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Charlene Adam. (RUTH.BONNEVILLE@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)

THIS week hasn’t been easy.

I knew it’d happen; motivation to exercise just took a nosedive. Trying to get out the door feels like someone’s glued my shoes to the floor. Part of the problem is the weather. It’s less inspiring to bike and walk when you can see your breath freeze. I’d rather curl up under a blanket with a good book — or even a bad one.

Bella, my dog, is looking really good. She’s dropped inches off her belly; she’s ready for bikini season already. Mind you if I bought one for her, she’d likely eat it.

Despite this canine proclivity, her energy level is really high. cooler, wet weather doesn’t seem dampen her sprits. She trots along the goose poop-riddled sidewalks with a pep in her step and a desire to snack on what she considers free treats. on the bright side, preventing her from getting at these little green goodies gives my arm a really good workout.

At the beginning of the week, I continued to walk and do my gym stints at GoodLife Fitness; I knew that I needed to get a bit of my workout passion back. I wasn’t asking the trainers to play a bit of Marvin Gaye or send me roses. Instead, I just had to jar myself into action.

Thus far, I hadn’t really cheated with food, but boy I’d like to. when I shop, the smell from the bread aisle lures me like a hip-hop song filling a dance floor. still, I resist. Instead, I mumble and grab pitas or wraps. If I had one bite of french bread, I wouldn’t stop. so, I avoid it the way my kids avoid doing their chores; I pretend there’s no such thing.

She gave me another surprise too. when we strolled through the outdoor store aisle, she wanted a new skip rope and hula hoop. I had thought 12-year-olds were more interested in boys. that alone was enough to put the pep back in my step.

Her venture into healthy choices inspired me to get out of my rut and get a jump rope too. it was part of my plan to push myself to do new things. I thought it was a good idea to try the rope at home. One of the GoodLife classes I’d like to take mimics boxing moves. Trying the rope inside (for fear of neighbourhood ridicule and skinned knees) was a good plan. I nearly took out half my furniture and one of my cats. Granted, it’s doubtful I’d incur this at the gym. My cat won’t accompany me there (especially now even if I did invite her) and no furniture exists in the exercise room.

That said, I am klutzy, and skipping is harder than I remember it being. My kids, however, are quite good at it. they sing while they do double Dutch. I can’t skip with a single rope. If words come out of my mouth while skipping, know that I’m calling for help.

char.adam@mts.net twitter.com/charspetpage

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition may 17, 2010 D5