Angela Scott
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Help. I'm suffering from writer's butt. Are you?

12/20/2012

15 Comments

 
Picture
This is NOT my butt. Yet, it's quite the visual, huh?
We hear all the time about writer's BLOCK but what about writer's BUTT? It's a real problem...one I suffer from. 

Ahhh...I need to exercise. Yet, I'm in no shape to do it :)

Just the idea of going for a walk makes me want to crawl in between my covers and snuggle in bed some more. And yet (yes, another 'yet') I need to do something. Because, here's the thing: I'm a writer. The majority of my day is spent sitting, hunched over my laptop (my precious), moving only my fingers. The rest of my body is sedentary. Okay, that's not entirely true. My eyelids blink every now and again. Really, if you think about it, the way a body sits at the computer, hunched, bent, elbows and arms close to the body, can't be good for the neck, arms, shoulders, legs and most importantly THE BUTT. It's unnatural.

I HAVE to write. I HAVE to edit. My deadline schedule leaves me very little wiggle room to work with (ha,ha, ha that's kind of pun-like right there). Sitting for hours and hours and hours day after day isn't a good thing. Oh, yeah, my mind is working away, but my body is paying the price. I must do something...but what?

Exercise, for the most part, really sucks. It does. No one goes and exercises for fun (if they say they do then they are liars and you should most definitely punch them in the nose). Running totally BLOWS (been there and done that...I'm not a fan). Yoga? Hmmm...have you seen those skinny..."ladies" that go to those classes? Yeah, not a fan of that either. Water aerobics? Gotta wear a swimsuit and get wet...no thank you. So what are my options? I haven't a clue. The one thing I do know for certain: I can NOT exercise at home. I'm too tempted to get on my laptop (did I mention it's my precious?)

My desire to change is there but my will power to make it happen, not so much. Whatever I do needs to be simple, non-painful, and not take up a lot of time. Really, if I could find an exercise plan that doesn't "feel" like exercise then I'm more likely to participate and continue the regime. I'm open to suggestions. Right now, I'm leaning towards joining the local rec. center where the old folks go and walk laps (so boring) but these are my kind of people (oxygen tank carrying people, people with walkers and hip replacements) because they won't judge me for my lack of muscle mass or for my flat jiggle bottom. In fact, I'll probably look pretty dang good to them :)

Anyhoo...I'm open to suggestions (non-painful, easy and simple suggestions) to get my writer's butt in gear. Help my writer's butt. Give me your tips and tricks. Until then, I'll be sitting here, waiting. Growing my butt :) 



15 Comments
Devan
12/20/2012 02:32:49 am

try Zumba at home its really fun and you can make fun of yourself like i do myself i think i look like a monkey that has really lost its mind...lol

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Angela Scott link
12/20/2012 06:44:45 am

Dancing like a monkey that lost it's mind sounds AWESOME!

I'm game for that. I guess they have Zumba videos I can buy? I'll have to check it out.

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Diane link
12/20/2012 02:57:01 am

Oh you hit the nail on the head - and I'm not nearly so brave as to measure the largesse!

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Angela Scott link
12/20/2012 06:46:13 am

Just to clarify, that is NOT my butt (just a pic on the web), but that's where I'm headed if I'm not careful.

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Stephanie Bolmer link
12/20/2012 03:31:00 am

I feel you! I agree that Zumba at home is fun, easy, and non-intimidating! And, it is a legit workout.

Also, and I say this with no judgment or sarcasm whatsoever, try walking. Seriously, especially if you feel like you don't have much strength or stamina (and I know how that feels!), just going for a walk counts as exercise. It's free. It's easy. You can do it alone or with friends. You can listen to music or just allow your mind to zone out. I know that probably sounds like a really obvious suggestion, but going outside (or around the mall if it's too cold or wet outside) today for a 10- or 15-minute walk can be the first step to a life that you can enjoy more and be more proud of.

Last suggestion (and this is something that was said to me that I really had to look in the eye just a few days ago): Ask yourself, "How badly do I want it?" 'Cause, you've got to want it! I know. I want it real bad. But, I want those covers or that cookie even worse sometimes. But, you've got to think of the long term. Do you still want to be cranking out novels when you're 85? Then, you better take care of your body today!

Godspeed to you!

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Angela Scott link
12/20/2012 06:48:34 am

You're totally right--I have to WANT it. And I do. When I used to run I hated it but always felt much better once I'd done it. So I'm really going to try and get my butt up off my chair and do something. Walking is my go-to exercise, but I think I'd like to give zumba a try.

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laura thomas link
12/20/2012 06:29:27 am

Try a stairmaster or a treadmill. You can read and plot while doing it. The plus to it is you can start slow and easy and stay that way if you want.

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Angela Scott link
12/20/2012 06:50:38 am

Me and the stairmaster had a bit of a run in at the gym once, but the treadmill and I are good friends :) I've just got to hit the gym and do something. Must. Get. Motivated.

Because every time my brain says, "Go to the gym." My butt says, "Dude! Chill! This chair is comfy."

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Odessa link
12/20/2012 11:56:10 am

I totally have this condition as well Angela!
In the warm weather I try to get out and take walks, work in the garden, etc. When it's winter I take belly dance classes to get me out of the house and away from the laptop.
I tried cardio kick-boxing once and was completely intimidated by everyone else jumping around much more energetically than I was. Beginners welcome? Lies.

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Angela Scott link
12/21/2012 09:16:37 am

Belly dancing? Now that sounds fun. You don't have to show people your belly, do you? That could be troublesome.

I actually went to the gym today, rode the bike, walked the treadmill, and did laps on the track. It felt awesome. I need to make sure to keep doing it.

Oh, and yeah, when they say beginners I'm always cautious :)

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Odessa link
12/21/2012 11:34:12 am

No bare bellies required! Most women wore gym clothes, tee shirts and yoga pants. Once I didn't have time to change so I showed up in an argyle sweater :)
My friends did something called 'From Couch to 5k' last summer, they said it really built up their stamina.
Cheers on your productive day!

Kort link
12/21/2012 08:23:44 am

I started doing yoga after an injury a few years ago and I love it so much. I never went to an actual class, though. I have DVD's that I follow and my best friend (who lives 2 time zones away) and I do them at the same time. Sometimes we Skype while doing it so we're not alone but we're following our own routines. She was in a massive car accident a few years ago and is very happy to be walking. The yoga is getting her back on her feet more and more. I have a friend who's a zumba instructor and she keeps telling me to try it so I might have to go check it out. I will admit to wanting a higher intensity workout than just the yoga, even if I can bend myself it half at a very plus size.

Mostly, I learned to love my (very tiny) kitchen and I cook almost everything from scratch now. It takes a bit longer, forces me to move and makes me aware of everything that goes into my mouth. Oh, and it's cheaper, too.

My sons kick-boxing instructor has invited me to their Saturday bootcamp. A retired Navy Seal I know also runs a weekly bootcamp and he wants me to go. Hmm, and a retired army guy, too. I wonder if they're trying to tell me something. . .

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Angela Scott link
12/21/2012 09:19:48 am

You should totally try the kick-boxing...and then come tell me what you thought of it. I've heard a lot of people like it, but I haven't tried it.

Lots of people do zumba and seem to have fun, so I might give that a go. IF I get daring, the gym near me actual has water zumba classes they do every other day in the pool. That could be cool--depending on the people and the suits everyone is wearing :) I may get daring and check it out.

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Stephanie Manning link
2/3/2013 04:12:52 am

Oh my, my ,my! You had me and all the co-workers rolling laughing! We too, sit on our dairy-aires 12 hours a day as 911 dispatchers with very little movement. Ha, LOVED this post!

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Sheree Crawford link
1/8/2017 01:06:49 pm

I have to admit I giggled through this, but not too hard; I too suffer from writers butt, haha. I've taken to working standing up and doing squats while I wait on the kettle... it actually helps a little. I ended up writing a post which dealt with... well, dealing with your writers butt.

This is the link if you're interested ; http://themerrywriter.com/2017/01/01/how-to-lose-weight-feel-good-and-up-your-writing-game-in-the-new-year/

Either way keep us all updated on how you get on!

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