These Boots Were Made for Walking

Here's something I never thought I'd say again, I've enjoyed exercise! I know you're probably thinking "Annie, how can you betray us and start being a healthy blogger?" To you I want to reassure you, this is not the case. I'm not out here eating kale, counting reps and live, laugh, loving.

But at the same time, I am disappointed to report, it is not fake news. It turns out exercise does actually make you feel better. I know, gutted!

About 9 years ago I went to the gym a minimum of three times a week. I didn't eat healthy but I drank my water and did cardio and weights. I was a healthy UK size 10 I would say. I actually enjoyed it, I was in a routine going to work out at a gym which I had to pass on my way to and from work. I had no excuse really but when I left that job, I started going less and less until I eventually got to the stage I was at the end of 2020. My depression and money troubles meant I wasn't even riding horses any more, something which I have always loved. I was a size 16 and not happy about it.

So it's time to turn this sinking ship around. But my ever growing agoraphobia means I will not leave the house alone. Luckily I have two of the best friends who both happen to live less than 300 yards from my house. Blessed is not the word! We've made a pact. We're now a walking crew.

I'm not going to lie, I am still fighting the urge, every, single, day, not to buy us matching shell suits. It's an 80's dream. We'd look cool in my eyes. Alas, I'll keep fighting that good fight.

So every evening, our group chat consists of 10 minutes of how much we don't want to walk followed by 10 minutes of motivating each other to walk, ending with 10 minutes of "see you outside after I pee".

And we've stuck to it, and will continue to stick to it. I get home sticky with sweat and actually feeling great. Tried but great. Already down one dress size from the beginning of the year, motivation is wavering but easily influenced by my friends. This is a long winded post to say I've started walking, and it's actually changed a lot for me. We have time at the end of the day to process and rant, we are getting fitter and, at least for me, the serotonin boost is a much needed gift.

If anything is taken from this I want you to know, such a simple thing has changed a lot for me and I hope I have inspired someone to give something like this a go. It shouldn't have been as big of a revelation to me as it was, but hey! I'll keep you updated.