Y Not?

I've developed somewhat of a weekend routine. Through the week, I let the mail and newspapers pile up on the kitchen table, then I sort it all out on Saturday morning. I also tend to blog on Saturday morning while everyone is asleep. I'm a little late today, it's almost 11am. On Sunday mornings, I go through the newspaper ads and do my bath towels/dog blankets laundry session. And at least 3 times a week, I'm now going to the Y.

Those who know me post-college may not believe I used to be a student-athlete. There's not much I do now to allude to that fact. But through high school and college, I played all kinds of sports like basketball, softball and track & field. I even dabbled in volleyball and the dance team. Since then, I've attempted several times to incorporate some activity back into my life, but I've never stuck with anything.

At work, we have a deal with the YMCA so employees can get a membership at a special rate. I've thought about it for the past couple of years, but I was afraid I would sign up and then just not go. I know myself pretty well. And the recliner is a hard habit to break once your butt is firmly planted in it. This year, I decided to go for it. I even got a family membership so Perry could walk on the indoor track.

So far, I LOVE working out at the Y and it's brought back so many memories. The weight room reminds me of my college days and lifting with my thrower friends. The basketball gym I recently stumbled upon caused flashbacks of high school, running yo-yos at practice and all of those away game trips where you did your homework on the bus with a flashlight. Plus all those times I shot free throws outside the basement at home. Mom always used to tell me that's how Larry Bird got to be so good.

As I find new things to do at the Y, I realize working out doesn't have to mean you bust your hump the entire time. Sure, that's probably the best way to go about it if you want to burn calories, lose weight and be healthy. But I will end up hating it if I do that, then I won't go. That's why I never had much fun with basketball. I can't stand running. Playing HORSE or just shooting around the key, that's a different story.

I try not to feel guilty because I'm not doing intense cardio or pumping serious iron. Right now, it's enough that I'm doing ANYTHING, so I just do what I like. I use reading my Kindle as bait to get on the treadmill and walk for a half hour. And my iPod helps keep the pace. I think I'll eventually work up to 45 minutes or maybe even an hour, but we'll see. And I always liked lifting weights so I just pick 4 or 5 machines, do 3 sets of 10 and go on about my business.

So that's where I am. Like I said a few weeks ago on Facebook, talk to me in 2 weeks when the newness wears off. But so far, so good. And here's proof of my high school jock status below.