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The Couch Potato Workout

I hate to admit it, but I am just like every other American who falls into the holiday eating – should I say overeating- trap.  And then come January 1st I have all these guilty feelings about the amount of calories consumed and deep down I know I should start working out.

This annual cycle is even worse for me because
A. I have two whole weeks off from work.  When I am at home I tend to eat much more than when I’m in normal school routine.  And even before we get out for break there are tons of holiday goodies made available by kids and fellow teachers.
B. I despise working out.  I mean it- I truly don’t like to exercise.  I don’t get a rush out of running, and the thought of going to a gym makes me roll my eyes.  Once upon a time I did like going to aerobics class with my mom…but it was really more enjoyable because of the bonding aspect.

Have Maggie has helped us a little bit; she requires 2-3 walks a day.  But it’s just not enough exercise in my opinion.  Sometime last week I saw a segment on the Today Show about the Couch Potato workout.  Go ahead and scoff, I usually do it too thinking that is just another New Year’s resolution people won’t keep.  But I think this one really sounds do-able for a person like me.

The basic idea is that you take a 30 minute television program and all you have to do is keep moving for the entire show.  During the actual program you are doing low impact movement, then during the commercial breaks you switch to high intensity exercise.  It’s convenient because you can do it in your house and don’t have to go anywhere, no special clothes or equipment required, and you get to watch your favorite show in the process.  Oh and my favorite part: no running!

So we’ll see how this plays out.  Maybe you should ask me from time to time how it’s going to keep me accountable =)  Kevin and I are eating at Flemings tomorrow for part 1 of the anniversary celebration…I suppose the workout will start Monday.