Fat, yes. Lazy, not so much.
When I was at uni, I was juggling three jobs and full time study; my eating disorder was starting to take over my life again and exercise was one of those things that I never seemed to have time for. I was getting a maximum of five hours of sleep a night, and I was stressed all the time. My friends and family can attest to the fact that I was not managing that work/life balance at all.
I’m actually still on crutches, so this is my totally posed “I’ve been working out” look
After a tearful visit to the doctor, having not slept for a few days but not wanting to resort to sleeping pills, I came out with a plan to deal with my eating disorder. Part of that plan was to make time for myself and start doing exercise, to be incorporated into my day in short bursts. Instead of cutting across the quad from my office to the library, I walked the long way round. Instead of walking from one end of the corridor to the other, I’d walk up the stairs, down the corridor, and then down the stairs. I did yoga stretches in my office. And the classroom, the studio and the library. I started parking further away from the building so I could walk that little bit further.
My essentials include a bottle of water, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen. Ain’t no one got time for dehydration, glare, or sunburn!
I have to say, it definitely helped. I paid more attention in class, I had more energy and could focus better on my work, and I started sleeping properly! I finished uni at the end of last year, feeling great. Who would have thought that little changes could help so much?
And now we’re in 2014. I’ve finished uni, and am working in two extremely sedentary jobs. I need to come up with an actual plan to exercise, and schedule it in to my week, or the old grumpy Meagan will return!
My first step (haha, get it?) is to get myself some new shoes. I have had these for three years and they’ve served me well but I’ve run them into the ground (haha, seriously, I’m hilarious!) and definitely need some new ones. Any excuse for shopping!
These shoes are made for walkin’…
I’m happy getting out walking by myself now, but would love some company once a week to keep me motivated and accountable (because on cold winter days it’s so easy to just say no and curl up on the couch!). If you’re a fat babe who lives in Auckland and is keen to get your walk on with me once a week, let me know in the comments below! I’ll be walking at a snail’s pace while I recuperate from my knee injury, but we’ve all gotta start somewhere, right?
xo Meagan
Meagan wears:
ASOS Curve Exclusive Vest in Soft Stretch Jersey from ASOS (worn as crop top)
Action Back Singlet in Neon Pink from Kmart
Active Intent Women’s Pants from The Warehouse
New Balance 813 sneakers by New Balance
I’m totally keen! 😀
Yay!!!
This curvy babe is definitely keen…I’ll keep an eye out for your walking dates with interest.
Hurray! The more the merrier xo
Hey lovelies, I haven’t forgotten about this! Just waiting for my next physio appointment to establish when I will be able to get started!!! xo
People often overlook the mental health benefits. I for one cannot function without my sessions in the pool or gym. Life starts coming apart at the seems. I’m busy, I take a lot on and squish a lot in, exercise always has to fit or I just don’t do the rest as well.
And yes! New shoes are essential. I get new trainers every 6 months or I get foot and leg strain.
Im keen!
Hurray!
Keen to be a walking buddy! I’m just in Sandringham so Cornwall park sounds good. Were you thinking evenings?
For sure – no one needs to be subjected to grouchy morning Meagan! I think morning walks are best done solo!!!
xo
I’m keen for walking too! Yay!
Yeah, i would be pretty keen to join too!
Where are you based, Phil? Would Cornwall Park work for you? Let’s make this happen!
I work in Taka but live in Avondale. So that could be on my way home. Excite!
Hurray! Walking buddies! In a few days I’ll email everyone who has responded saying they want to join me, and we can sort out a time and day that works for us xo
I might be keen for a walking partner, I keep putting it off and spending time on Spotify instead but only really available during school hours
School hours are out for me, as I’ll be at work, but if I ever have time to walk during the day I’ll give you a shout SJ!
xo
Great Post Meagan!! I wish I could go walking with you x
where in auckland would you be walking??
– fat babe who wants to start doing some exercise
I was thinking Cornwall Park, because there is free parking + it’s pretty + reasonably central + there are some hills if we want to include them. Do you live / work anywhere near there Teri?
xo