Day 11 – S-t-r-e-t-c-h

Facing a full afternoon of work I’ve neglected, I tried an early morning stretching program I recorded last week. It’s called Classical Stretch and airs here daily on PBS. It’s set to classical music with tranquil scenery at various beaches and resorts – a tennis court today.

It seems similar to Pilates – feeling good to stretch my muscles and spine. The website www.classicalstretch.com says it’s supposed to strengthen and relax muscles. Miranda Esmonde-White is the founder and promises these results:

Thinner arms and thighs – many have lost up to 3 inches around their bums!

Flattened and more defined tummies

Decreased stress levels

Reversal of osteoporosis

Dramatic improvement of posture

Healing of lower back, knee and shoulder injuries/pains

I would like all of those things please, and it is definitely better than doing nothing at all on a busy day. A good, low-impact alternative that is easy enough to do in the living room for 30 minutes (and Zach was totally entertained watching me do this while he ate his pancakes! “Mommy – shouldn’t she be playing tennis?”) 

A walk with Lottie to pick up the kids gave me a bit of slow cardio and fresh air that I didn’t get on the TV tennis court!

I’ve learned so far that when I am exercising EVERY day, I will neglect something. One of my two children, one of my two pets, one or two of my three clients will always need more than I can give — even when I’m not spending time exercising.

I’m trying hard to celebrate what I DO get done instead of stressing about what I don’t. This is hard for me, but a good sub-resolution to enable my new goal.