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A Workout for the Girl Who Hates to Workout

2012 August 30
by WWGD

I have a very strange relationship with exercise. You see, I never had to do it. My entire life, I was skinny. And I mean skinny to the point where people would make fun of my protruding hip bones but secretly be jealous that I could have a Snapple iced tea and a Kit Kat for breakfast every day and not gain an ounce.

I never had to work out, I never wanted to work out, so I never did work out.

Well my 20s decided to play a little joke on me and suddenly curves came in, calories started adding up, and the jokes about my waif-like figure stopped. Apparently my newly formed hips were a tough audience.

But even though I now had to work out, I never wanted to. Through the years, I have tried running, yoga, the gym, swimming, pilates…and nothing ever stuck beyond a few weeks, if even that long.

Until now.

Call it timing, call it the motivation of my post two babies figure, call it my 30s. I saw something somewhere about how no one really likes working out. No one really loves watching what they eat. No one is excited about being sore for days. But they do it anyways, because the results are worth it. And for some reason, that finally struck a chord in my formerly skinny girl mind.

Then I started to see buzz online about The Dailey Method, “a unique combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning, muscle strengthening, yoga, and orthopedic exercises.”

I have been going regularly for about 6-8 weeks now. By regular, I mean that I aim to go four times per week and usually settle for three. And the miracle is, I keep going. And I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. And since it’s a true miracle to me and those who know me, I thought I would share some of the elements of the program that I love in case there are any of you out there sipping on a Snapple and munching on a Kit Kat and putting the excuse in “no excuses.”

First, I have to say the women who own my local studio are its biggest assets. Not only are they nice and friendly when you walk in the door, but they keep up an atmosphere of encouragement and support throughout the entire class. Just when you think you are going to die in your plank position, you get a little “nice job” shout-out from them and it instantly boosts you up. When I feel particularly defeated by a series of thigh work (ahem, every class…) they know I need an extra nudge and a “you can do this” and they always deliver.

Next, the after-effects. I woke up in the morning after my very first class and I could walk! I was anticipating days of sore muscles, hobbling and pain, but nada. Yes, I felt the activity, don’t get me wrong, but the effects were nowhere near what I had experienced from other intense workouts and it’s because the stretching components of the class are so vital and thorough, your body doesn’t feel the shocking impact you anticipate.

The mental benefits. When I walk in that room, I truly disconnect for one whole hour. This is a very big statement from a woman like me whose mind, body and email are always on the go. But the fast pace, intense movements and required concentration truly immerse you so completely that you can’t possibly be thinking about the kids or deadlines or what to make for dinner. You are just thinking about how you can perfect your pose, breathe through the next one, and get through that damn thigh work.

Finally, the results. Am I Gisele Bundchen after six weeks? No. But I am already a slightly longer, leaner, stronger version of my former self. I can see definition where it didn’t exist before. I can sense how my posture has changed. I can feel that my pant legs are a little less snug. And I am actually excited to see what the next six weeks may bring.

So maybe this strange relationship of mine will evolve into something beautiful. Maybe I will be sipping on those Snapples a little more guilt-free. Maybe I will get through one set of thigh work without cursing.

The Dailey Method has been kind enough to extend a one-month membership to me to see how much more progress I can make. And I plan on sharing it with you here – for the women who hate to workout, for the women who love it and are looking for something new and of course, for that woman sneaking in a Kit Kat right now…you lucky bitch 😉

8 Responses
  1. August 30, 2012

    I love that you’ve found a place to disconnect from the world, and reconnect with you. That, I’ve found, is the crucial component to exercise that sticks. It’s the same for my work with TrainerJen and yoga. I’m there. And only there. And I don’t do so well when I don’t get there 😉

    • WWGD permalink*
      August 30, 2012

      SUCH an important part of it, I agree. I don’t even think about how I am not thinking about anything…until I leave and start thinking about it all again 😉

  2. August 30, 2012

    I used to love working out… kickboxing, cycyling, I even went through 2 years of training for Thai kickboxing – gloves, knee pads and all. I loved it but after having a baby it’s just not my lifestyle anymore. After having Hayden I jumped into Bikram yoga and also did some cycling to lose the baby weight. It worked really well, but after I lost the weight I couldn’t keep up with the schedule and I lost motivation to exercise.

    Now with the second baby, I definitely feel not as in shape. I miss feeling energized and feeling fit. I’m already thinking what to do after my second baby… and Dailey Method is in my consideration… since I’ve heard so much good things about it! I would be really curious to see how it works out for you! xo

    • WWGD permalink*
      August 30, 2012

      Will definitely keep you posted! I also meant to mention this in my post, but another thing i love is how it draws women of all ages, shapes, sizes, lots of pregnant women, too. You should consider it for the end of your pregnancy, I bet you would feel great getting in a little more activity…not that I did with either of mine, of course 😉

  3. August 30, 2012

    As I sat here reading, I realized that I was just automatically sitting in neutral spine. A year ago, I would have been folded over all hunch back like a little old lady….

    Love TDM.

  4. September 1, 2012

    I’ve been trying out the Bar Method studio that just opened down the street, and really loving it. I wonder how similar the two workouts are? You’ve definitely inspired me to look up the nearest Dailey Method studio and compare!

  5. September 4, 2012

    OK, after reading this, I feel inspired to get my butt back in gear. Four days though…that’s aggressive. Any suggestions for at home videos?

    • WWGD permalink*
      September 5, 2012

      None. I am no good at them – I did the Winsor Pilates ones for a while, but it just didn’t do it for me…

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