IT'S WORKING

Today was our second visit to the fitness center. The exercise is working. I can feel it--mostly from the use of the machines that are finding new muscles to pull and push. The walking is pretty easy, although I haven't gone for any long distances yet. Just a mile or two.
Having the variety in the workout is no doubt good for me. There aren't many outdoor chores or projects possible this time of year. The sunny day today was a nice break in the grey dreary we've had of late. An outdoor walk/run would have been all right today.

OFF AND RUNNING, SO TO SPEAK

Today we kicked off our indoor workouts with our first visit to the fitness center. Had to learn how to use the machines so we could get things set up on each one and then get with the program. I went a mile on the treadmill, part of the time running. Also, used a recumbent stepping machine. Did a mile on an elliptical and then did a little lifting on a couple of weight machines. The hour went by quickly.
Once we get accustomed to the equipment we'll settle in to our favorites and increase activity levels. A few more visits and I should be back at the 2 to 3 mile running with no trouble at all.

A NEW PLAN FOR WINTER

After a week or so of snow and cold we decided to join the fitness center for the next three months. It was very reasonable as far as cost and offers all kinds of equipment and programs.
Hopefully we will go at least three times per week. We do intermittent short sessions here at home on our treadmill but it is a small one. I will be working with the staff at Health Fit so set up a routine on the various machines to work on core strengthening along with the walking and running. It's too easy to cop out on exercise right now. It definitely takes a goal of some kind and group support too.

THE VIEW FROM THE TREADMILL

The fall colors are pretty much gone and the temperatures, humidity and wind are now making it more difficult to work out in the out of doors. So the treadmill has become the new path to follow. It ain't fun. It has literally been months since I've used it. Doing short stints on it have had to suffice. Plus, life has been busy and complicated lately.
It used to sit where I could watch t.v. while treading but now it is moved so that it looks out through the big windows on my studio at the trees and the pond. Don't know why I haven't done that before.
Back in March and April I did get out on the road on nicer days and I'll do the same this month and next if possible. Just have to overcome the excuses. At least there is the treadmill to fall back on in the dead of winter.
Yesterday I did a fairly fast mile on the treadmill. Today I am going to devote an hour to an outdoor session across the way in the addition. Gotta keep at it. No excuses!

A GREAT DAY FOR A WALK

In the last week or so I've walked a mile a couple of times and have done a lot of yard work. So that has been my workout routine until yesterday when we drove over to the Greenway between New Haven and Ft. Wayne. We walked west from the parking area on North River Rd. and went 3 miles and returned for a 6 mile jaunt. It was a great day for a walk. 73 degrees on the 4th of November--almost unheard of--and the sunshine on the fall leaves was gorgeous. Cyndy began to tire on the way back so we set a more leisurely pace.

The big surprise of the day was when we had only gone a short way on the return leg and wild turkeys appeared just ahead of us. Within two miles or so of downtown Ft. Wayne, believe it or not! We were able to get right up to where they went down the river bank and Cyndy sneaked over to the edge of the bank with her camera. They flew across the river.

It was a great day.