Monday, February 7, 2011

Fitness For a Non-Athlete


To say I’m not an athlete is a huge understatement. While I love to watch sports, playing them has always been a different story. I still have bad memories of gym class in school, as being ridiculed for not being able to spike a volleyball or jump a hurdle was not an easy experience for a shy and insecure adolescent. 

For this reason, I shied away from exercise and physical activity for most of my adult life. I did try various aerobic or cardio videos over the years, as I wanted to find something I could do at home, but none of them ever worked out for me. I would get frustrated quickly, as it was always difficult for me to follow along with the instructor, and many of the steps that looked so easy on the video would turn out to be impossible for me. 

But in late 2009 when I first decided I was going to lose weight and get in shape, I happened to come upon the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds DVDs at my local library. I had never heard of Ms. Sansone before, but the idea of walking as exercise appealed to me. I thought, maybe even I can do these!

I wasn’t disappointed, as these videos appear to be designed for people like me. The steps are simple to follow, and I’ve never felt like I was getting lost trying to keep up with the walkers on screen. Plus, Ms. Sansone has a pleasant demeanor that is very encouraging. 

I’ve since bought several of these DVDs, and I love all of them. My favorite collection adds weights to the walking routine, and I love the extra burn that the weights bring to the workout. While I never thought I would feel this way about any kind of exercise, I actually look forward to doing these walks, and I’ve been inspired to do more walking outdoors as well. 

So if you’re like me and still remember lining up and waiting to be picked last for the team in gym class, I would definitely recommend these videos. Thanks to them, I’m starting to feel like even I can be an athlete!

7 comments:

  1. Congrats on being so motivated! I'm not a natural athlete and long ago realized I'm happy when walking in a park, don't mind floor exercises, and, somehow, it works for me.

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  2. Thanks for mentioning these. This is the second time I have heard about these in two weeks. (Just had my husband write the name down) the first time I heard about these was in Weight Watcher's two weeks ago....do you march in place? (We have limited space in our living room where the DVD player is)
    I was one of those people in gym that you are talking about. I remember being ridiculed and being a nervous wreck because I couldn't do a somersault and couldn't do the Monkey bars.
    I was on a swim team and was a lifeguard but certain things in gym class I was awful!

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  3. Hi Kittie!

    I totally agree with you, I'm happiest when walking in the park. Thanks for your comments!

    Hi Caren!

    I highly recommend the DVDs, they've really been great for me. I sure can relate about the somersaults and monkey bars. Even after all these years, I still hate thinking of gym class!

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  4. Walking is a great exercise, isn't it? I like going early in the morning when the air is really fresh and there's no one around. It's a great way to get my metabolism revved up for the day.

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  5. Hi Julie,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm your newest follower. I love the idea of using Leslie's DVD, no excuse that I can't follow the complicated steps.
    Also walking at home can happen no matter what the weather.
    Walk Strong.

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  6. Hi Trish and Lisa!

    @Trish, I completely agree, I love walking early in the morning. There's a park near my place and I love walking there in the spring and summer before I go to work, it's always a great way to start the day. :)

    @Lisa, that's just how I feel about Leslie's DVDs, they are perfect for me. Thanks for following!

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