"If I can just make it past the first 8 minutes, i'll be okay...." I said, panting and crying deeply inside. If my mouth was any wider, I'd probably be able to smuggle the eliptical machine I was toiling on, back to my apartment.
That's the thought I kept 'encouraging' myself with. And its always the first several minutes that I need to push through before I feel good enough to hang on and finish my workout. Y'all know how hard it is. I've been celebrating the little victories more and more since I started going back to the gym. It's called Planet Fitness and its at the end of my block, not more than 7 minutes away. It's open 24 hours betweeen Monday through Friday, so I have no excuses.
I asked the polling question because I'd like to know how many of you are actually on a program. I read on Bastyr University's website an article stating that in 2007, about 50% of Americans who start an exercise program as part of their new years resolution, discontinue it in six weeks. So the odds are against you as it is. The article goes on to site 4 tips of maintaining your new found health goal. Here they are:
1. Research~Collect information about your body before you start exercising. This means, take your ample okole to the doctor if you must (or jump on the scale they have at the supermarket--lets see just how tough you really are) and get your vitals. Weight, heart rate, body fat content and use that as your baseline. Research DOES NOT mean for you to check and see how much cookies you can eat to replace the calories you burned.
2. Relax~Be sure to set attainable short- and long-term goals. Remember that fitness is an ongoing pursuit. Don't beat yourself up. You didn't gain that weight over night, so don't expect to lose it overnight. It took you a good--4 weeks?!? Know for sure that you need to relax because it's gonna be a loooooonng time before you see your feet again. Don't be discouraged, fatty.
3. Have A Backup Plan~There will be days that it will be inconvenient or impossible to do your fitness routine. An alternate exercise plan can ensure you get some form of exercise. Walk home from work. The farther you live, the better. That's maybe 2, 3 days of workouts you're storing up! Carry your co-workers around the office. Piggy back your boss! You may get a raise out of it. Be creative.
4. Adjust Your Attitude~Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore or an obligation, try a new perspective. Think of all the fantastic clothes you'll be able to wear off the rack. Or all of the wonderful quilts you'll be able to create with your old clothes. Better yet, you could probably open your own business covering cars with that party dress you've been wearing. And you know you guys can finally get rid of that puka underwear to wash your cars. Exercise shouldn't be a chore--it should be the means to vanity! (just kidding)
Whatever your plans are, I hope and pray that you get the best results and that you never give up. Always look on the bright side of life! No matter how big you are, the earth will always be bigger than you, so you'll always have a home. Good luck, and keep me posted. I'll do the same.
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