I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for spring! I have been in complete struggle mode the past few weeks. Winter really had me in a slump. Lots of rain, a few snow days…I really needed some vitamin D. Then I realized, I have suffered from SAD. Did you know that SAD existed? It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which simply means: you turn into Crabby Patty or you feel sad, anxious, tired, excessively eat with potential weight gain, and have trouble concentrating just to name a few. For me…I’m just ready for spring!
After my marathon, I had the Post-Marathon Blues. I remember my sister saying, “Artney, enjoy this moment! Your race will go by so fast and then it will be over.” Everything she said was true. About a week after my marathon the blues kicked in. You go through vigorous mental and physical training all while building a bond with yourself and your training. You put in days, nights, months of training then the big day comes, your excitement level is on fleek (yes, I actually detest this word, but it worked), then it’s over—just like that. I was sad, a little depressed, and this winter SADness didn’t help. I really enjoyed my sabbatical and not working out, but I can’t believe I’m saying this…I miss working out and I miss the endorphins! Euphoria, where are you? I had to figure out how to get out of this comfortable slump of laziness. It had to start with the renewing of my mind. So, I whipped my bum back into shape mentally and got on the physical train. One foot in front of the other and one day at a time. No More Excuses!
Have you ever had that one activity or machine in the gym that you just wanted to run from? Well, mine is the Stairmaster/Stairmill aka the HELL-master! This is one of the hardest machines on earth and 5 minutes is all it takes to have me calling on Jesus. I get bored doing the same thing, so when I found this Stairmill Workout on Pinterest I got excited!
But…it’s hard y’all!!! I have to stop mid-way to catch my breath because my heart rate is always off the charts—but it works! I’m not trying to go in too fast, so I’m going to stick with one cycle for the first few weeks then add another, etc. Next time you’re at the gym, try this awesome workout from ToneItUp!
[Tweet “One foot in front of the other and one day at a time. #fitfluential #sweatpink”]
What’s the one workout or machine that you have a love/hate relationship with, but gets the job done?
I agree Artney! I agree. It felt so good to get out this morning. I really suffered with SAD this winter. Looking forward to some other exercise plans this summer.
I am too, Cecily! There’s something about the warm weather that makes you want to always be outside. To be honest, I love fall…it’s just winter I can’t stand. lol
I also experience SAD when the weather is bad, when the sun comes out I’m automatically happier! I love the stairmill also. I haven’t done it in years though. I started only being able to go 5 minutes!! It’s a good workout.
This is my first year experiencing SAD. I’m so glad spring is here. And yes, that stairmill…5 minutes is all it takes! lol
I have actually never been on a stairmaster before. It just looked like a torture device to me! But having a workout to follow would make it better. It takes my mind off it when I know its only another minute until I make a change.
LOL! Jen…it is torture, but in a good way! The workout DEFINITELY helps!
I don’t mind running up and down actual stairs, but stair masters – yuck! Though, this does look like a great workout!
I’m the same way, Nicole. The stairmill is a beast! If it weren’t such a great workout I wouldn’t do it…at all.
Honestly I have always felt like I had a touch of SAD myself. This winter has been hard. I love to be outside! That stairwell workout looks awesomely hard-my favorite kind of workout!
Deborah, I think everyone is ready for spring! And yes, that workout is hard…but so worth it!
I call it the dreadmaster! It’s so hard but so good for you! My best workout buddy used to have to get on the stair master next to me and tell me stories to get me through the dreadfulness. It’s pretty fantastic though!
Haha! I love “dreadmaster”! You’re so right though, it is definitely a great workout! I’m sure having someone to tell you stories helps the minutes go by.
I have decided that life is just too short to do workouts I hate cause there are so many others I love!
I am a long time lifetimer at WW too.
That’s awesome that you are lifetime! As for the stairmill…it’s one of those that I can’t get away from. Plus, it gives you the desired results, so it’s worth it!
I do wonderful all winter, mainly because I was born in Pittsburgh and I just love cold weather. But around mid February or early March I really get that itch for spring. I am ready to wear dresses and sandals and enjoy patios again!!!
As for work out equipment, I am going to be very honest. I used to avoid the treadmill when I worked out at the gym. I would go for the elliptical machine or the bikes and then lift some weights and never step foot on the treadmill. I used to think I wasn’t capable of running anymore. Then I got the treadmill for our house last month to overcome that fear and prove to myself that I can do it!!! It is rough, but I am pushing myself and I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger. Cheers for spring!
Nadine, I’m so excited for you and your new treadmill! Now you have me wanting to get one! lol You’re going to be outside before you know it. I don’t mind winter. I don’t know why this year seemed so blah. I think it was all that Southern snow teasing and rain.
The stairmaster is no joke! I definitely don’t jump on it as much as I should. Thanks for sharing the workout!
I’m glad I’m not alone in this! haha. You’re welcome, Kathryn!
Call me crazy but I was a Stairmaster lover before I was a runner. I still hit it up a few times a week. Great workout!
You’re not crazy at all, Marcia! lol I think it’s a great tool to help improve fitness. I know it’s going to become one of my favorites. Not over my beloved Arc Trainer, but maybe close.
I feel like if I move to some region that’s perpetually rainy and grey, I’d probably develop SAD. :[ I like sunshine and warmth, so I’m more than ready for spring!
The stairmaster kicks my butt, but it’s a great workout!
I love sunshine, warmth, and I’ll even take an ocean breeze. And I think that stairmaster kicks everyone’s butt! haha! Great workout though.
That stairmill workout sounds crazy hard! I should try it LOL.
I’m so ready for spring. I don’t usually mind winter, but this year was a rough one…
I don’t mind winter either, it just seems like this year was just really rough! One more day!
I had the post marathon blues too, I totally feel you. As for the machine that I hate, I would agree on the stepmill, but also the elliptical for me!
Sue, I’m not a huge fan of the elliptical. I know they’ve upgraded it from the one I used to use, but it’s not high on my list. lol I hope you’re over your blues! :)