Smart Sparrer

I'd blogged recently about wanting to try boxing, and I recently started looking for a place where I could do it without committing to a long-term contract. During a sales pitch at a local boxing facility, it dawned on me that this is the perfect time to look for a new gym or class because most places usually offer some sort of New Year deal. I realized I could be picky and really get what I wanted. 

So instead of just going to the club near my house, I checked out a few other boxing facilities in the area and asked about memberships, classes, hours and one-on-one sessions with a boxing trainer just in case the classes were too much for me to handle (these were just some of the great tips Bob Greene offered in his post Ready to Join a Gym?). I didn't feel pressure to join or to buy a certain number of classes right then because I already have a bunch of fitness options—I belong to a regular gym and I take a yoga class at a nearby studio. I could take my time and look, and not fall behind on workouts.

Eventually, I decided to join a boxing gym that offers classes at a time I can go, and it doesn't hurt that it's about a half mile away from my house. Plus, they have a great deal running through Jan 5, 2010, so I can enjoy the holidays and sign up after the New Year when we're back!

The lesson: Take your time to find a gym that suits your needs. If buidling or toning muscle is your goal, then look for a gym with a lot of free weights. If you're more into group fitness, make sure you choose a fitness center that offers a lot of different classes—and be sure they're at times you can go. Remember, the easier and more enjoyable it is to work out, the more likely you'll be to stick with it.

For more great fitness advice, check out TheBestLife.com.

Choosing a New Race

I've finally decided on a new race. I'd been contemplating another race ever since I had to withdraw from the marathon in October, and as luck would have it, my sister called a few weeks into November and asked if I would run a half marathon with her in July. Strange how the stars align at times, isn't it? 

The new year will bring with it new hope and a fresh slate to start training again. The good thing about a half marathon is that I won't have to train as hard so I can ease my body back into it. Plus, this time I'm training along side my sister!
 
I'm feeling healthy and the yoga class I've been taking has given me a newfound strength. I'm more flexible and found that I often leap into my breathing when times get a bit stressful. I'm hoping that I can find a class I can attend on a more regular basis. I've also considered signing up for a boxing class. I see it advertised—there is a class down the street and it's something I haven't done before. I'm not sure how I will feel about it, but if I don't give it a shot I'll never know. There was a time when I didn't love to run, and now I'm signing up for full and half marathons. I've learned that when I experiment and try something new, I usually enjoy a grand new adventure.

For ideas on different aerobic classes or activities you can try, check out TheBestLife.com.

Michelle's Training Update: Learning to Take It Down a Notch

Last week I came to the conclusion that I needed to postpone my goal of running a marathon on October 25. It was a hard decision to make, but in the end, it was the best thing for me. I'm able to work out at my own intensity and not feel the added stress of a marathon rapidly approaching.

I've been feeling great these days—no more pain, no more overwhelming fatigue. My doctors aren't 100 percent sure what was going on with me, but they feel that I have some autoimmune disorder, which was exacerbated by stress. I'm just taking it one day at a time, relaxing as much as I can and attempting to avoid stressful situations. Removing the marathon from my immediate future was a huge step in reducing the stress in my life.

My new fitness goals are 1) to maintain consistency with exercise throughout the holidays, and 2) to try a few forms of exercise that are new to me, particularly yoga  (any kind) and boxing. I know they are on different ends of the spectrum—stretching and controlled breathing compared to vigorous cardio—but I have very little experience with yoga and can't wait to get better at it. And boxing just sounds like it'll be fun!

Eventually, I want to consider another marathon. I haven't chosen one yet, but my friend Rebecca is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and she, my husband, and I are going to sit down together and take a look at what races are out there. Rebecca hasn't participated in a marathon and she's excited about the idea of training for one. My guess is we will look for something in April or May. I won't have to start thinking about training until after the holidays.

In the meantime, I plan to take full advantage of this more mellow period of keeping fit. I'm going to be looking on the Best Life community boards (where hundreds of members swap tips, offer encouragement and support each other) for more ideas for new kinds of exercise I can try out so that I can keep my workouts interesting and effective. And most important, I'm going to embrace giving my body a break from all of the hardcore running (for now!). I'm dedicated to staying in shape, but I'm also fully committed to being kind to my body and giving it a break when it needs one.