New Life, New Gym(s), New Exercise Routines

Today was the second day of really fantastic, off the charts workout since our arrival in Boston. After we unpacked and felt relatively settled (see posts on lotuserupted.blogspot.com) I started back to my daily movement routines. Naively, and despite everything I know about exercise and the influence of life transitions on exercise (and other healthy) routines, I thought I would just immediately pick up where I left off working out a few hours a day. It turns out that the emotional and physical disruptions that naturally characterize a relocation DO indeed interrupt previously well established exercise routines. Something seemed to come up every day that kept me from getting to the gym or the park (for a run). So, instead I have been doing a ton of walking and recently returned to running short distances.

This week however it seems that I have turned over a new leaf. We have tried MANY gyms since arriving in Boston (see my heart is still in it!), but nothing really fit. Despite the mismatch I have had a few really terrific interval workouts in which I combine intense cardiovascular work with high rep/low weight strength training. I have also had a great heavy strength training workout this week.

Today we picked a new gym, located only 1 mile from home, that seems to be a much better fit. I ran nearly 3 miles and felt terrific! I could actually feel my bad mood slipping away under my pounding feet. The bonus was that my lady joined me...is there anything better than running beside the love of your life? I have also found that the time I've taken 'off' from heavy training has given new life to my legs for running and all of my 'lifting' muscles. Turns out these 'exercise-experts' may know a thing or two about 'rest' and 'recovery'.

So, here's to turning over a new leaf...in Bend (go sis go!)and in Boston where everything is the same but oh so very, very different!