New Year’s Resolutions
I didn’t make any formal New year’s resolutions, but I’ve been thinking about exercise recently. I know, I know, thinking about it doesn’t really count, but it’s a start, no?
Last New year we came back from the cruise and hit the gym with enthusiasm. I had the Scary Trainer, and started running and working out furiously, and then it all tapered off to nothing, so this year I am planning on stepping it up again, this time with Bikram yoga. My Canadian editor once talked to me about Bikram - she had transformed herself in a surprisingly short amount of time, and I have come across various people who claim to have seen the same changes from Bikram. Bikram is the hot yoga, that is supposed to recreate the heat of India to ensure maximum flexibility (and discomfort presumably, but I won’t think about that).
I did rather enjoy running on a treadmill, when I was doing it. Yesterday, flying home on Jet Blue, I got suckered by three Infomercials: a bra something that holds straps together, a Slap and Chop thing, and a Nordic Track incline treadmill. I want all of them. Particularly the treadmill, which is, of course, the most expensive of the lot. I am pathetic when it comes to Infomercials. I sit, mesmerised, and pick up the phone like a robot. Good job I was on a plane or I’d be strapping, slapping, chopping and running by the end of the week.
Actually, if my previous experience with Informercials is anything to go by, I would be doing none of the above. All the items would instead be gathering dust in the spare room. When I sent my last batch of items I no longer use to Goodwill, it included the full set of Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo. Unopened. Need I say more?
I am starting to feel a bit creaky, though, and think Bikram could be the answer. Plus the Chestnut goes, and it’s always better to do these things with a friend.
In the meantime, I’ll just pop over to the Nordic Track website for a look…
January 5th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I actually like watching some infomercials myself!! The most recent one I watched was for the Shark steam mop and it is now sitting very nicely in my closet. Good luck on Bikram!! I quit smoking for my resolution!!!
January 5th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I also thought of exercise today. thought. And nearly bought Paul McKenna’s ‘Get thin’ hypnosis book/CD. Desperate times.
If you do get the Nordic Track thingy, see if it says ’simple assembly.’ I find with running machines they say ‘easy to assemble’, when in fact, you can sweat more doing that than using the bloody things….
January 5th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
wish I had the energy, my treadmill as usual is gathering dust…..
January 5th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Bikram is awesome if you get it at the right studio. If Chestnut likes where she goes then I recommend it. Great results in a short time.
January 5th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hi. I’m new here. I love your books - all of them… and love how the plots and themes have grown and matured with you. I’ll be back to read your daily blog.
I gave up New Year’s Resolutions a few years ago. Now I compile an “In and Out List” each year. On my “In” list is walking the dog more frequently (she’s a good babysitter for our preteens and I often opt for leaving her home on our walks when she really wants to GO) and going to quick dinners with my husband in the neighborhood more frequently. Out is bagged spinach because it almost killed me with food poisoning over my Christmas break and avoiding my grading for school. I’m also thinking of trying false eyelashes! That might be “in”!
Thanks again for all the great books!
January 5th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I don’t think it’s the infomercials, I think you like UPS dropping packages on your doorstep Jane!
I do set resolutions. My big one for this year is to set realistic expectations for myself. Sounds like talking in a circle, doesn’t it?
January 5th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Oh the lovely, exercise! After having two children, my last 2 and a half years ago, I finally made the promise to myself, in early November to start working out regularly. Considering, so long after giving birth, I still looked like I was 5 months pregnant! It was tough starting out, but now I actually look forward to my hour a day, 5 days a week!
I have been faithful to myself since November, and since then, I have lost 15 pounds thanks to stepping, and pilates! I feel so much better, though no where close to my pre-baby weight….however, I am getting closer with each “step” I take. Not only is is helping my body, is it helping my mind, my motivation, and actually inspires me to not “procrastinate” (which is quite new for me).
Wishing you a happy exercise journey!
And sending gratitude for all of your beautiful writings, and books! You have kept me reading for hours (read days)….devouring every word, and wishing for more!
January 6th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Infomercials are the best! My sister and I have a secret passion for watching them. I think it is because everything looks perfectly cooked and everyone becomes so thin using the product.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Lust after the palm trees and the baby.
Say no to the Nordic Track
and yes to the yoga
January 6th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
At the risk of sounding like some chirpy article in a Women’s magazine, what I have started doing with New Year’s resolutions is only making resolutions that are basically a treat for me. Something I might not do for myself but will because “I’m keeping my New Year’s resolutions.” I did it for the first time a couple of years ago, it was the first time I had made a resolution in many years, I resolved to get a qarterly facial. It was the first time I was ever able to look back at the end of the year and say I had kept my New Year’s resolution. I mean, does a New Year’s resolution really have to be something you don’t want to do? Who says it has to be painful to keep?
January 6th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I have just made a new years resolution. Get pregnant, stay pregnant! either that or don’t gt pregnant again, ever!!! Sorry, feeling a bit sorry for myself. Am doing ok though. Enjoying the time in bed reading “life swap” actually. xx
January 7th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Just a warning - I did Bikram a couple of times and I had to sit in my car for ages to let my brick red face return to normal before driving home. I looked like I’d run a marathon then spent the night with Casanova - and I was fit at the time. Can see it would get you in good shape quick - a look at the other participants will reassure you of that.