Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wednesday Workout Update

I'm just back from Denton - we spent the last few days helping Sam shop for furniture and a washer and dryer for his new apartment.  What fun to start out with everything fresh and new all at once - I will admit to a bit of envy!  Anyway, it was fun and tiring, especially on Monday, when we shopped for hours and hours at Ikea, followed by some more shopping at other furniture stores (looking for a couch) and then back to Ikea to double-check some things.  We were on our feet all day long, and I have to say that while I was ready to finally sit down, I was not completely beat...and I have to give credit to my overall fitness.  Apparently being fairly active on a regular basis DOES help when the really busy days crop up - a few years ago, I would have been in physical pain after just one day like we had, not to mention I wouldn't have lasted shopping all day like I did.  So here's another hurray for lifestyle changes!

On with the update, because I know Helen will be sad if I don't talk about my fun workouts. :)

I've been swimming 3 days a week, although next week I think I'll be in town all week so I should be able to make it 4 days.  Keep in mind this is Shelley Swimming™ which is a special version...no standard laps for me, lol!  I try to do 1000 meters, which I break down to four laps of each (the pool is 25 meters long):

  1. kickboard
  2. sidestroke
  3. kickboard
  4. walk/jogging the length of the pool
  5. backstroke
  6. kickboard
  7. more walk/jogging
  8. sidestroke
  9. backstroke
  10. kickboard
I also pretend to ride the redumbent bike underwater for at least two intervals of five minutes (it's actually not so dumb when it's underwater).  I have to tell you, while I knew that my legs would feel the swimming, I had no idea that my arms and shoulders would get such a workout, especially now that I'm wearing my fitness gloves.  I may just end up with some decent shape to my arms yet!

As you know, I tried yoga while I was in California, and I liked it.  Last Thursday Joni and I went to a yoga class at the gym - it was fun.  The stretching felt really good, and then we did the traditional yoga poses, which are intense!  I was shaking while doing a couple of them.  The class was pretty small - I think there were about eight of us in there, so the instructor was able to give Joni and I extra attention in working with our form.  It's amazing how limber some of the women in the class are - and hard to fathom that someday we might be like them.  I'm planning on making at least one yoga class each week; possibly more, depending on my schedule.  There is one that meets at 8:30 p.m., and I am tempted to try it because I have a feeling I'd sleep really well after that!  Oh, and I'm sure you will not be surprised at all to know that I bought a yoga outfit. What???  I had to! ;)

The last part of my workout has been walking - not a lot, because my orthopedist really recommended against it, but when I'm in town, I like to go to the Saturday runs with my running club and walk half the distance that they are scheduled to run - that way I finish around the time most of the runners are starting to come in, and really, how bad can a couple of miles of walking be for my ankle?

So that's it - swimming, yoga and walking.  If you would have told me a year ago that this would be my workout, I would have fallen off my chair laughing.  What, what and WHAT???  No way!  Well, way, apparently. I dare not EVEN predict the future of my workouts.

21 comments:

  1. I've developed a whole new respect for just how tough you really are. Two trips to IKEA in one day? I bow to your stamina, perseverance, and dogged determination. IKEA is a beating. I need to go there myself for some stuff for the house. Dreading it!

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  2. I think if you can handle 2 trips to Ikea in one day, you can pretty much do anything! I think it's great that you are trying so many news things and liking them!

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  3. So, I will be amazed with everyone else about 2 trips to IKEA in one day *even though I've never, ever been inside an IKEA she whispers*

    You may have trademarked it, but I also participate in Shelley Swimming lol!

    What I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE is your dogged determination to find a way to workout even though dumb ankle is refusing to cooperate. Do you even realize how many people would have given up by now Shelley?

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  4. What Helen said, not about Ikea, but about how determined you are!
    Fantastic!

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  5. That is exactly why you are my inspiration. It's so awesome you found some new things since your "dumb ankle" (thanks for that Helen I will keep using it) won't allow you to run. As you know, I started out swimming and I love it. I would still be if our pool wasn't so ghetto. As far as the yoga, I can't even begin to tell you how much it's done for me inside and and out. Try a hot class one day if you can find one! SO proud of you.

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  6. First of all, I had to laugh "she bought a yoga outfit?!" You have to show us on Fashion Friday! :D

    And I agree - swimming is an ALL BODY workout - I feel it everywhere after I swim. I actually do laps where I either use just my arms, or just my legs, I am actually sweating after just 30 minutes!

    Way to go Shelley - getting in all that exercise! :D

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  7. Yoga outfit--I bought some yoga pants, and my legs have never looked so good! What's in those things?

    Your swimming routine sounds fun to me! I have to get back in the pool soon! And yoga. Well, I want to, but I probably won't join any classes until after I retire.

    Yep, I agree with you on the shopping endurance. Its nice to find practical ways our fitness is helping us out.

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  8. Your swimming workouts are awesome, Shelley! I wish I could join the Y around here; I love pool workouts. Oh, and I would follow the Shelley Swimming routine also :)

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  9. Way to go, Shelley! Love that you're getting out there and trying new things. Perhaps that's the silver lining to the bad ankle?

    You have mad shopping skillz. I worn out just reading about it.

    Keep up the exercise mojo. You're doing great.

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  10. You are such an inspiration. When I hurt my ankle I pouted and huffed and puffed a lot. I only wish I had been as determined as you. I wish I had found new things that I enjoyed instead of pouting on the couch! Good for you!!!

    Jennifer
    http://wecanlosethepounds.blogspot.com/

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  11. WOW! What a great overall workout schedule! Very impressive!

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  12. Glad you have found some pool love.

    I keep trying yoga and just don't care for it. I much prefer Pilates. I do like the yoga pants, though! Hooray for stretchy comfort that gives shape to your legs!

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  13. Hey Shelley!
    I love your site!
    I have literally done a 180 in the last few months and started dedicating myself to exercise as well. Believe it or not, I never even knew what Pilates was!
    Anyway, my point is I have used a new tool recommended by one of my trainers. He happens to be a tech junkie and loves new internet sites. It's called Fitango and I have invited all my loved ones to it. They have everything! Not just fitness.
    You should check it out for sure.
    Have a great day!

    Cathy

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  14. I just had to giggle at the Yoga outfit. Of course. I'm sure it was very cute and matching. Good for you on being adaptable and finding a way to stay focused on fitness.

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  15. Don't forget the workout to the See's candy song. Plus the workout with the remote. Those, you can plan for future.

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  16. wow. that is awesome! keep up the good work!
    http://beboldrunwild.blogspot.com/

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  17. I try to avoid Ikea as much as possible because I get very greedy whem I'm there especially at the kitchen section.

    I love it how you break your swimming laps up in different exercises. Just swimming is boring to me too.

    And I have a big smile reading you bought a yoga outfit. You would have disappointed me if you didn't :)

    Great going Shelley. You found different things to do to keep on working out and I'm proud of you for doing that.

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  18. That is awesome! It sounds like you are having fun mixing it up! I like those days when you realize that all the work you put into your diet and your physical health is helping you.

    Would love to see you make some more videos.

    Cheers,

    Emmy

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  19. IKEA TWICE in one day? I bow at your feet Shelley!!!!! Great job on the workouts!

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  20. LOL you had to buy a yoga outfit! Of course you did! Great post Shelley! You are doing great getting the exercise in despite your sore ankle. It would be easier to just lay on the couch (sofa) and eat chips wouldn't it? Good job girl!!

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  21. Not being IKEA's bitch......priceless! Way to go Shelly!

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