Stamina!

I think it's tragic but my mom probably has more stamina than I do. I get sick much more often than her, and she does so much more than me in any given day. It's ridiculous! When I told her that I would be working 6 days a week she practically laughed in my face. She told me, I know you, and you won't be able to keep it up for long (to which so far I've still had no problem by the way!).

I think much of our generation suffers this problem. Is it because of the fact that now the average kids spends more time in front of a tv than running around outside? Rather is it because we are more familiar with the McDonald's menu as opposed to the different green vegetables that exist?

Most days, when my friends are not motivating me, I go home and literally crash. Food, books, tv, all lose interest. Sleep and stretching my back really seem to be the only exciting things in life. Most weekdays I don't meet up with friends because I just don't want to get home late. My mom goes out socially very regularly, and is without fail up at 5 the next morning to do yoga or go for a walk.

Something is definitely wrong with this picture. Why are we less healthy and less active than our parents?! And more importantly, how do we change the tides. What builds stamina? Eating right, sleeping early, and exercising! Spending less time in front of the computer, tv, driving, and less sitting in one place (and never sitting straight).
And most of all less work pressure - hard to imagine right?

End of the day, its all about priority! Giving ourselves and our health priority. Otherwise in ten years we're all going to be assigned to bed rest- not my idea of fun! Unfortunately i can never seem to fight this for more than a few days at a time. Otherwise invariably I will go out late with friends, then not wake up early for the gym, then work, then eat out, and so on! grrrrrr!

I think its already late in the game to be realising all this but something has got to click!! Run Run Run!!!!

Off and On

I think I've already mentioned that I'm one of those people who in my personal life has trouble following through with extra-curricular activites. Either I allow work to invade my free time, or I just get lazy because my free time becomes very limited.


Fitness is one of the things I've tried the most number of times off and on. I've joined numerous gyms, gone jogging in the park, and even a dance class. Unfortunately none of these manages to last more than a few months...!


However, I don't give up easily either! I'm now embarking on yet another gym, although this one is of a different nature then normal. It's called Contours International and is a womens only gym. You can't do the normal routine here, in fact they have a very specialized circuit. There are about 10 machines spread out in a circle with bouncy mats between each.


The bouncy mats are for different aerobics routines. Each station is meant to be done for only 45 seconds, and then you "Change Station", as the lovely women in the music says.



When I first was doubtful about this, the trainer told me that, aside from the fact that your body needs a good mix of aerobic acivity along with the machines, the main thing is that since you do one exercise only for 45 seconds, your focus and intensity is very high.


Before and after the circuit of course, its important to stretch and do some warm-ups and cool downs. But generally, I'm quite excited by the concept. The time really flies when you're doing the circuit, and my currently sore muscles are telling me that it must be atleast somewhat effective! This is my extra add-on for the week and I'm hoping I manage to make this a routine. In the meantime I'll try to research a little on the benefits of this kind of routine vs the normal gym workout, or just running in the park!