My friend Ellie Swoop and I have identified a problem with Nanowrimo. We are doing wonderfully well with our word count, keeping up to date and with lots of plot ideas, but we have both noticed an unforeseen consequence. Our bottoms are spreading with all this sitting down! In my case, at least, this is assisted with a higher than normal consumption of chocolate I'll admit. Something about writing makes me want to eat.
Now we have both tried to address this with walking. Yesterday, she went for a walk with her chocolate Labrador and my boys (husband and son) dragged me on a hike around the forest. I am beginning to wonder if this bottom effect could be an occupational hazard.
I can see that if I am going to continue being a serious writer, I am going to have to have some strategies to combat the spread. Suggestions please?
Funnily enough, I was glad to see that the last author (Trish Wylie) to quote in Kate Walker's 12 Point Guide had stated in her bit about advice she'd wished she'd been given before starting writing, "every hour spent at the computer, you should spend half an hour away from it doing something that makes you move'. It's about weight gain and RSI. Hence, I'm trying to make sure I run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays first thing once I've dropped the kids off at school/preschool.
ReplyDeleteSchedule some exercise into your diary and stick to it. Decide which days it works best for you and unless sick, or really have to do something else, don't put it off.
I read somewhere it should be 30 minutes a day, five days a week, but that might depend on the level of exercising. (Not sure I fancy running 5 days a week... I can't fit that in yet - but I do walk back and forth to school/preschool each day).
Good to get it over and done with in the morning though... then it doesn't hang over you, you've got it out of the way ;-)
I suffer with RSI from my working days, and I do get niggles when I'm at my PC too long because I've got stuck into my writing. (Actually editing is when it kills!) I might have to set an alarm clock or something, so every fifty minutes I get up, walk about, put the kettle on, do a little chore... then go back.
I used to go to the gym after dropping Daniel at school at least three times a week. After an operation last year, I haven't managed to get back into it (makes the op scar sore). Thinking I must make an effort to get back to it as it is good plot thinking time too. Pre-New Years resolution coming on!
ReplyDeleteIve noticed that since Ive been concentrating on writing more my dogs bottoms have spread as well :-/
ReplyDeleteSomeone suggested that every so often you sit on an exercise ball (at the computer) and that will help your core muscles. I tried it, but fell off!
I think I need to get back into my daily walk with the dogs - I'll just finish the chapter...
You could go for walks. My Osteopath says people don't realise the benefits of walking and it's under rated. Or swimming is another good one.
ReplyDeleteLol! @Christine, but what a good idea... I need to strengthen my core muscles for running!
I am always meaning to drag my exercise ball out to the computer to try that. I have walked less than half what I usually do this month. I've got a nice wird count, but I don't think I could live like this every month.
ReplyDeleteI got to go for a nice long walk on the beach today. Tomorrow I'll just try and get up early and get the walk in before everyone is up at my house.
Oh I'm rubbish at any kind of scheduled exercise. I did used to do yoga which I enjoyed, but life got in the way of going to classes.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, winter is coming and it's good to have a little extra fat to keep you warm! Last week I visited a friend who had lost 2 and a half stone since I last saw her, and she said she was definitely noticing the cold more than she used to.
I walk my dog twice a day and that seems to keep the dreaded 'writer's bottom' in check, but it's a struggle at this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMy dog keeps me fit I must say and at the moment I have quite a lot of stress which always makes me lose weight. I dont advocate it as a way to lose weight though!
ReplyDeleteHi Girls,
ReplyDeleteI went to the gym this morning - yay - just need to keep it up.
Christine - I'm sure I'd fall off the exercise ball too.
Teresa - my osteopath has recommended walking as well. In this cold weather I think it will be on the gym equipment though.
Julia - I envy you living near the beach. I love walking on the sand and beachcombing.
Joanne - I like the idea of the extra blubber being necessary - I shall use that as my excuse.
Karen/Flowerpot - I don't have a dog, but hopefully little son will take me walking in the forest when he breaks up.
Flowerpot - I hope the stress eases soon.
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I've been steeped in my Nanowrimo - 42,000 words reached tonight! Thank you for your comments Mx