Return to working out…

See how hard it is to resist this face?

So I have a confession to make–tonight was the first time I’ve worked out in a loooooong time. I’ve basically been on a hiatus from the gym since we started fostering Lola back in mid-December. Then it was Christmas and I the extent of my exercise was lifting sugar cookies…into my mouth. Then we came home and I’ve basically used having a new puppy as my excuse for why I haven’t been working out. And it’s not that I don’t like working out, because I do, I love it actually. Being active has always been a part of my life, and I really enjoy going to the different classes that they offer at my gym. I used to either go during my lunch hour, straight from work before I went home, or, if I was feeling really ambitious, before work in the morning. But now that we have Lola, it makes getting to the gym a little more difficult. Since my work is closer to our apartment, I’m usually the one that comes home at lunch to walk her and take her out. Then after work, I have to come home and let her out before I go to the gym. Which means that once I get home, I’m home for the night because she’s just so darn adorable that I feel bad leaving to go back out to the gym. And getting up to go to workout in the morning? Well since she came into our lives, that just hasn’t happened.

However, I’m starting to realize that even though there may be changes in my life, it’s really important that my priorities stay constant. Being active is important to me, and especially given the fact that I work in a job where I sit all day, when I’m not working out, I just don’t feel as healthy or have as much energy. Granted, now that we have Lola, I may have to readjust my expectations, meaning maybe workout 3 times a week instead of 5 or 6 times. But that’s ok, it’s better than nothing. It’s just important that I commit to doing something, and get back on track. Because honestly if I can’t get to the gym when I have a puppy, how much harder is it going to be to stay in shape when I have kids one day? That thought is what made me get my butt in the car and go to spin class tonight! Because as I get older and my time gets more scarce, I know that I have to make taking care of myself a priority and stay active, even when other things like work or a cute puppy monopolize my time.

One thing I am looking forward to as Lola gets bigger is getting to go one walks, hikes, and runs with her. Cam and I actually took Lola on her first hike yesterday in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, and she did great! It was a 6.5 mile hike, and she got a little bit tired at the end, but she made it the whole way. (I’ve included some pics from our hike!) I’m looking forward to spending more time outdoors with her as the weather warms up, so that way I can stay fit and spend time with my pup all at once! 🙂