I lack motivation when it comes to the gym. I get a membership and I'm all gung ho for a few weeks and then not surprisingly, I get board. Running or biking on the spot while looking out over a parking lot or staring at a T.V is not my thing. Especially when I'm surrounded by smelly, sweaty people making obscene grunting noises. I'm more of a loner anyway, so being at a gym increases my anxiety rather than reducing it.Overall, it just doesn't make sense to pay a monthly fee for something that doesn't make me feel as good as it should. However , exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle and I'm not about to use the excuse 'the gym sucks' to get out of it. Actually, I really like exercising. I like the way I feel after a workout. I like the results I see in the mirror. I even like pushing my body to the limit, when I feel I might just keel over or puke. So how did I solve this problem of loving exercise but not the gym? Easy, I found something I do love. Biking!
Riding my bike is one of my favorite things to do. I ride all over the city running errands. It makes me feel good knowing I'm getting things accomplished all the while keeping my body fit. What's even better though, is riding trails...oh how I love the trails!
I love the challenge of riding my bike up a big hill and the reward of flying down the other side. I love riding through the trails and being completely surrounded by nature. Splashing through muddy puddles, dodging snakes, squirrels and chipmunks as they slither and scurry across the path. The smell of leaves and pine trees invading my nose and the bright ,beautiful colours of the leaves that cling to the trees and blanket the ground. I love the calmness and mental clarity I feel as all stress and negative thoughts dissipate. It makes me feel like a kid, happy and carefree. Even though these feelings slowly fade as I make my way back to my apartment, it's enough to get me out the door the next morning to experience it all over again. And the bonus..no monthly fee!
Remember, being healthy isn't just about eating right. It's about taking care of our body by moving it! Exercise helps with arthritis, osteoporosis, weight loss, and fights depression. So find an activity you love whether it be running, biking or maybe going to the gym is your thing . Whatever it is, go for it. It'll keep you feeling and looking young...you won't regret it.:)
Here are some pictures (taken from a blackberry) of my time on the trails.
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| Just me and the trail. |
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| Cool tree cave! |
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| Pretty leaves wrapped around the trunk of a tree. Natures Fall decoration. |
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| Fallen leaves...so pretty |
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| Can you see the deer? We stared at each other for a good 30 seconds before she ran back into the trees. |
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| I thought she ran into the trees. However when I rode up to where she was, I saw her standing off to the side with her friend. :) |
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