written February 24th, 2009 · 0 comments

I am trying to save money at the moment and also trying to keep in shape (unlike many past winters)! So I have devised a few ways of keeping fit in these tight economic times. I don’t know if it is maturity or the fact that this winter might be longer than anticipated that has gotten me thinking more seriously about staying fit. And I don’t know if it is my lack of funds that has made me think intelligently about how to stay in shape on my own, but these two motivations combined have made all the difference.

First of all, I dug up my Pilates book, which I haven’t used since my days at RISD, when I was doing Pilates almost everyday, going to the gym, swimming and still doing ballet (not the case today). I had to begin (sadly) with only the basic exercises before I could do the more fun and challenging ones, but I am so happy I got back into it! I feel much stronger and I really do feel the change in my strength (especially my abs) even when I am just walking around or cleaning. The book I use is written by Brooke Siler, a certified Pilates Method instructor. It provides great mental images that help you do the exercises correctly. One day, I will take a real class and see if I have been doing the exercises correctly all along!

I am also going for walks around the park/construction site behind my apartment for 30 minutes a few times a week. I vary my speed throughout for a better workout for my dear heart and I bring my Ipod with me with the latest downloads from EconTalk or Planet Money. It’s just good to get out of the house and get some fresh air! And even if the weather is suckie, which it usually is, I can be distracted enough by my podcast and pumping heart not to care!

So this is my fitness routine as of now. I don’t spend any money on it, and so far, I am feeling great despite the weather outside!