyed it. I like to shake my hips!
I was also a swimmer, and truthfully, I miss it so much! Best shape of my life during those years!
Hi Sarah – thanks for stopping by! My kids spent the past 14 summers swimming with a swim club and they say the same thing. Swimming really got them in shape. By the end of each summer they were so fit and I was, well, not so fit. ALl the driving and timing caught up with me! So I always worked on my fitness after summer was over – Here’s hoping you can find a zumba class soon.