Best Year, Best Body, Best Life |
In 2007, I’m on a quest. A quest for the best life I can create for myself. With a little help from my family, friends, employer, yoplaitbikini team, team advisors, coordinators and everyone else involved in some way with me right now. And any physical discomfort I’m feeling whether it’s in the thighs or need to budget better is a good indication of how out of whack things are. They say growth only comes from pain. And if that’s the case a lot of growin’s goin’ on!
I had my second workout this morning, and on my way to the gym I really didn’t know how I could get through even one squat without falling over. I could barely get up or down from the sofa. (So THAT’S how you cut down on watching TV!) Well, I did get through it and I’ll be darned, I felt better even immediately afterwards. Tonight, the soreness is much less.
I encourage you to get a workout partner or team of your own together if you’re having as much trouble as I was getting started on a fitness regimen. I put it off for a couple of years. If you’re the type of person who prefers to do it alone or doesn’t need the accountability of something or someone, that’s great. I was not one of those people. Accountablility is HUGE for me. If you feel the same way, why not try creating a situation that keeps you accountable. It can be blogging with us about your goals and progress. Or set up a team of friends or coworkers to embark on a fitness journey with. May I suggest including someone who’ll push you harder (safely) than you might push yourself. A while back I walked with a friend of mine and she’s a runner and real athlete. I walked faster and worked much harder on our walks than I ever did alone. Also, there’s no way I could work this hard without the pressure of knowing I HAVE to get results. (Or look like a fool to all of you!)
Another thing I realize I’m doing differently is having lots of dinners at home with very dear friends of ours. Since my husband and I don’t have children, there’s a real sense of family preparing a meal and sitting down to enjoy it together. We have great conversation, it’s more economical and nutritious, since my friends are very health conscious. And my husband is turning into quite a chef! Sure beats sitting in front of the TV and unconsciously eating all evening.
2006 was a very difficult year for my husband and myself (and I know we’re not alone in this). We both lost our jobs and our dear sister-in-law. Well, 2007 has started out with a bang! No, all of the resulting challenges aren’t solved. But we both feel much better equipped to deal with things. Getting back in shape is one of the areas I DO have control over and I can’t tell you how uplifting it feels to be in action-mode to achieve it. Start NOW, if you haven’t already and we’ll all look and feel terrific by the time we pull out our summer wardrobe.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I,M sixty five year old grandmother, retired with time on my hand, I execrise three to four time a week , one hour to forty five mintue a day I need help.
January 16th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Hi Marna
I had to send you a quick email…I am going to be 55 this year also. I want to lose the weight I have gained over the last several years and get back to being in shape.This year is also my 25th wedding anniversary. My goal is to be 55 lbs lighter…if not by my birthday in May, at the latest by September when I would like to renew our vows. I would like my husband to renew his vows with the slim woman he married not the “heavy weight” I have become (I know he loves me anyway) We CAN DO IT girlfriend! Here’s to two great looking 55 year olds!!!
Deb
January 17th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Marna, I picked you to follow because you are the closest to by age. I will be 50 in Sept. and I too have put on 30 lbs in the last few years. I do not want to be this way in 9 months, and I am ready to work hard after reading your inspiring story. Best of luck to you!!!!
January 18th, 2007 at 12:02 am
MaryJo, you are definitely on the right track. Exercising is the basis of everything for me. At any age. “Use it or lose it” is really true. That’s why starting any exercise program can be so uncomfortable for many of us. I’m finding that eating nutritiously is making a big difference in how I feel and how much endurance I have when I do work out now. Are you finding the same thing is true for you? What sort of help do you feel you need. Please let us support you.
Deb, OK, my birthday’s in May too! And I’ve been married 28 years. We obviously have a lot in common. I know I didn’t get this weight on overnight so it’s not coming off overnight either. My goal is to get it off, keep it off and have my new habits stay with me forever. That’s what I love about the Best Life program. It’s gradual change, lasting change. Not just jumping in and changing everything suddenly, then getting sick of it and going back to the old unhealthy habits. And because we’re doing it for ourselves, everyone–including our husbands–will reap the rewards. Not only can we do it, we ARE doing it!!! It does help to have an attainable goal though. Just make sure you’re congatulating yourself on your progress. The time frame may not be exact but as long as we’re seeing progress we’re succeeding.
Thank you both for your emails…Keep ‘em coming and good luck, good health and happy thoughts to all of us!
Marna
January 18th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Marna! Missed you at the group work-out! I know you did well cause you are a fighter! See you on Friday!
January 18th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Hi DebbyA. Another gal I can relate to. If I have to come up with a number, 30 lbs over is about right for me too! If you want to look and feel different in 9 months, well, that seems very do-able to me. Let’s do it together. This website has a lot of good information to back up a healthy, improved lifestyle. It’s even getting easier for me make wise food and activity decisions more of the time (no I’m not perfect, far from it–but I’m moving forward). Why don’t we work on this together? Have you gotten started yet? Let me know what you think.
Marna