Having it all never seems to last...

Stars align:  Job promotions, bigger and brighter homes, bountiful relationships.  Though it can feel like magic or God or fate, the coincidence of good fortune is often just the payoff of hard work.  We exhaust ourselves to make things right, then suddenly we look up to see the green leaves of labor.

My new job provided the financial stability I needed to move into my first adult apartment.  Having a home of my own gave me the space to embark on exciting creative projects.  These projects have introduced me to a slew of new friends.  As much as I’m enjoying these successes, how long before new cracks emerge?  Having it all never seems to last…

When I worked in a children’s bookstore for minimum wage, I was on my feet all day.  As much as I wanted to have a tête-à-tête with someone older than six, I really did enjoy running with a piles of picture books in one arm and the occasional child in the other.  Now that I have a salaried position with a more cerebral focus (whoohoo!), I’m feeling a little lumpy.I’ve never been one for formal exercise. 

I’m an “active” person in that I take stairs over escalators and walk rather than ride the subway three or four measly stops.  Canal to 23^rd Street? What do you mean wait for the R?

But something needs to change.  I ache and am fatigued from sitting and staring at a LED screen.  My colleagues bring sugary treats to perk up the afternoons, combat the Mondays, and celebrate the upcoming weekend.  When I first started office life, I would go on long walks after work and get my blood pumping.  Lately though, I’ve been exhausted and inert.

I don’t know if I’m motivated enough to exercise alone.  At best, I would start a plan that would last a week or two.  This is partly because I’m suspicious of myself:  I'm the kind of girl who cheats when no one is keeping tabs, or I am too self-conscious about not properly executing the yoga pose, I give up.  At least I know myself…

The simple solution would be a gym membership or taking classes at a yoga studio.  A few weeks ago, NYT ran an article about ballet barre classes (a step-up from strip-aerobics) which seems like something I would enjoy.  I always do better with assignments; if I have to report to an instructor at a designated time, I’d be sure to be there.  Simple solution!

And while $35/class doesn’t sound like too much money, it would be nearly $2,000 to go once a week for a year.  That’s definitely cash I don’t have.  I certainly don’t believe that finance should come between me and my health—I don’t think anyone does.  As a novice at more formal physical fitness, I wonder if anyone has suggestions on incorporating exercise into their day while watching her wallet?