One of the things I talk about on one of the weightloss challenge classes is the impact a regular exercise program has on your metabolism and your weight. One of the points I bring up during the class is the comment that it is harder to get your health back once you lose it than to work at maintaining it. This statement is also true for people who do or don't exercise; it is much harder to 'get moving again' once you have slacked off. Let me illustrate by my own example.
I was actually an avid jogger for over 23 years and regularly jogged three to four times a week. But into the 23rd year I was sidelined by one arthroscopic knee surgery, followed by another about two years later on the other knee. Now, that was not going to slow down an old 'trouper' like me, but I did cut down on my distance.
Some time passed. I became involved with a health and wellness company and out of curiosity, decided to see what affect good nutritional products did for my weight and health. So I stopped jogging and actually got fantastic results melting off some extra weight and girth that had formed around my----well you don't need to know that.
First one year went by, then two and before you knew it, I was barely jogging or working out for that matter. I became lazy. As I taught weightloss classes, the very thing I taught about establishing a consistent regular exercise program was the very thing I was not doing. I decided to get going again, in part, to be a better example to the people I teach. And, what better way for me to get focused again? In July, I signed up to be in a 5 K race in October.
Let me tell you, it's been a real challenge getting in shape. For a long time I was very short of breath and very weak and had to stop at a quarter mile. But I plugged on, every other day, which, for my age (not telling) is good. And every time I jogged I pushed just a little, sometimes jogging a little farther, sometimes a little longer. The quarter mile turned into a half mile. The half mile turned into three quarter mile. Two weeks ago I made the two mile mark. I am not doing that consistently yet but I am working at it. I have a little over a month to build to three miles. My goal is to finish the whole 5K without stopping. It will be my small, proud, victory.
I think I wanted to mention my experience here because I feel it is so important to make 'committments' and to 'follow through' when there is something that you feel is very important to you. For some, achieving that desired weight and health is so desired but if it is not backed up by 'committment' and dedicated effort, it is just going to be a pipe dream.
What's your dream? I'll keep you posted on mine.
Coach Marji
Tags: Exercise Weightloss Fitness
