Weekend Update or Girls (and Boys) Just Wanna Have Fun

Greetings Friends~

I am lucky enough to be able to afford a gym membership. As I get in better shape, I hope to be able to utilize all the options they have to offer, like the cycling class, kick boxing, latin dance aerobics, etc.

Here's the thing with me. I HATE most kinds of exercise. I don't know if this is because I was the chubby kid who always got picked last during P.E. or if it's the boredom that I experience when I do repetitive physical activity?

Regardless of the reason, there are two things that I do know concerning myself and exercise. The first is that it is essential in my struggle to overcome my morbid obesity. Second, I really like the kinds of physical activity that are FUN.

Racquetball is fun...competing against Susan...or Bruce. I don't play as well as I once did nor do I win as much. The thing is, I get a huge sense of accomplishment from returning that little blue ball when the odds were I wouldn't be able to. It is good plain fun...and...when I am having fun, the time flies.

Now things like the treadmill or the elliptical, not so fun (in MY opinion). But here is the thing. With the aid of my miniature Ipod Shuffle and a playlist that includes the Rocky theme, Dion, ZZ Top, The Beatles, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones, it becomes fun...and the time flies.

This got me to thinking about exercise or activity that doesn't involve a health club because, let's face it, not everyone can afford it.

I know most of you Members and Followers and let me tell you, there isn't a person among us that isn't pretty smart, and resourceful when we need to be.

So, tonight while I was on the treadmill, I thought about exercise alternatives that are either fun, free or very darn cheap. Here's what I came up with.

~Take a walk along Budd Bay on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Maybe around Capitol Lake, if you are up to it. When you are done, skip proudly through the Farmer's Market. Maybe you can pick up a bunch of carrots from Colleen from Rose's Skok Valley Farm or Blueberries from my sister Rebecca from Black River Blues or just a cup of joe from the Heyday Cafe. Then, since you did so well walking, sit for a spell. Watch the entertainment on stage or maybe just observe the unique people that you see strolling by.

~Go to the Capital Mall now before the Christmas shopping rush is upon us. See how many laps of the Mall you can make. Keep track so the next time you can shoot for more. Even one lap or just one length of the Mall may be enough to get you going. When you are done, walk around through the stores and window shop for the fancy clothes you are going to buy when you get fit and slim. Don't be depressed that you might not be able to afford something. Be happy that someday you'll be slipping into that nice snazzy suit or a cute dress.

~Go to Priest Point Park (or any park will do) and go for a walk. If you don't like rain, take an umbrella. Enjoy the fall foliage. Pick up some maple leaves to take home and dry. Gather some fir or pine cones for a Christmas project. When you get in good enough shape, take the trail down to the bay and explore the beach. If you aren't in good enough shape yet, be happy that you one day will be.

~Get some of your friends together on the weekend and see if you can find a restaurant or bar that has live music. Maybe go to the Red Wind Casino Lounge. It is free and so is the soda, coffee and hot chocolate (not low cal though). I love to dance even though I look like an idiot doing it. What the heck? If we can laugh at ourselves as we shake like a bowlful of jelly then who cares if other people think we have escaped from Western State. (If you are going to start whining about the smoke, then find a bar with music. They are now smoke free). Get out there and shake your rear end like your life depends on it, because it does.

So now Travelers, it is your turn to suggest fun and inexpensive alternatives for exercise that is fun. Post your comments People. Let the world know your ideas.

One of these days, I want us Members and Followers to take over a place and dance till we drop. Don't worry, someone will be there that knows CPR, I'm sure.

Inspiration of the Day

Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. Mark Twain, 1835-1910, American Author and Humorist.

Recipe of the Day

Here is a hearty, healthy dish for you to warm yourself with after your walk.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Potato-Bacon-Soup-Weight-Watchers-Ww-288440

 My small steps for the weekend are; to eat healthy at the birthday party on Saturday and to get a workout in on Sunday. Don't forget that there is a gallon of blueberries riding on your weight loss this week so get out there and BE ACTIVE. The group's progress so far is proof that this works when you are taking it One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!