A Morning at my Gym
People are always asking me about my secrets for healthy living and how I maintain my energy level. There are really no big secrets. I eat well, which means very little meat and lots of fruits and vegetables. Most mornings begin with my favorite green juice, an energizing blend of green leafy vegetables, fresh ginger, and fruit. I get sufficient rest, which happens to be far less than what most people require. I exercise my brain by reading all sorts of things all day long. I am also a firm believer in physical exercise. I love practicing yoga to keep my muscles long, limber, and flexible and I also work out at least three times a week with my trainer, Mary Tedesco, who shows up bright and early at the farm.
1 When I am at home in Bedford, I go to the gym at 6:30 in the morning. At this time of year, it's just getting light. This was a foggy, humid morning.
2 As the sun rose, the sky had a tinge of pink and there were jet streams, as well.
3 Mary Tedesco, my trainer, was stretching herself when I arrived. Mary is an early riser. I am generally her second client in the morning.
4 My gym is well equipped. It was designed by Alexis a few years ago and she put almost everything I need in the second floor of the garage. The equipment has held up very well.
5 A big TV keeps us company as we do cardio.
6 I like to open the windows for fresh air whenever possible. This window looks onto the pear grove below.
7 Off to the right is a good view of the vegetable garden.
8 The massage chair is Francesca's favorite spot to sleep while I exercise.
9 Sharkey generally sleeps atop a pile of yoga blankets, or she chews on a nylabone.
10 Frencesca also loves a bone for a little jaw exercise.
11 The treadmill is my go-to cardio - 20 minutes.
12 Followed by weights and bench work - 20 minutes.
13 And then machines - 20 minutes, followed by stretching.
14 I love this leg curl machine for strengthening my legs.
15 I also do ankle rotation exercises while on this machine.
16 I am smiling here, why??? Almost over with the hour?
17 Sharkey has learned to use all of the machines!
18 Mary and I love inversions.
19 Sharkey looks a bit bored. Don't worry, I won't stay upside down much longer!
20 Yes, Sharkey, soon you'll be able to run around outside.
21 Yes, and this is the pear grove.
22 The trees are heavily laden and I hope they ripen well before a big wind storm knocks them to the ground.
23 The unpromising morning is looking better and better. The sky is becoming a beautiful blue and the haze is burning off.
24 The perennial passion flower vines are flowering nicely after the clematis have completed their blooming cycle.
25 The new linden allee is growing pretty well. I think some of the trees do look a bit thin and might need a boost of fertilizer.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha, do you use every machine in your gym?
How is your hip after the replacement surgery you had a few years back? The few times I saw you after that, you didn't limp. Most people who have that surgery do limp. Or, use a cane.
I don't think I've seen, or heard, an up-date on it, but then...this Blog is the only link I have with you anymore.
Take care,
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | August 29th, 2012 at 12:15 am
I was very curious what your exercise routine was. Your dogs made me laugh! I don't think my cats would like going to the gym.
Posted by: homer | August 29th, 2012 at 12:41 am
Somehow, just can't find inspiration for gymn work outs. You look lovely and how do you fertilize lindens?
Posted by: ann | August 29th, 2012 at 4:42 am
Alexis designed a fabulous gym for you Martha and you can't beat the lovely views of the pear grove and the vegetable garden! I personally love the treadmill for getting aerobic exercise and am a firm believer in yoga. I admire your commitment to working out so early in the morning, but with your schedule I'm sure that's the only time you have! Fran and Sharkey look very patient waiting for their Mom, cute pictures of them. Thanks for sharing Martha!
Posted by: Cindy F | August 29th, 2012 at 7:57 am
Matha,
I really enjoyed this blog! Great to see your workout routine, cause I always wondered how fit you are for your age! You look just wonderful! I too workout five times a week at our local gym. This was just great! Thanks for sharing this blog!
Posted by: KLBrown | August 29th, 2012 at 8:51 am
Wow, all that gym equipment for just one person!! It's so great you have a separate room for all of it. I can barely fit my exercise bike in my bedroom, but I certainly don't have the resources for an extra room to hold exercise equipment.
Posted by: Sharon | August 29th, 2012 at 9:06 am
Hi Martha, I am so impressed with how you take such great care of your self to stay so healthy even though you are extremely busy every day! Everything you do certainly works well and I try to do all that I can to make me healthier at 75! How nice that your trainer, Mary Tedesco, comes to your farm that often! I have always enjoyed seeing her on your TV Shows-what a great trainer she is! I also love the foods that you eat and I try to eat most of the same, also! Sure makes sense, doesn't it! I absolutely love your gym with all of that special equipment and how special it was that Alexis designed it for you! What a thoughtful thing for her to do for you! Has Jude and Truman been up there yet?! Bet they would thoroughly enjoy it! I love all of that equipment and I recall seeing your gym before on your blogs! Francesca and Sharkey sure do have fun being with you at your gym! They love to be with you wherever you are! I love these photos and you and Mary look very happy and healthy! Thanks so much for sharing this fantastic blog! Hope you have another great day! Off to see The Daily Wag about "Winning Blue Ribbons!" Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 29th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Your gym is great and it’s always nice to have someone to exercise with or to take you through your routines. Franny and Sharkey are being good – my dogs would always pester me or bark at me to play with them when I did sit-ups on the floor. You’re a spunky lady, Martha and you set an admirable example. You know what’s right for good health and you do it and it shows. I know what’s right too but I don’t always stick to everything. I still eat too much meat for one thing but I keep trying.
~
Nice episode on the Today Show today – I liked the spaghetti with mussels and the vegetable tian from the September issue of Martha Stewart Living. You and Jude look so cute on the cover and I also like how Alexis decorated her shelves with all the wooden toys. Have a great day all – I’m off to clean my driveway and hopefully finish painting it. We’ve had a bit of rain lately but not as much as poor Louisiana is getting. Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 29th, 2012 at 9:55 am
You have inspired me to get a new tv set for my gym which is in the basement.
Do you watch virtual videos or regular tv?
Thanks for sharing.
Vivian
Posted by: Vivian Price | August 29th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I would have to say I'm not your average blogger or fan (or maybe the others are to afraid to admit it). Your work out routine is similar to mine except I'll add lifting bags of concrete, cement blocks, cutting trees or paving roads to mine. I work construction but I love to cook (the guys would never let me live it down if they knew I was writing on here, lol). This is my first time going on your site and have to say that I'm hooked. I've been a fan for years, mostly for your recipes. Thats not to say I don't think that you are an inspiration to all. You even inspire us guys in the trenches. Thanks for everything you do.
Posted by: Stu | August 29th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
YES MARTHA! Thanks for everything you do! I look forward to our mornings together! It's most fun when I'm demanding 10 more of this 10 more of that! and you go right ahead and power on! You are amazing! ox Mary
Posted by: Mary Tedesco | August 29th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Please keep it up. We want you around for a long time!
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | August 29th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
What a wonderful routine. At 6:30 I am already on the road to my teaching job...it is a very peaceful time of day. The setting is lovely, it's no wonder you don't mind working out! I find it hard to fit it into the day! I know, poor excuse! I will use this post as a bit of self-motivation.
Posted by: nantucketdaffodil | August 29th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
This was interesting. I hope you share your morning drink recipe of green goodness. What kind of yoga do you prefer? Bikram or another?
Posted by: Karen | August 30th, 2012 at 1:32 am
Martha You are Amazing! How And What you Do! If Martha Can Do it So Can You...Keep On Keepin On:-)..By the way you look FAB*****
Posted by: Darlene Martinez | August 30th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
work out.....I have to implement a real one and not just dance.
Posted by: benita michelle wheeler | August 30th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Poor Sharkey says," Are these people crazy!"
Posted by: amy sedegwick | August 30th, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Dear Martha,
Always enjoy your posts, but wanted to pass on there is a Floriade in the Netherlands at present, it is only held every ten years, hope you get the chance to go, it is amazing.
Posted by: Aussie gal | August 31st, 2012 at 9:04 am
Thank you for sharing this important building block of you busy schedule with us. Taking time to exercise is important for everyone to remember. And if MARTHA , perhaps the most productive and busy woman in the world can do it, we know that perhaps we can too!
Posted by: Carolyn Boyce | August 31st, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Hi Martha, you are so right about the inversion machine. Years ago when I was a modern dancer, I would workout at the Houston Ballet Gym. The inversion machine or tilt table was my favorite. I could feel my spine lengthen and my body relax as I hung upside down...Thank you for sharing your workout. You've inspired me to get back to doing it!
Posted by: Cindy Menn | September 1st, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful set up! I am inspired. However, I confess at 6:30 am, I would much prefer to sit in that comfy massage chair and look out at that beautiful view over the pear trees!
Posted by: sharon from sharon stanley writes | September 1st, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Wow so inspiring Martha! Love the images amazing
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | September 3rd, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Hello Martha, I loved your post and I like so much your sharing your experiences with us.
Since summer is ending, I was wondering if you could make a special presentation or post about what to do with herbs. I have a an outdooor potted herb garden and I really do not know if I should bring them inside, or leave them outside praying they survive the winter (I am in zone 5).
Thanks!
Posted by: Manuela | September 4th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Martha, you inspire me. It is so hard to believe that a person can accomplish so much every day.have u just been blessed to have so much energy and organization, or have you made up your mind to accomplish so much. How many days abweek do you work out. Do you have someone to keep all your wardrobe ready to go ata moments notice - like Jackie Kennedy's Provi?
Posted by: Martha Coan | September 18th, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Great set up. especially the massage chair.
lol.
Posted by: Amanda Webber | September 22nd, 2012 at 2:01 am