Much Exercised

[hrj]

I made it to another arbitrary exercise goal today on the Nordic-like machine: at least 2 miles and at least 350 cal. in 30 minutes. (The precise balance depends on the difficulty level and course pattern. I've been hitting the 350 cal. mark for a couple of weeks now, but making the distance was harder.) I figure it may be a few weeks before I can hit that consistently -- then I'll pick a different course or up the difficulty level and figure out what the next target will be. Motivations and goals are odd things. I'm continually amused by how badly the gym owner misfires every time he tries to give me encouragement. He means well, but he just doesn't get me. His encouragement is predicated on one of two erroneous assumptions: 1) I am uncertain of my own abilities and limits (this is the "Come on, you can do it" approach); or 2) I am seeking to please others (this is the "People must be commenting on how great you look" approach). For my part, I just don't get the whole notion of personal training sessions. Sure, it's useful to have someone show you the equipment and exercises, but why in the world would you need to have someone standing over you coaxing you to do every little thing? If you want to do it, then just choose to do it. And yet, it must work for some people.

Comments

[kaththeamac.livejournal.com]

I like classes and instructors because I work harder than when I'm on my own. I HATE sweat, so left to my own devices I rarely push myself as hard as I think I should. I find machines boring, although very good for setting goals, and classes have more variety, not to mention music I can hear without headphones and wires and things to hold on to. I've done a personal session or two to learn specific techniques, but am uncomfortable with them overall because that much undivided attention makes me nervous.

The "Y" I go to has a class or two every morning at 9:00am which is different every day, so whether I go three days a week (basic goal) or more or less I still get plenty of variety.

It's nice, though, isn't it, that there are so many forms of exercise and ways to get it to go with all the personality types that want to get fit.

Oh, and that comment about "people must be commenting on how great you look", that's the kind of comment that I really despise.