Move it or lose it.

There are very few downfalls in being a knitter. Knitting does do wonderful things for you. We all know it is a stress reliever, it keeps the mind moving, it shows one of your many talents, and you get a fantastic garment at the end of your work. So why would there be a problem?
Well, it causes you to sit.
I am guilty of this. I used to whip off sweaters in a few days. It is addictive...but it could be killing you!
Yes, that is right.
As knitters, we must be very mindful of our physical activity, or lack there of.

So this post, I hope, will inspire you to move. Sometimes it means we may need to put the knitting down for the better part of the day. I know...it will be a shock to the system, but you will thank me later.

This is one of the reasons that you are not seeing so many finished pieces from me...besides the fact that I have 3 boys plus a husband to look after, a house to keep up and I have lost my knitting mojo again. I have really been on a health kick. I work out at least 30 mins a day. It is not a lot, but it is something. It also gives me energy to complete all the other things that need to be done each day. I am back down to my prebaby weight...and even surpassed it a bit. I feel strong and healthy. I do knit, but it is only at night, after dinner. Sometimes I sneak in a 1/2hr during the day, and of course while waiting to pick up the boys from school...but that is it.

Don't laugh...I am a Jillian Michaels junkie.

I can't say that I love her technique on the Biggest Loser show. I know if I was a contestant, I would need her. I need someone to make me stop the excuses and get up and move. I am the queen of excuses for exercising. Too tired, no time, maybe later...I can talk my way out of it easily. Thankfully a friend introduced me to Jillians dvd's. Week one of ripped in 30, I was hooked. So do you really see results....ummmm...YEAH! It is a great work out dvd. You need very little room to do it and a set of hand weights. After doing 4 wks of this I started running again. 30 minutes 3 times a week, with the dvd on the other days. I have also picked up her Shred it with weights...yeah, did wk one yesterday and I am really sore today...a good sore, as well as her yoga dvd.

For about 10$, she can save your life. Go buy one. Seriously.
It is hard at first, but it gets easier. Trust me, after not having done anything during my pregnancy, it was very difficult to get through the first workout. Now, I love it.

I've also been reading Bob Greens new book 20 Years Younger. He talks about food, exercise, sleep and skincare. It is really a great book to inspire you to take care of yourself. Here's a little tidbit from the book that may scare you....especially if you are a knitter...

"according to an American cancer society study, women who are otherwise inactive and sit six hours a day increase their likelihood of early death by 98 percent compared to women who are very active and sit less than three hours per day."

Ouch. 98 percent!! Get off your butt. It's time. If you already do...fantastic, now inspire someone else and save their life!

We all have something to live longer for. Here is my something (oh that little one was awake last night crying from 3:55 am til 5:11am! I am exhausted today.)...from Matteo's first communion this past weekend...



(yes, it is hard to get a picture with all looking and smiling...)

Now, I am going to find the energy to do something...my workout clothes are on, I just need to force myself to get up;)