Snowed In: What’s a Girl to Do?

If I’ve learned anything during the moving process, it’s that doing a little all along is the key to most success. When I think of all I have to do before our movers arrive, I panic; when I do a little all along, it begins to seem doable. My biggest challenge is avoiding distraction. That’s one reason I packed books first. I’ll admit that I have one stack to the side in my “take with me; don’t send with the movers” pile.

The same principle applies to exercise, one area on which Rubin focuses in January. Even though I  know that eating less is more important for weight loss than exercise, I believe in the multiple benefits of exercise, especially aerobic exercise of any kind.  I’ve tried to tell myself that lifting boxes and climbing stairs is sufficient. I’ve heard other people say, “I don’t need to work out. Do you know how much I walk at work?”   It’s not the same thing. Part of the benefit of walking, for me, either in the neighborhood or on the treadmill, is that time set aside when I just read or think or listen to music.

Even when I get tired to sweaty, I alway feel better after thirty minutes or an hour of exercise. As soon as the snow melts enough here to get out and about, I plan to go to the health club and get in a full hour–step machine, weights, and the bicycle. I drink more water when I work out intentionally. When I get home, I’m energized, and I think twice about eating empty calories once I know how many I’ve just burned and how quickly I could undo that benefit.

One tip I’ll add that works for me: It’s that old principle of accountability.  I am more likely to get in my exercise if I have a workout partner.  My friend Claudia and I have been walking together or going to the gym together for years. The walking has given us a chance to talk through raising our children or to discuss what we’re reading now or next. I hope when I get to Nashville, I’ll find someone like Claudia (ha! There is no one like Claudia) to keep me focused on being fit.