I have always been an on-again, off-again exerciser.
It’s not the best way to be. I wish I could be more consistent, as I know that’s what is best for my body, mind and soul. But my desire and motivation to work out seems to wax and wane, and I’ve always been this way.
The good news is that I have at least kept up a regular habit of walking. I love my intentional sunrise walks (and occasional runs) with my early-morning friends; we’ve been at it since about 2016! I also walk my dogs every day.
But for a while now, it’s been nagging me that I KNOW I need to do more than just take walks. Every time my friends and I meet at the dam and trek up those 100 steps, I think to myself, “Self, this shouldn’t be this difficult.”
I want and need to be in better shape physically – to be able to walk farther, run for longer, climb higher and do it all while actually being able to breathe. There is joy to be found in physical exertion and I’ve denied myself that joy for far too long!
But it’s hard for me to get motivated and go to the gym solo. I could work out at home, of course. We have a few pieces of home gym equipment, like a treadmill and weights, in our basement. Alas, ever since our daughter moved down there, I feel like persona non grata anytime I go down those stairs. That’s her space now.
What finally motivated me to get off my butt and join a gym this year was my darling hubby. He too had not set foot in a gym in years, but suddenly over the summer, he began hitting the gym regularly. I can see a difference in him already and that really inspired me!
In October, I joined our local LA Fitness and have been getting there 2-3 times per week so far; I plan to increase that to 4-5 times per week.
At first, I didn’t do much more than walk around the track or on a treadmill, use the elliptical machine or ride a stationary bike. Little by little, I’ve been adding in a few more things and increasing the intensity. I really like the rowing machines. And I can’t believe how great I feel after a truly sweaty workout!
In just two months, my overall mobility has improved and so has my motivation and excitement about working out again. It’s great for my mental health and mood, too.
Most recently, I finally got up the courage to attend a group fitness class and I absolutely loved it. I’ve always loved dance as exercise, starting with my old favorite Jane Fonda aerobics workouts from the 80s and 90s, then leading to Jazzercise classes and step aerobics. I even used to be a certified aerobics instructor myself back in college and for a while afterward!
Zumba has been a favorite of mine ever since Z and I took mother-daughter Zumba classes at our local rec about five or six years ago. When I discovered that my new gym has Zumba classes twice a week, it drew me in like a moth to a flame.
I had a blast! Just like when I first joined the gym, part of me was a little worried that I might be the oldest or most out-of-shape person there, but of course, that’s never the case. There are all kinds of people and bodies at the gym and all kinds of people and bodies in Zumba class. And boy, is it fun!
I’ve decided that I want MORE of this amazing feeling in my life. Right now, I’m getting a head start on what will be my focus word for 2025: DANCE.
I adore dancing and it’s a great workout – plus dance is fantastic for our mental health, as well. I plan to dance my way through 2025 – right up to my 55th birthday and beyond.
Get ready to see, hear about or join me for lots of dance parties in 2025. For me, the Zumba dance party has already started and I am LOVING it so far! I’d even consider some actual dance lessons if I can convince hubby or bestie to go with me.
What are your goals for 2025? Do you like dancing through life, too – and have you ever rejoined a gym after years of not working out? I’d love to hear your dance and workout-related tales in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram.
