I like rich foods and I cannot lie...

If you know the true lyrics of that song about Big Butts you are laughing right now because that’s what rich food leads to.  I admit it. I like butter, sauces, dark chocolate, bread…bread in all its amazing forms including, but not limited to, sourdough, croissants, chocolate croissants…I think you get the idea. There is no point in pretending I am going to become gluten-free, low-glycemic, or any other form of restricted anything in this lifetime. I like what I like and, barring any medical need for changing the types of food I eat, there is only one solution to my weight issue: Work. It. Off.

If you’ve been reading this blog, then you know over the past 6 months I have finally gotten it. If you eat it you must pay for it in calories out. I call it banking. No more “credit.” Cash account only for my calories. The simplified system works in my brain – I just wish it had planted itself there 30 years ago so I wouldn’t be working so hard now.

As I seem to be admitting truths today, here’s another one: I like to exercise alone. Occasionally I walk with friends (Hi Tina and Tasha!) and I truly enjoy those walks. However, I talk, incessantly, and the talking distracts me from pushing myself. If the walk is meant to be social then I am happy with whatever results emerge – I know I have fun and that’s my favorite part. If I want to see real results it has to be me and my pedometer – alone and pushing it. Hard to talk when you’re gasping for air, you know?

I used to teach Pilates and the occasional Step class when I lived in Alameda, which brings me to my second favorite type of exercise: the kind where I get paid to motivate others and, as a benefit, get a workout. When I teach a class I demonstrate whatever exercise we are performing and then make sure that each individual has correct form. I love teaching Pilates. The best part is when a person comes to his/her first Pilates class and sees the other students performing difficult exercises seemingly effortlessly and I recognize the look of , “Oh, I cannot do that.” It is a great joy to take that person in hand and assure him or her that everyone started with that same look and, with time and effort, achieves form, strength, and balance. I have had so many students come to me to say how happy they were to have me teach them. Lately, I have been pondering that and wondering if I might go back to teaching one day. Who knows. Possibilities, right?

My third favorite type of exercise is the kind where I am part of a group exercise class (especially aerobic – like Step or Spin or another cardio class) where I do not know anyone. I don’t mind a nodding acquaintance, but I don’t want to go with a friend. I don’t want to organize carpools or save someone a spot. I want the time to be about me and my needs. I admit here that I have stopped going to classes for exactly that reason. “Save me a spot by you!” is the surest way to keep me from attending an exercise class…not because I am such a hateful cow, but because I take my promise to do so seriously and, most of the time, that means asking someone else to move or not be in a particular place. That makes me feel pressure and, for some stupid reason, I can’t stand that. I don’t mind saving a seat in a theatre or other venue, but not a spot or a bike in exercise class. One other reason is that says to me, “YOU get there on time and save my space. I will come whenever I feel like it – possibly right after class starts – and take my reserved place.” So, word to the wise, don’t ask me to save you a spot.

Now that my rant is nearly complete I must add this: unless I am being paid to do so, I don’t want to be someone else’s motivation. Is that selfish? You may remember that I was pretty keen on Trampoline Aerobics there for a few seconds. Well, there was a woman there who latched onto me and asked me to call her when I was going to go to class because she might not show up otherwise and she really needed to have me go or she wouldn’t get the exercise she needed. Wow. How is her need to exercise my responsibility? Especially since we are a) not friends and b) barely acquaintances, and c) yuck. I get it when my actual friends want me to help them get outside. I’m going, after all, and why not, right? No. Please see paragraphs one and three. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to go for a walk, just means I don’t want that to be my regular thing. (You gals get that, I know. And I love you, btw.)Again, is it selfish? Probably. Tough crunchies.

Finally, let me say this: my exercise barricade and selfishness applies to my husband, too. He loves running. He runs far and for ridiculously long periods of time. I am not interested in running and, even if I were, I would never ask to accompany him because I think it’s meditative for him and helps him center himself. Also, we live and work together, so daily breaks are required. For a VERY short period we went to yoga class together. Sure he’s adorable and I love him and I am very impressed with his ability to twist his torso, but he was distracting for me in class. Also, we had to coordinate getting there – not too difficult since we live in the same house, but I usually do several things on my way to or from a class and I had to curtail this. So, what was my stupid solution? I stopped going to yoga. 18 months ago. Stupid. I am going back (and I don’t really know anyone in class except my amazing teacher, Jennifer). Here is my favorite yoga studio: Square One Yoga

Finally, I am proud to announce that I stretched for 30 minutes on Sunday and have walked 6 miles in the last 3 days. The weather has been ridiculously beautiful in the Bay Area and I would have been foolish not to enjoy it.

So, if you love to exercise with a friend or many, go for it. If you like to be alone, go for it. If you love classes, join in. If you’re sitting on the couch when it’s gorgeous outside, get up and get out there! Move, move, move…that’s the idea!

Peace out!