Spinning

At the beginning of the month, I started thinking about spending more time in the gym now that the weather is getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter. I am prone to depression in the fall and winter, and exercise is a major antidepressant for me.

Last fall and winter, I became extremely depressed soon after a bout of mania that required hospitalization. I knew that exercise would help to relieve my depression, but it was almost impossible for me to drag myself to the gym, or even go for a walk. I ended up becoming very weak, and it took a lot of effort to get back in shape over the spring and summer. I knew that this year I had to be proactive and make sure I had a good exercise routine going at the gym before the cold and dark weather set in. As I get older, I am realizing that depression can be physically debilitating, and that it is harder to spring back after each episode, so I need to work harder to prevent it.

I have always enjoyed exercise classes. I like having an instructor charged with giving me the best workout possible, and I look forward to seeing familiar faces in the group. I belong to my local YMCA, and I appreciate the diversity present there.

So, a couple of weeks ago, I went to my first spinning class at the YMCA. I have been to spinning classes before, but this one is the best ever. My instructors are great, the music is uplifting, and the room is well ventilated and sunny, as there is a row of floor-to-ceiling windows in the back letting the daylight in. The people in my class appear to range in age from early twenties to mid sixties. It really motivates me to see such an assorted group of people working out together. I'm on a schedule now where I'm spinning on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. I'm pushing myself as hard as I can, and I'm loving it. I'm pretty sure that if I keep this up, I'll have a great fall and winter.

4 comments:

  1. Good luck! I'm going to start going to the gym with my father on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so I'll be thinking of you, heh. I love weights and hate aerobic exercise (other than hiking, which I love), but I know I have to do both.

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  2. Thanks! Sometimes you just do what you have to do! I love hiking too. It's great exercise and spending time outdoors always makes me feel peaceful. Good luck to you too!

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  3. Hi Andrea - I run to help manage my BP but I also have a bike. I find that exercise does so much for me - physically and emotionally. I haven't had any significant manic or depressive episodes since I started running 13 years ago.

    So keep on spinning and you will be amazed by the many benefits it will provide.

    If you get a chance check out my blog at:

    http://workingonwellnessbuffalo.blogspot.com

    Peace
    Karl

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  4. Karl,

    I did look at your blog. It's great! I'm going to keep reading it!

    Andrea

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