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Exercise
I am one of these people who has always hated to exercise.
Even when I was on the high school track team, I would
be last in line during the mile warm-up run (gasping
for air). I was a high jumper and a shot-putter, probably
because these activities required less energy. I couldn't
run to save my life. I did ride my bike to the beach
back then, which was better than nothing. I am not sure
when this aversion to exercise began. When I was rather
young, I would swim constantly and play kick-ball with
the neighbors. Eventually, I started to get chunky and
my activities lessened. I guess I could blame MTV. I
was fascinated by this new, exciting TV channel and
would watch it constantly. Those Duran Duran and Adam
Ant videos were definitely eye candy. I could care less
about MTV (and most TV) now.
The problem I have is that I WANT to be one of these
athletic types. I envy those with a sleek, muscular,
athletic physique. I wish I could run a marathon or
roller blade like a fiend. Veganism has helped me to
eat more healthfully and maintain a healthy weight.
Now the time has come to complete the equation. I have
made remarkable progress this year through strength
training. I started in the summer, got sidetracked in
the fall (I'll spare you the excuses), and am now back
into it again. For the first time in my life I am enjoying
exercise. I believe I am sticking with strength training
because I can see results quickly. This keeps me on
track mentally as well as physically. I did years of
aerobics in college (hating every minute of it) and
never saw good results. With weights, I can already
see my arms and butt firming up. I am definitely beginning
to get into shape.
For those of you who avoid exercise like the plague,
I'd like to recommend strength training. You will never
become huge and bulky unless you use very heavy weights.
I have been using Joyce Vedral's tapes with 2, 3, 5,
and 8 pound weights. I recommend Joyce because she is
upbeat, positive and looks great (she's in her fifties).
I prefer her tapes over the books because the books
have nonvegetarian recipes. Only one tape I have has
low-fat diet recommendations (not veg*n). I just skip
over that part. But honestly, if I am sticking to an
exercise program, everyone can. You can even do weight
exercises while watching MTV if you want (ha ha). I
prefer to just throw some music on and start pumping.
I plan on adding cardio to this routine so who knows
-- maybe I'll run a marathon one of these days (laughing
to myself).
Let this tale serve as a testimonial. It is truly a
miracle that I have been sticking to some form of exercise.
It is even more of a miracle that I am beginning to
LIKE working out. So, go for it vegans!
Michele M.
Massachusetts
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