the gym

I love going to the gym and working out...now, that is. I have been going pretty regularly since after having Elijah (of course I didn't go until 4 weeks after having him!). But, I have really grown to love going. I have to admit at first I went out of obligation to myself to "get in shape", etc. and I really didn't like going too much. But, I have found that the more I go, the more I like going. Not just for the sake of getting shape, but for feeling better and as a way to spend some good time to myself - thinking (or not thinking!), etc.

Before I was pregnant, I would go occassionally with Steve and then while I was pregnat we walked (outside) very consistently, but going to gym is a new hobby for me now!

The biggest challenge for me has been in the area of cardio. I never have loved cardio (I used to prefer pilates/yoga or weights). But, I am beginning to learn the importance of regular cardio. I started out by using the treadmill as it is my goal to be able to run with my husband as a hobby. He is definitely a big runner and I have never really been a runner, so that was one of my goals to be able to share with him. However, my knees started hurting pretty bad after using the treadmill, so I have switched to "running" on the elliptical. I was working on distance/length of time, but now I have started working on speed. The other day I had a HUGE headache and I really didn't want to go the gym. But, I went anyways and half way through my cardio - my headache went away! That felt so good! After cardio I like to do weights to complete my workout. I definitely come home a happy, stress-free girl!

I am definitely no athlete or marathon runner, but I have definitely come from not doing much to attempting to do more on a regular basis! ;)