Never Give Up...Never Surrender!

2013 Selfie

Name an exercise program and I've probably tried it.

I started running (or rather jogging and plodding) when I was in college. I would run from my sorority house to the state capitol, and fly up the stairs, where I would celebrate Rocky-style. I even ran a few races, although I have to admit, it was never my thing. The first 10K I entered, I was  the last runner to cross the finish line, with a police cruiser on my heels. Really.

Nowadays, I only run if someone is chasing me. But I've never quit exercising and I never will. I'll be one of those ladies doing chair aerobics in the nursing home when I'm 100.

Yes, I've tried it all. Boot camps, spinning, step. Zumba, KBX, kettlebells. Exercise class before the crack of dawn. Noon workouts. Yoga. Wii Fit. You name it, I've probably given it a whirl.

Lately, I've had great success with a personal trainer at Prairie Life Center. Small but mighty, Rachel doesn't give up on me, even when I'm ready to give up on myself. She even gets me to do burpees. (But I will never like them. Ever.)

The workout I've followed consistently throughout the years is Jazzercise. I lose myself in the music and turn into Paula Abdul, Gwen Verdon and Ginger Rogers. Instructors are encouraging, inspiring and fun. Inventive, effective and safe choreography. Friends who keep me coming back. It just doesn't feel like exercise...until I glimpse my Polar watch and see how hard my heart is working.

I've set myself three fitness challenges for the new year. The first is to do a pull-up. Without using the assisted pull-up machine.
Secondly, I'm determined to get 150 classes at Jazzercise this year. I want that free shirt.
And finally, I'm going to start blogging about my fitness journey. Hopefully, it'll keep me honest.

Follow me, if you'd like to.
And I'd love to hear what works for you.