Lately, I have been letting my yard work stand for my time on the elliptical trainer, and just doing my yoga. I’ve sloughed off the exercise with weights, as well. I tell myself that I’m up, working hard in the yard, and that should count for something.
Maybe it DOES in the larger scheme of things, but I DO feel a difference. The yard work is good, but it really doesn’t make me feel like I do when I’ve spent 20 to 35 minutes on the elliptical or done my arm exercises with the weights.
I read about endorphins and the people who wax eloquent about how great they feel after exercise. They are energized, high on life, etc. Sadly, not so for me.
The yoga does stretch me out, something I need more and more as I age. I don’t fold myself into a paper airplane, pretzel shape, or stand on my head, but I DO go through a routine that stretches every part of me. It makes me more flexible. My pain diminishes. I feel good about my efforts and that’s good.
I realize that I may never actually feel an endorphin. Right now I don’t think I would know one if it slapped me in the face, but that’s okay. I would like to look forward to my exercise – at least a little bit – instead of doggedly adding it to my desk calendar and giving myself a gold star when I actually do what I should.
Each day is a new day, though – a new chance to eat right and make myself strong.
Maybe I’ll meet an endorphin today…
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