Since finding Dave Ramsey and getting out of debt, we have tried to rethink the cost of everything including workouts. While being in good physical shape and eating right is important here in our wheat field, gym memberships are outrageous. Especially if you don’t use them. So, we have opted to workout at home or with a friend instead.
I’ve been working out with a friend or friends at least three times a week for three years. We have done everything from the Billy Blanks Boot Camp DVDs, to The Firm DVDs, P90Xvideos, and walking.
I’ve found I have to have accountability or I will fail. Period. I know enough about myself, to know it’s not that fun to get up with the chickens to workout alone. So get a buddy. Misery loves company.
Last month I hit a lull in my workout schedule, so I asked a neighbor to run with me. I say run… We meet at 7:00 am, jog,walk, jog, rinse and repeat.
I don’t know what made me think that I was a runner. But one day I woke up and thought I would pull a Forrest Gump and just get up off my rocking chair on the porch and take off. Come to find out, real life isn’t like the movies. It’s just not that easy. I just keep telling myself, “Self, you’re a runner. Self, you’re a runner…” All that has gotten me is further down the road. The same stinking road I have to get back home on. Grrrr.
Sometimes reality is a booger and all mind over matter gives you is chin splints. While you waller in self pity…something funny happens…
Your brave, mentally tough workout partner runs into a friend…
Meet ‘Killer’, the snake, our new friend.
Isn’t he cute? Killer is very motivating. Just his presence causes us to run faster than normal. Testing the theory pain is weakness leaving the body.
I’ve learned, getting in to shape isn’t a place you arrive. It’s more of a journey. A good part of the journey is the relationships you build with your partners. Something cool happens when you share secrets, sweat and time with someone.
A good workout does great things to my soul too. Like removing all the cobwebs of life. The only other thing that frees my spirit like that is playing music with Ben.
So, what are you waiting for? Ben’s sister, Aunt Sissy, always said, “The hardest part of working out is putting on your shoes.”
It doesn’t cost us anything but time. (And maybe a tiny bit of pride.) Well a whole lot of pride.
What’s a little pride among friends, huh?
Simply,
Sis
Tags: accountability partner, billy blanks, ditching the gym, gym membership, P90X, running, say no to gym membership, start running, the firm, work out videos, working out
You’ve seen my post pregnancy belly (X5). I’m not sure what pride is anymore. I know what friendship is though. And I understand accountability. Why? O, why is working out alone SO difficult? Perhaps its the distraction from the misery…. I have to disagree with Sis a little bit. I can put my shoes on while sitting on the couch and still not get up to push “play.” I’m good like that.
Yeah, add to that…tater chips… with your shoes on on the couch do taste pretty good.
My pride? Long gone. Isn’t it nice to be comfortable in your skin and you’re friendships? I miss working out with you all the time. At least we get to once in a while. It makes me feel good to help you push play.
Sis
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