FBFF: Fitness and Fashion

Have you been seeing the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about? Click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?
I do. I typically use DVD workouts by The Firm in the mornings Monday - Friday. Since I have to be at work by 7:30AM, I wake up at 4:30AM to make sure I can exercise, shower and take blog photos all before leaving the house. And why? Because exercise relieves stress, helps regulate metabolism so I don't have to watch my food *quite* as much, tones muscles, keeps my heart healthy and generally makes me feel better.

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?
That's an interesting question. I don't think working out has helped my perception of body image as much as style blogging has. Working out does make me feel like I'm being more productive and taking better care of myself than if I didn't exercise, but seeing how so many women (and men) of such varying shapes and sizes are able to dress their different body types and still ALL look fantastic has helped my perception of body image to change.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?
Considering that I don't do the gym and instead work out in the privacy of my own home, it's all about functionality for me. Although I must admit, I do try to make sure my colors coordinate just for my own peace of mind. :) My standard workout uniform is exercise pants or capris and a sports bra.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness?
Yes and no. It seems like most people consider a gym membership to be the gold standard for someone who is serious about exercising. However, I can't drag myself to the car to get to the gym, nor can I justify spending a monthly fee for a membership (even $10). There also seems to be the idea that you should jump on the bandwagon of whatever trend is happening (zumba, anyone?). I think it also depends on your circle of friends. I have a lot of friends who train for marathons so I feel like maybe I should be running too (side note: I hate running. Nor can I see myself doing that at 4:30AM by myself when it's pitch black outside. Nope.).

5. Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal?
Honestly, just to find something that I enjoy doing so much that I look forward to it. Take my ex-husband, for example. (If you haven't checked out his blog yet, you should! Click here!) He's had lifelong struggles with his weight and trying to be healthy; he's done every single fad diet you can think of (including Transformations). It's always been easy for him to lose weight, but difficult for him to maintain the program. Now though, he's made the conscious decision to find foods he enjoys preparing as well as eating, along with activities that he has fun doing either by himself or with friends (typically long bike rides, like 20+ miles, and training for different events like the Warrior Dash). My ultimate fitness goal is to be more like him. He has been dedicated, motivated and motivational. He's had fun and enjoyed time with friends. He feels better and has lost a lot of weight. I want to be like that, rather than feeling like I *have* to wake up and work out, or I *can't* have that cookie. I want to be comfortable with what I'm doing, I want to enjoy it and I want to be motivating and encouraging to everyone around me like he has been. That's my goal.

So tell me friends: what do YOU do for fitness and health in general?