Heels or sneakers?

While waiting for yoga class today, a few of us were chatting about our exercise routines. Many were runners, others swimmers and a few cyclists. Most yogis are very calm, open-minded individuals, but you would have thought different as we approached our next topic – exercising in high heels. No, I did not mistype. One of the women in our conversation recently relocated from Manhattan and shared her disdain for this approach to exercise, a growing trend quickly gaining momentum among many young women. I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t say much. But once returning home, I quickly booted up my computer and let my fingers fly piloting Google search after Google search. It took me a few attempts to get to the meat of the search, as trying to figure out the correct search keywords proved a bit difficult. Searching for “working out in high heels” revealed a few more explicit results than expected.

My initial gut response was that this was a very foolish, reckless and even sexist idea. I have no desire and feel no sense of urgency to be able to walk in 5 in stilettos and strut my junk like a super model. Many studies have shown the extremely harmful outcomes of wearing high heels, and I can feel the strain on my knees and back within minutes due to the shoes throwing my spine out of whack.  

BUT…I do remember spending many of younger nights on the dance floor carefully toeing the line between “sweaty” and “sexy.” Could I have benefitted from a class of this nature to help me learn to shake my money maker in heels?  You betcha (even though I probably wouldn’t have gone even if it was available). Women in these classes report an amazing workout and huge boosts in confidence and that is not a bad thing, right?

I am going to sit the fence on this one. And I won’t be wearing high heels. To be honest, I really don’t give a damn. If you want to trade in your gym sneakers for a pair of gym stilettos, so be it. Glitter and glam your way to a new you! At least you are up moving instead of being a couch potato. But remember…It is all fun in games until someone breaks an ankle. Or an arm. Or takes a stiletto through the eye.  

Anyone else want to chime in sharing your thoughts? Here is the link to a recent Wall Street Journal article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323854904578261831621279340.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

What a difference a few hours make.

A few weeks ago, Eric decided that he wanted to get back into a routine that included exercise. I was super excited that I would have my workout buddy back. That was until he told me he wanted to go BEFORE work. If you know me, you know I am not a morning person. I am a snoozer, a run out of the house at the last minute, put your make-up on as you drive kinda gal. My coworkers know to talk to me slowly, simply and to enunciate clearly until I have had at least two cups of coffee. I knew this was going to be difficult, but being the supportive wife that I am, I put on a brave face and hoped for the best. And, as it turns out, I actually like it! Eric lasted two days (I am still waiting for him to rejoin me), but I am still rising before the sun - and apparently everyone else in the apartment complex for that matter - to workout. This switch has made me realize that there are drastic differences between the gym at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm crowds. Those 12 hours sure make a huge difference...

6:00 am Gym Flow	6:00 pm Gym Flow
I always get a prime parking spot	I want to seek revenge on those who do the "swoop in" and steal my spot. Watch your tires folks!
No one matches and no one cares.	The motto for most is “Less is more.” Ugh. Cottage cheese legs galore.
People are actually using the equipment for its designated function.	The equipment is a prop often used to draw attention to certain sexual organs.
People watch the news or listen to their iPods.	People “people watch,” sometimes falling of the treadmill straining to get one last glimpse of the hottie that just went by. Yes, this does happen and did happen just a few weeks ago.
I have the choice of any workout equipment my little brain wants to torture my body with. Workout heaven!	I can only get a spot if I seek out my revenge, and you guessed it, use the “swoop in” method. I shamefully have to admit that I once jumped over a bicycle to get to a treadmill before someone else. She was not pleased.
I just feel so good when I am done, knowing I have already completed my daily workout!