I have to exercise. I don’t particularly enjoy (most of) it, but I can definitely see the benefits of being active 3 or even 4 times a week.
But 5 or 6? What the…
I’ve recently begun training (thanks, Aimee) to get on track with my fitness. I have osteopenia, and I recently suffered a fall and subsequent minor fracture that have made me realize I really should address a few things. I’ve had osteopenia for quite a while now — since 2005, I think — and doctors have never really been concerned. My bone density puts me in osteopenia range, but I’m pretty healthy. I’m not wildly out of shape — I do yoga nearly every day — but I’m not supercrazyfit either. And I’m okay with that, really I am. But apparently my bones might not be, as this most recent tumble indicated. Although the orthopedic surgeon I saw didn’t think I needed to do anything too wild and crazy in terms of fitness plans (“Just keep doing what you’re doing”), he did indicate that starting earlier is always better (“Strength training and balance exercises are the only ways to actively reduce your chances of another fall”). BUGGER.
So this osteopenia thing means I have to get a bit more serious about my activities. THIS schedule is the kind of thing I’m talking about. What the… did you look at that?? I’ve done the math. Combine all the recommendations about the amount of activity I need to do — weight-bearing cardio, strengh training, and balance (which is the only thing I’m currently doing) — and it works out to 6.5 hours of exercise a week. This sounds insane to me. That’s nearly a full school day.
Do fit people have any other activities or interests, I have to wonder? (Do they have children? partners? friends? pets? How the hell does that work?) Because here’s the thing: fitness is actually not one of my interests. At. All. No sports, either, in general. I have other, more creative interests. They involve reading, writing, singing, cooking, learning languages, volunteering for local causes, and finding ways to use tech for learning. I’m currently wondering how the HELL I will find the time to continue doing these things that I actually enjoy if I’m going to spend 6.5 hours a week exercising, which I don’t particularly enjoy. And that’s just the actual exercise time! Don’t forget showers afterward, because otherwise, that’s gross. So let’s just round it right up to 8 hours a week. Now we’re talking a full workday.
Or FULL INSANITY, for crying out loud. How the hell does that work?!
Unless you’re an Olympic athlete or training for a marathon (some of the few things I can confidently say I will never do or be), I see very little point in exercising to this degree…. at the expense of all my other very valid interests.
As you can see I’m struggling with this. I’m open to ideas. Mostly because I know Aimee and the Osteoperosis Foundation fancy specialist doctors are right: I don’t want osteoperosis and I do want to live to celebrate many birthdays. So I need help. How do I do this??? How can I be healthy and still a) not hate exercise and b) do the things I love to do? Oh, and c) not resent exercise because it keeps me from doing the things I love to do? … because that would be the worst possible combination.
Sigh.
