My Walking Buddy

Well there he is, my current exercise partner. He will go for a walk anytime, anywhere. In fact, he gets so excited if I even mention to someone out loud that I might "take Charley for a walk" he jumps up and down and completely leaves the ground. So when I am tired, and not feeling motivated, I have a little trick. I just ask Charley if he wants to go for a walk outside. Saying it takes very little energy, but once I say it to him, there is no turning back. His wriggling, bouncing energy is even a little contagious, I have to admit. He is a good trainer, too. He doesn't just walk, he runs, and if I don't go fast enough for him, he practically chokes himself. His hacking noises are a little embarrassing, and I fear he will hurt himself, so I make sure to keep up. It takes a while for him to wear down, and he looks so happy the whole time that I feel happy doing the walk, even if I did not want to go for myself.

That is one thing I have learned about exercise. If I just show up, for example, at the gym, then I HAVE to work out, and I always feel better. Showing up takes less effort than the actual work out, but it guarantees the deal. At home in the morning if I just roll out the mat and get on the floor, which takes little effort, I will do some exercises, and I will feel good about it the rest of the day. A little effort in the beginning, leads to more effort, ending up with a rewarding result. The same goes for walks with Charley. It improves even the worst of moods.

Having an exercise buddy is a great way to get in the habit of working out. The first time I ever joined a gym was at the urging of a friend when I was 30 and weighed about 16 pounds less than I do today, but of course, felt huge. My friend just wanted someone to go with, more for fun or recreation, and I liked the idea. At first I went to meet up with her, but then I developed a passion for it. I lost 25 pounds that summer and was in fantastic shape. If it had not been for her, I may have never joined a gym. The thought had never even crossed my mind. It was also intimidating.

Right now Charley is my only work out buddy, but that could change. I am getting the kids into hiking with me now, and I plan to put the bike rack on the car as soon as I figure out how. That way I can haul bikes to the Katy Trail, a long, long, trail that follows the Missouri River. I like the idea of getting my workouts while doing a recreational activity with the family. Roller skating is a favorite, but with the ankle injury I have had to put that off a bit. But the pools open at the end of the month so swimming is just around the corner.

Tonight I almost did not go for my walk, it was late, and damp, and dark. But I promised Charley, so I had to go. That is how the buddy system works!