This new illustration is for my next book. She represents the concept of being "athletic" at any size or level of fitness.
The idea of an “exercise program” seems so intimidating.
I drag myself to the gym a few times every year, and then inevitably quit.
Even though I always feel better once I get into a routine of working out, I just hate the pounding noise, bright lights, rows of machines and factory-like atmosphere. I can’t keep up with the fast-paced classes, and usually end up in the back somewhat embarrassed by my lack of coordination.
However, nobody has to ask me to dig out new garden beds, move heavy rocks, shovel compost, rake leaves and generally work in the garden until I am sweaty, tired, sore and happy!
I get an odd sense of satisfaction moving furniture and mopping the floor (OK, this doesn’t happen very often!)
I love fast-paced walking outdoors, preferably with a friend who likes to chat (and complain) as much as I do.
I love the quiet stretching of yoga, even though my techniques are not very impressive.
And I think that carrying heavy loads of laundry up from the basement to the second floor bedrooms must count as some sort of sport!
In other words, as long as I don’t think of all this physical activity as exercise, and as long as there is no competition and nothing to prove, I enjoy it!
Here’s a thought:
Moving your body in any way is … exercise.
Moving your body in a way that you actually enjoy is … yes, also exercise!
If you hated gym class as much as I did,
replacing the word “exercise” with activity (or movement) opens up a whole new world of enjoyable possibilities.
Think of all the things we stop ourselves from doing because we are not “perfect”:
Not having a dinner party because our cooking is not fancy enough.
Not singing in church because we can’t carry a tune.
Not wearing something we love because we aren’t skinny enough.
And yes, not getting any exercise because we are “out of shape”!
You don’t have to be on “Dancing with the Stars”, to have fun dancing around the kitchen to your favorite song.
You can enjoy throwing a few balls at the hoop in the driveway without making a basket.
You can have a great time skiing on the beginner’s slope, or swimming in the slow lane, or even just bobbing around in the water.
You don’t need to be training for the Tour de France to hop on your bike and spin around the neighborhood.
And guess what? You can even walk a marathon if you feel like it.
You don’t need to be an athlete to be athletic!
So let’s make 2010 the year to get up & get moving every day, in a way that we love, even if we hate to “exercise”.
(and of course, you don’t need an adorable outfit to go ice skating, although it helps!)
here’s the rough sketch for this drawing
Y'know, I've always wanted to do a marathon but always felt that I was too out of shape to do it but I think you might've changed my mind!
I so agree…MOVE is the key. Great illustrations, too! Stopping by from SITS today.
I LOVE your artwork – as well as the idea behind this post – well done!
Welcome to SITS! I know that you will enjoy being a part of this vibrant community of bloggers
I do not like to exercise either, but I am making myself do it this year. Just stopping by from SITS to say Hello. Have a great week!
Qrest thought-provoking words!
Well said…a very good point made.
I count working around the house and outside as exercise. Dancing in the kitchen, too:) I think anything that you feel whooped from is definitely good for you.
That being said, you are a most excellent artist. I know you are used to hearing it…but I've never seen it before, so count me in as a fan. Excellent.
I just wanted to stop in and welcome you to SITS & to wish you a little belated Happy New Year!
Welcome to SITS! Good perspective!
Happy new year! Hope you are having a great one!
Come by and visit anytime!
I don't care for exercise but if we make it fun (or necessary!) as you suggest then it is easier to get through.
Dropping by to welcome you to SITS! Thanks for your tips.
You are so right!! I need to stop telling myself these things!!
I kinda like the gym, but I definitely prefer moving outside. I'm a huge fan of long walks.
You definitely don't need to be doing "traditional" excerise to be burning calories and living a healthy life style.
Welcome to SITS!
I was just thinking about buying a jump rope because I hate exercise. We'll see if I follow through. ;o)
Welcome to the SITS community!
Thanks so much to all my SITS gal pals for all the welcome messages! for those of you who don't know, SITS is a community of bloggers who support each other through visiting and commenting on member blogs. http://www.thesitsgirls.com/ to get started!
Just stopping by from SITS.
I LOVE your sketches!
Here, Here!! My hubby and I went for a tour of our local rec center. We are thinking about trying it out. I don't know if we will stick with it but…you never know. One thing though is that I HATED the smell of the sweaty weight room. *gag*
Coming over from SITS with a big HELLO & Welcome!
Stopping by from SITS. These illustrations are just beautiful!!
I couldn't agree with you more. Exercise and me don't really get along. In fact I wrote about that today.
Stopped by from SITS.
Love it! I just started an exercise class, and I'm surprised at how much I love to exercise. I hate getting started, but once I get moving it's so fun.
Thanks for coming by my blog on my SITS day and commenting, I really appreciate all the comment love! LOVE THE SKETCH!
I think I'm being told something in huge neon lights today. Every blog I've hit has something about exercise. I'm thinking I might need to take the hint. LOL That illustration is GORGEOUS! Put reddish-brown hair on her and she would look like me. Not that I think I'm gorgeous, but you know what I mean. LOL
Swinging by from SITS!
I love to exercise, but exercise doesn't mean going to a gym to me. I find getting any kind of exercise outside is much better for my mind and thus better for me.
Hi from SITS
This is the kind of post that makes me want to say, "Yes! Go girl!!!!"