In addition to the step aerobics (haven’t managed to work the strength training in yet) I’m focusing diligently on using my pedometer and increasing my step count daily. So far, so so. But I’m working on it! One of the things I’ve found that helps a lot is relying on my iPod. I think Trish has mentioned walking to music before. I’ve tried that, and thought it’d be a solid hit for me since I write to music. But the writing to music on my iPod is so ingrained, as soon as it starts my fingers start itching to type -- LOL. Because I’m rather particular about not messing with things that work – like the basic self-hypnosis of "headphones on, playlist queued, writing commences,” I decided to shift gears and try something else.
Words. I started with workshops, loading the different RWA conference workshops. In one walk or intense housework session, I can listen to an entire workshop and come away inspired, informed or just amused. I’ve been able to catch up listening to friends’ workshops, to pacing workshops and to a few "how to write hotter" workshops. I’ve really enjoyed writing life workshops, with their yoga and motivation tips, too. But I could see that I’d pretty quickly get through my workshop stash and have to find something else.
I found it today. Podcasts. Some of my favorite authors do podcasts – Wayne Dyer and Eric Maisel, among others, and while I’ve listened here and there, I generally skip them because when I’m sitting at my computer I’m supposed to be working *g*. Music doesn’t distract me from writing. Actually, talking doesn’t distract me a ton, either, but it seems pointless to listen to someone if I’m just going to ignore them. But for exercise and walking, podcasts rock!!! And iTunes has an entire section of them, too. I found some specifically dealing with weight loss and have downloaded them to inspire me through the next week and am listening to Easy Exercising Motivation right now. I force myself to keep moving through the entire podcast, which really adds to my stepcount!!
How about you? Do you listen while you exercise? If so, to what? And have you ever listened to podcasts? Any suggestions?
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Today's progress:
Now today was more like it! I got in two hours of exercise, and I feel good. It helped that it was a gorgeous fall day with clear, blue sky and low humidity. Perfect walking weather.
Calorie intake: 1,360
Exercise: 1 hour walking, 30 minutes dance aerobics, 30 minutes cleaning house
Steps: I rocked the steps today with...18,619
4 comments:
Music can really motivate me to exercise and to increase my exertion while doing it. I have listened to some of the RWA workshops when walking as part of my commute. I'm so glad this trick is working for you.
I'm a big fan of walking to podcasts. Because they're talking about something I'm interested in, I get caught up in it and sort of forget I'm walking. It's typically PotterCast, a very good podcast about all things related to Harry Potter. It's fun, educational, thought-provoking at times.
Wow, this is a great tip. I usually listen to music but there are so many workshops I never have time to listen to. I think I'll try the podcast thing. I usually just have my daughter copy all of her songs onto my ipod but I think I'll start downloading some of my own stuff! what a concept! Thanks! I also love the idea of listening to motivating podcasts about eating right while exercising.
I tried PodFit for awhile. Its a program that uses the music on your own iPod for different exercise programs. I did notice that I worked out much harder on the elliptical to music than I did without it.
After Trish mentioned PotterCast I checked it out. How fun!!! I'm adding it to the playlist.
Theresa, I really am getting so much from these 'exercise and eat right' motivational podcasts. Its kind of a nice angel on my shoulder while I move, reminding me that while it might not always be easy, it is always for a really good reason. I'm having fun!! I hope you'll try them :-)
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