Exercise.

That 8 letter word has so many connotations.

For some it may mean this:

While for others it is this: 

Personally, I find the whole “hype” around exercise very intimidating and over the top. In fact, I think some people just post on Facebook that they are going to the gym to make their friends feel jealous or inadequate! Then of course you get those people who claim to be exercising when they look like they just applied a fresh coating of make up on before leaving! And don’t get me started on gym selfies…

*Thanks. I feel so much better about myself now!

There is no better feeling after having just completed a really good workout of running, weights, walking, yoga – or whatever it is you do. But there is no worse feeling than the pressure you put on yourself just beforehand or the feeling you get when you know there are eyes on you in the gym. GAH. Why do we all judge so much?!

Today is Monday. I enjoy Mondays because it is an opportunity to start the week well. This morning I decided that I would go for a swim. I love swimming because it is so soothing and, as opposed to running, you do not get that horrible burning in your lungs or shin splints or sweat running endlessly down your face! You are weightless in water and I find I can really concentrate and get myself into an easy rhythm. (now don’t get the impression I am against running as I am not and have even done my fair share of it in the past, but I would always pick a swim over a run!)

Entering the pool can be cringey – you feel fat in your costume and are consciously aware of that patch of hair you missed on your legs earlier! But everyone is in the same situation as you so you push it aside and face the water!

Here is me, looking fetch in the changing rooms!

I’m about to go in – wish me luck! (haven’t been for a while! :S )

………

Upon exiting the pool I am thinking “Please don’t be too ugly. Please no one look at me!”. So it’s a quick dash to the showers and I am safe! Phew!

I would love to say that I was wrong for worrying and looked like this :

But alas, the goggles left my eyes looking rather…red! (Funnily enough, I also didn’t look as slimy as the lady above!) I wonder why? (;

I also bought a pair of weights the other day as my arms are in need of some attention. I got a pretty good deal from TKMaxx. Once I got them out the box however, I made the awful mistake of reading the packaging and have since developed a bit of a fear of them!

* I don’t know if birth defects are worth having for the sake of biceps!

 Is there ANYTHING that doesn’t give you cancer nowadays?!

Then comes the trouble of what to eat after exercising. The all powerful “shake” seems like the most popular choice  Nah. Not my thing.

So I tried out this really high protein yoghurt today and was really excited about it….

turns out my body wasn’t too happy about it! – Great laxative though! (but it wasn’t even that tasty)

I think i’ll just stick to my favourite sources of protein for now; beans and tuna

 YUM.

Take it easy xx