You can't force somebody to start an exercise program. You can't force somebody to lose weight. When you're ready you're ready, if you're not you're not.
I'd love both Priyanka & Alka to exercise.
Priyanka already does, sort of. I know she runs, even if I don't know how much. Now that school's started again I'm not sure how regular her exercise program is going to be but, at least she's aware of its benefits. She lost 13 lbs this Summer (not that she was particularly overweight). Bottom line is she knows the benefits of exercise & is not afraid to do it.
Alka's a different story. She's never been overweight. She walks pretty much everyday at work. She's 47 & is in that glorious use-it-or-lose-it time of her life. She takes calcium for her bones,a multivitamin & whatever the heck you call the stuff that's supposed to keep your joints lubricated (I do too). She's expressed interest in going to a gym, specifically for a yoga class. Alka's never done a regular exercise program. She's never gone to a gym. She's never committed a segment of time for her & her alone to workout. A classic mother.
Roadblocks for Alka: largely she's Priyanka's main chauffeur. She drives her to school, dance classes,flute lessons,doctor's appts, you name it. I need somehow to force her to commit to taking a yoga class,For Herself, & not do the Martyred Mother Thing.
Jamie had a good suggestion that I take the class with Alka. That's an excellent idea. We'd be workout buddies. Plus the added expense of both of us taking classes would make my frugal wife not skip out (actually my insurance will cover a lot of the expense). I'll suggest it to Alka.
We drove around scouting out a couple of locations. If the gym isn't nearby she won't go. Alka's also said she might wait a few weeks before joining. That has me concerned. As a veteran of many a failed workout regime I know a "couple of weeks" becomes months & then becomes Never. I'll try to push the issue a little.
Alka's stubborn. Getting her to do something just for herself is like trying to make a dog watch another dog on television.
3 comments:
It's a great idea to take the classes together. Can you surprise her with the gift of 4 classes or something and then she'll get all excited and you can go? Or take bellydancing together?
I hope it works out. Most people who take yoga like it enough to continue, even after initial resistance. I understand her frugality -- it can be expensive! But the insurance will help.
I figured if we both take the classes we can study the basic moves & maybe continue on our own. The main thing is get her to do an activity she enjoys & will keep up with.
BTW,I understand you've moved on but, you're missed on LTR. How do you keep up with all the people on the Marathoner's thread (I know >>>lurker<<< busted)?
Pete, you're such a lurker, it's creepy! ;)
I should get back to LTR -- thanks for the heads up. The basic key with the marathoner's thread is ignore everyone except the person with the most interesting thing to say that day. Or something along those lines.
Post a Comment