You’ve decided to improve your fitness, you have signed up for
the class. CONGRATULATIONS. But now you are feeling really anxious. “What if I can’t keep up?”
Step One: EVERYONE
has been just where you are.
Really? All those fit and skinny
women know what it’s like to be the slowest one in gym class? Well, maybe not the slowest, but they all
know what it is like to be de-conditioned, coming off an injury or illness, or
starting a new activity. You are not
alone. In my experience (as often the
slowest person in a class) the rest of the class will be on your side,
supportive and sympathetic. If you
really find a group that isn’t--run away fast and find another class! (I always
feel I am providing a special service by being the slowest person in the
class.)
Step Two: DO NOT HURT
YOURSELF. Be kind to your mind and
body. I’m heavier and my knees twinge
occasionally. So I never do the full
jumping things—I always modify, and guess what, my knees are fine! But I can do the full abdominal exercises,
arms exercises, and I can still get my heart rate as high as I want without
jumping. Does anyone else care? Of
course not.
Step Three: BE A
TORTOISE not a hare. Slow and steady
will definitely win. In fact, even high
level athletes use the 10% rule: Increase your distance OR intensity NO MORE
than 10% over the last workout. Never do
both at once. So let’s say you are
nicely doing 10 burpees. Next time you should
do 11, not more. The time after that 12,
etc. within two weeks you’ll probably be
doing about 20—and that’s a lot of burpees!
Or you are easily walking 2 blocks.
The next day you do 2 blocks and 2 houses. The day after 2 blocks and 4 houses, etc. Within two weeks you are doing a quartermile, and it will feel easy. Remember,
there is no hurry. Those tortoises are
really smart.
Step Four: CELEBRATE
your success! You deserve it. This is the most important step, to
congratulate yourself for making your life better. It’s the nicest thing you can do for the
world.
Tips from Anne Kelly, President of www.junonia.com, specialists in plus size
active and casual clothing.
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