From Deseret News archives:

Dread treadmill? Just hop on and think positive

Published: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 12:37 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Walking is such a simple healthy activity, so why won't we get out there and do it? I can tell you why! It is because it takes time out of our day, and we don't think we have enough time as it is.

Part of this problem is our perfectionism. We have to have the right clothes, water bottle and other accessories so that it takes to long to get out the door. I will say you always need to wear good shoes. I wear mine out every three months, and the way I can tell that my shoes need to be replaced is because my shins begin to hurt. I don't wait till I have full-blown shin splints; I toss those shoes in the trash and put on a new pair.

As I am writing the article; I am walking on my treadmill. I do my best thinking while I am walking and writing. I am not trying to write a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; I am just pouring my heart out to anyone that will listen. My treadmill had become a dreadmill for me. I hated it because it seemed like I was wasting time when I could be working.

This is when I let go of my perfectionism and found a way to do both. My husband likes to read while he was steadily walking. I tried that but it just did not hold any appeal for me. I am a writer and I write every day. This is when I put a bookshelf with a little lip on my treadmill arms.

Story continues below
Most mornings I can't wait to get on my treadmill just to see what comes out of my fingertips while I am walking. My stride is at a steady pace for me. After all I am pretty new at the exercise routine, and I do not want to crash and burn.

Most of the time I spend about 15 minutes to warm up and then I get off and finish my essay; as my strength builds up I will add a few more minutes to get my heart rate up and then a few minutes to cool down. I have tried this and I have found that I cannot type when I am in cardio workout mode.

Treadmills are hidden in our bedrooms, locked away in dungeons and dark garages. We usually keep them out of sight and out of mind. We try to disguise them so we don't have guilt attacks for not taking better care of ourselves. They become clothes butlers ready to accept any article of clothing you discard. Then when you do want to go for a walk on a rainy day, it is just too hard to undress your forgotten friend.

Yes, your treadmill can become your friend if you will develop a relationship with her. She would like a little attention each day. I am not talking about hours and hours here. Just start with 15-minutes each morning. Before you know it, taking your morning stroll will become as automatic as brushing your teeth.

When your walking becomes more of a chore than a joy then you are doing something wrong. If you don't make walking fun you will not do it. You need to move; this why it is essential that we find ways to enjoy our walk.

This month we are focusing on moving. You can do anything for 15 minutes, even bless your heart, by getting on your treadmill or taking a leisurely stroll.


Marla Cilley, a k a FlyLady, is the author of "Sink Reflections" (Bantam Books Trade Paperback). For more help, go to: www.FlyLady.net. © 2006

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

RSL's Rimando makes 3

So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!

mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...

RSL heads to MLS title game

Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...

I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...

RSL heads to MLS title game

financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...

This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...

RSL heads to MLS title game

I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...

BYU happy to escape with victory

What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...

Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...

This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...

Advertisements
Advertisement