I am blogging while walking on my treadmill!
Despite my hopeful attempts of late to get in better shape,
getting out to exercise keeps getting interrupted by life. The kids
will be off of school or someone gets sick or I have to use my time to
wrap presents because things like memorial services
pop up. I know these aren’t real excuses to some people, but I argue
those are people who actually like to exercise. I know several people
who run, and not because they have to but they seem to like it. I am
not one of those people. I wish I were one of those people! The idea
of exercising for the pleasure of it rather than as some time sucking
chore is amazing to me. I like the results of it, I understand it is
something I must do, but I am infinitely happier reading a book or building a violin or cuddling with my kids, none of which burn calories or strengthen muscles. Time spent exercising makes me want to scream.
But, my weight has reached proportions that make me physically
uncomfortable, so I have to start paying attention and putting the task
of getting into better shape on the front burner. I can’t ignore it. I
want to be healthy and I want to be a healthy example to my kids. I
can’t be a role model that shows them exercise is fun, but at least I
can prove to them I believe when something is important to do, you do it
even if you don’t want to. And whenever possible, be creative.
I saw a news story a few weeks back about a workplace that got rid of
traditional desks and replaced them with treadmill workstations. The
employees could walk slowly while they typed and used the phone, and
everyone was happier. What an idea! If I could combine my laptop time
with exercise, that could work.
We have a simple, fold-up treadmill that had gotten buried behind
computer equipment in Ian’s study. I had him move it into my shop. I
am not crazy about anything invading my shop space that is not directly
related to violin making, and the treadmill is being doomed to a sawdust
covered existence, but it’s an out of the way room with enough space
for it, so in it went.
My first thought was to construct a tall shelf thing with legs that
would fit on either side of the treadmill, but then I realized if I
faced the wall I could just screw a little shelf in right there. It’s
not very feng shui to have my back kind of to the door, but maybe I’ll
just get a little rear view mirror. (Or try turning my head. That
sounds cheaper.)
Anyway, so far it seems to work. Walking somewhere at a pace between
one and two miles an hour is easy, but I figure it adds up and it’s
better than not doing it. I walked a mile last night while writing
emails and catching up on my favorite blogs. Then I walked a little
faster while watching a show on Hulu, and slowed down again when I
wanted to type. I’ve composed this whole post while walking on the
treadmill, so I can actually consider blogging exercise. And it doesn’t
feel like exercise, and it doesn’t feel like wasted time. This could
be good! The trick will be to see if I can write blog posts about
anything other than walking on my treadmill. We’ll find out soon.
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