Ask Laurie | advice column
photography by: Robert Hayman | styling: Hair Design by AvantGarde | fashion: Petunias 852 5th Ave South
Dear Laurie, A whole year has gone by and I clearly didn’t stick to my 2011
New Year’s resolution of getting into shape and exercising regularly. I used to work out constantly, but over the past few years, work and life have gotten in the way. I’m now in my mid thirties and I can see my body changing. My husband is so sick of hearing me complain that he offered to purchase a gym membership for me. A nice gesture, but I couldn’t help but feel a bit offended. I’m sick of complaining and not doing anything about it! How can I get my motivation back to start hitting the gym again?! – Overweight & Under Motivated
Dear Under Motivated, I totally understand – you are not alone! I have a good friend who
is forty-six years old and had never exercised in her entire life. One day she woke up and decided to look at her husband’s gym’s fitness center’s class schedule, see what was available and go. And just like that, she went to her first spin class. To my surprise, she stayed for the entire sixty minutes and immediately following spin she moved on to yoga class. “That’s an ambitious start!” I remember thinking. The whole first week my friend continued attending different
classes, switching between yoga, Pilates and cycling. She even dabbled in some Zumba Latin dance. She was a little sore for the first few days, but after a couple of weeks, she began to have her favorite teachers and classes. My friend loved to cycle, and spinning in the evening worked best for her busy schedule. Her dedication continues months later; she has bought herself a couple of new outfits, and figured out how to go online and reserve her bike for cycling class.Her whole family including me initially wondered, “Who is this person?!” But she loves it and her body loves it too! This person can be you!Once you start exercising again, I encourage
you to find activities that you enjoy. I personally love yoga and teach it too. I suggest accepting your husband’s generous offer and begin by checking out the class schedule at your fitness center. See which classes are offered that you have an interest in and which realistically fit into your schedule. Most fitness centers, even more traditional gyms, offer a variety of specialty classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling, step class, and dance. Try something new and see if you like it – and if you don’t, move on! If the group setting isn’t for you, consider signing up with a personal trainer who can work with you to customize a personalized fitness routine. Commit to doing something physical daily, whether it’s a walk, swim, strength training or a group fitness class. You can even come attend one of my gentle yoga classes! Just take the first step and find something that you enjoy! Physical fitness is not just for your body, but also your mind and spirit. Namaste!
About the Writer: LAURIE MARTIN is a national speaker in the arena of Self-Love and Empowerment. As a Professional Speaker, certified Life Coach, author, advice columnist and radio host, she shares her passion and knowledge guiding others to tap into their own inspiration. She is also the author published book, Smile Across Your Heart: The Process of Building Self-Love. For more information, please visit www.
SmileAcrossYourHeart.com or questions can be submitted directly to Laurie by emailing
LaurieM@SmileAcrossYourHeart.com.
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