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It was a productive week. I didn’t quite meet all of my goals that I set last week. But I have good reason. In fact, the only day that I really dropped the ball was on Saturday. And that brings us to the lesson learned.
Lesson: Always check your bag before you leave for the gym. Oh, yes. On Saturday, after a rough start to the morning that involved BigBrother accidentally biting my finger, I got us out the door and to the YMCA. I got us in the door and dropped the boys off in child care with no incident. I sat down on the bench. I took off my flip flops. I put on my socks. I pulled out one shoe. And immediately remembered the second shoe sitting ont he couch at home. I then had to take off my socks, put my flip flops back, return to the child care room and try to convince BigBrother that it was actually time to leave despite only having been there for less than two minutes. And so, I have learned to check my bag for my shoes. Lesson learned indeed.
Lessons aside, I’m imploring all of my fitness minded readers to, oh, please help me. Please. I am in desperate need of new shoes. I have a high arch and very short feet. My New Balance shoes seem to be fine for walking but I’m ending up with very sore, very tired feet after working out at the gym. If possible, I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. I’m now paying preschool tuition! Suggestions are welcome. Online sales are preferred.
Also, this is a serious question. I did arms two days last week and abs twice. And guys. I’m dying after such workouts. Am I ever going to get to a point where it doesn’t feel as if someone has attacked my muscles with long, searing hot knives? Or is it supposed to feel that way? I honestly couldn’t lift a jar of baby food last week one morning after waking. Is there anything I can do? (I do stretch before and after.) I’m sure this is just because my muscles are pretty ticked off that I’m using them after years of, well, not using them. But, oh, I could do with out the pain.
In an update to last week’s post: I did sign up for the Step & Sculpt fitness class. I’m hoping this gives me the confidence I am seeking because, oh, next session? The R.I.F.T. is offering a Ballet Barre Body class. That’s right! I was so excited to read that in our newsletter that I nearly squealed with joy. I took dance for, well, still over half of my life. I miss dance. Very much. (Also? The Munchkin starts real ballet next week. YAY!) I’m hoping this class really gives me the push I need (and a bit of toning, please?) to be able to do such a thing next session. What’s your favorite fitness class?
We have a very busy week and so my fitness goals are a smidgen less than this past week but still keeping me moving everyday. Let’s take a look.
Monday: Elliptical and arm workout. (Dread! Woe! Arm workout! No!)
Tuesday: Elliptical and walk with boys in evening.
Wednesday: Elliptical and ab workout. (Dread! Woe! Ab workout! No!)
Thursday: Elliptical and arm workout.
Friday: Elliptical and walk with boys in evening. Refuse ice cream for self.
Saturday: Elliptical. Yoga after kids go to bed.
Sunday: Take a nap! Relax! Something!
Don’t forget to head over to Go Workout Mom and list your goals for the week on Goal Call Monday. Feel free to let me know how your fit week was and what you plan for this week. And please, oh please, tell me about some shoes. My poor, poor feet!
8 Responses to “Fitness Questions & Lessons Learned”
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I swear by my Asics Gels…on my 11th pair…
Shoes: It’s impossible really to have anyone recommend a shoe for you based on what they like because it’s likely you have very different feet than them. I had a runner friend tell me what to do, and I’m telling you – after 15 years, I finally have a shoe that doesn’t kill my foot.
Go to a sport specific store that is stocked with helpers who, you know, know what they are talking about. You can go to the big guys, but I find more knowledgeable people at the smaller ones (I went to a running/biking specific local place). I don’t know if that means you have to go to the next town over or not. Tell the guy how much you want to spend and what type of exercise you do. He should make you try on lots of pairs (I tried on 12) – and watch you walk/jog in them. Let him tell you which pairs will work best for you and you decide of those which feel best.
Then thank him for his time (buy some socks or shorts to help yourself feel better), tell him you’ll think about it and then come home and buy online. Or buy there (that’s what I did).
It made a world of difference for me. I too have super high arches and no shoes ever fit right. Until now!
I was just reading in my Fitness magazine from August about the best shoes for different needs, and just for your FYI, they listed Saucony Grid Instep RT for $60 at saucony.com and Ryka Moira for $70 at ryka.com both are good for high arches.
@Alyssa: Asics, eh? I’ll put those on my list to try on.
@Nikki Jo: Oof. I really have to go to a store? Fine. Bah!
@Amber: There was an add in my last Redbook for Ryka. I should give them a try, too.
Go to a runner’s shoe store!!!! Seriously! I know it’s stressful but its worth it. They introduced to me to the love that is Adidas running shoes with motion control. I am also a high arch but my feet are long and skinny so a lot of running shoes don’t give me the support I need. I won’t but any shoes BUT the adidas with the features that I have come to love.
A really good running shoe store (or even a Finish Line) will help you find the right kind of fit. And then you can always buy the shoe online since sometimes those specialty running shoe stores are really expensive.
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@Chrystal: Have you forgotten where I live? There are no “runner’s shoe stores” ’round these parts! There is a Foot Locker in the next city over but that’s the extent of fitness shoe store type places. Everything else is Shoes R Us. Seriously!
Been there, done that! I once forgot the diapers and decided that I would just go down to the closest store and buy a package! We still have that small package of diapers (even though she’s potty trained) which reminds me to check the gym bag every time!
For the shoes, with no store near by, I recommend trying this site. It will at least give you a ton of shoe options that you can start checking out at the local stores based on your foot choices:
http://www.therunnershigh.com/shoes/wizard/
It’s the American Running Shoe database and was helpful when I purchased my last pair a couple of months ago. I ended up buying a pair from Kohl’s on discount. I shy away from running shoe stores because they are so expensive. Once I know what I need, then I hunt for the bargains.
No runners store in your area? BOO! (great biz idea for someone out that way!)
Anyway, give Asics a try. I love mine.
and yes, your arms will soon adapt to their new workout and you’ll be increasing the amount of weight before you know it. Keep it up!
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