Wow, if I added up the time I spent weightlifting, jogging, working out in a gym, cardio, walking, roller blading, practicing yoga, tai chi, and participating in sports be it practicing or competing, or just playing for example, golf for pleasure, I'm sure it would equal years!! I wouldn't change a thing! Workouts at hubs' corporate gym at 5:00 AM (before work) were sort of grueling; however, once you get into a rhythm, it's second nature. "Off days" where I didn't lift weights were a nice respite and your body needs that to recuperate and regenerate!
While working out intensely I got my body fat down to around 10 percent which is low for a female! I competed in Bill Phillips' "Body for Life" contest and didn't place but it was fun to follow his plan, train, and submit the photos!
Of these various workouts, taking tennis lessons from group classes early on in life, to high school tennis clinics, individual lessons and then playing college tennis on a scholarship are my fondest memories! Also, competing and placing in the Alabama Open USTA Doubles when I competed in that is a great memory and personal achievement!
One of my favorite sports to practice is tennis! I felt blessed to have access to a free ball machine as an adult, to practice various strokes and of course, had the super large ball hopper to hit hundreds of practice serves. I grew up with my family house's garage door as my "backboard" and would hit tennis balls against that garage door because no one in my neighborhood played or was interested in tennis.
It was exciting to set personal goals (squat 150 pounds for example, then squat 150 pounds x number of times) and work till I attained each one!
I've never been one to spend a lot of money on membership fees, and have never been a member of a private golf or tennis club. Instead I figured out ways to lift weights, play tennis consistently, for zero gym fees, and minimal tennis court fees. For the most part, I played tennis on public courts and middle school and high school courts. I've even snuck onto lighted apartment complex courts to play and have been thrown out!
Where there's a will, there's a way! These days (and for the past 6 years) rather than join a gym, my husband uses a basic weight bench, and weights with the big bar to work out in our garage! Cheap, convenient and at home!
Whatever your age and level of fitness, and budget, do consider working out! It can be as easy as a walk around the neighborhood, or trying something new like tai chi! Your body (and mind) will thank you for it! read more
