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My embarrassingly dusty step benches, weights, and yes – even VHS tapes. I swear it wasn't 1995 the last time I used these. Though some of it has been around since then! |
“I think you should exercise more “. Lucky for my husband he followed that up with – “I’m not talking about your weight, I just think it would help your diabetes and I want you around for a long time”. My response? “Um, excuse me Mr. Perfect, didn’t you just see me doing the Running Man after I tested my blood sugar and declared a glorious reading of 92?”
In his defense, Mr. Perfect works out 5x a week. I generally cook, clean, read, write, or zone out online while he works out. My exercise yesterday consisted of clipping my Pomeranian’s toenails. This is not an easy task. I might as well have been trying to put socks on an octopus. Don’t get me wrong, I get activity. I take the stairs at work, park further from the building, do laptop curls while I wait for my computer to boot up, that sort of thing, but the intensive “sweatabetes” sessions have gone M.I.A.
About the time I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at eighteen, I was in the habit of taking two (two!!!) aerobics classes five (five!!!) days a week. I was at my healthiest when the sugar hit the fan.
Hubby’s comments got me thinking though that I really should be getting more exercise. My diagnosis was almost seventeen (seventeen!!! Sorry, I’ll knock that off now) years ago. I need to get back on track and stay on track. I was doing well during the warmer months, but during winter in Chicago, I got lazy. Who hasn’t? Um, please don’t tell me if you haven’t. J
Exercise for a diabetic consists of more than just tying on your running shoes and hitting the trail. Worries cloud the mind. Worries like – how quickly will my blood sugars drop? Where did I put all my shiny medical I.D. necklaces? Why am I not wearing one right now? Will I pass out at the park and have some stranger trying to force feed me something until I choke? How do I stash emergency fruit gummies or a juice box in my pocket-less workout getup? Underpants gummies are just wrong and sports bra gummies or a third boob in the shape of a juice box isn’t much better.
On the other hand, hearing my husband of nearly ten years (who’s seen me at my best and definitely my worst), say he wants me around for a long time. It’s enough to make a girl get off the couch and brave the trail. I want to be around a long time too. Perhaps I’ll bring Mr. P. to help carry my snack arsenal and fend off strangers with choking hazards and good intentions. He wants me around. J How can I argue with that?
Meagan, great article. I am guilty too- I have purchased some of my old favorite exercise videos in hopes of getting moving again. I too have too much dust on my exercise shoes and its been WAY too long. I will be inspired by your article and try one this week- Its that First Step back that's the hardest. Thanks for sharing and your husband is a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jody! It's been a looong winter, hasn't it? We'll get there! And I agree, that guy of mine really is a sweetheart. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I know how you feel. My boyfriend works out everyday......and I'm usually so tired after work that I veg in front of the tv or computer, make dinner, then veg some more.
ReplyDeleteI also have the added fun of retinopathy that acts up at the smallest thing - so if I workout, sometimes my eye gets funky. And who wants that?!
Love this post because it rings true for me so much. I am only 18, but I have all those fears of going low whilst exercising too.
ReplyDeleteAt the gym about a year ago I was on the treadmill and was putting so much energy into actually keeping my legs moving that adrenaline decided to fool my body into thinking I wasn't low when really I was. When I stopped running I went all light-headed and funny until I got some much-needed glucose tabs down my neck.
I find that swift 20min walks everyday work best for me to keep my levels pretty stabilised now. Apart from that I am a self-confessed, lazy diabetic, but your post was enough to make me think about kicking myself into gear too! :) Thank you!
That was a great "kick in the butt" article, Meagan. I know that I have to exercise and I had been up until a few weeks ago when I got on the scale and I haven't lost a single pound in months. I was killing myself working out and nothing would change. Not only do I have diabetes-burn-out but exercise-burn-out!
ReplyDeleteI know it's not about losing weight (no..really it's about losing weight) but it's just one of those things that help keep bgs at bay.
So now I will get back on track with you!!! (VHS tapes!!! Is one of them Jane Fonda???? I still have mine :))
I just found your blog and so glad I did!! I've been looking for other Type 1's to hook up with.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about hearing those words come from your husband. I'm finally doing something with myself besides throw a pity party. I really want to be the best version of myself, and I plan on making that happen this year!!!
xoxo
Roxie-Girl
Good luck! I cannot wait to hear about your workouts. I never really thought about how frustrating type 1 and working out would be for an adult woman. Sure, I know about boosting up blood sugars etc...for Joe...but how annoying to be working out and having to take in extra calories to boost your blood sugar in order to workout...vicious cycle. Your hubby sounds cool.
ReplyDeleteAwww....this post totally made me smile! I've been trying to get off the couch, and I'm hoping my hubs will follow suit!
ReplyDelete