I've spent most of my youth staying fit, eating right, being active. Heck, I never weighed more than 95 lbs because I've always been a petite woman. I started gaining weight in 2007 and I haven't been able to shed the pounds since. I'm currently 105 which I know most of you are probably screaming that I'm insane, but being 4'11, every extra pound really shows. I can't fit my size 0-1 designer jeans anymore and my size 3 butt isn't as firm as it once was. Last year I joined a gym when I got tired of feeling dumpy, but I was short on the motivation. I've spent so many years neglecting my body during the stressful parts of my life that I didn't see the connection to my mind and body. Being a writer, I'm constantly stationary and food is my biggest vice. I'm such a foodie so it was hard to pass up on rich and decadent cuisine. Now I'm paying for it...but not for long.
I woke up one day realizing that I was tired of making excuses to work out. Even with my 3-year gym membership, I wasn't putting in the 100% effort so there was no real results. I swore to myself that in 2012--things were going to change. I want to dedicate this year to taking care of myself and not have this body image disorder that I developed because I let myself go. Turning 40 was a big milestone for me and although I may look fit, I wasn't feeling it. I don't want to wait too long to be proactive because my health will only go downhill from here and I refuse to have to get on medication the rest of my life--especially if I could take some preventive steps now. It's not too late for me to look good and feel good at my age. So on New Year's Eve I signed up for a personal trainer who does a bootcamp style fitness workout. Let me tell you, I haven't been able to walk for a few days but it's not slowing me down. I'm excited about getting back in shape and I know that once my body is toned to where I want it to be, my mind will become just as strong. This is my way of taking control of my life and hopefully the positive actions will translate in my writing career. I see this as a year of the healthy mind and body and I'm hoping by the time Nationals in Anaheim comes around, I will be my best inside and out!
Hope the start of 2012 has been good for everyone! I know it will only get better!
6 comments:
Jax - I'm with ya on how 5 lbs looks like ten on us short girls! I've been back at the gym the past three days - after slacking off for a good month. Can I just say I hurt all over?
Inspiring post, Jax. We all need a "coach" to help us with our goals. Having a personal trainer will definitely get you back on track!
I think the best thing about regular exercise is how accomplished one feels when it is done. For many women out there with very different sizes, they cannot go to the gym and hope they'll come out of it with anything close to petite sizes. But the important part is not that you fit in size 3 or size1/0 clothes. I never did that even when I was a young thing. The important thing is to feel like you've accomplished something and been good to yourself. We all need to be good to oursevles.
You're all so right! I know mind and body has to be balanced in order to reach any level of personal success. I think exercise is conducive to creativity and I'd forgotten how nice it is to feel good inside and out. So working out is a good step in the right direction for me.
Michelle--you're right, it's not about size but feeling good in your own skin. :)
Wow, Jax, you and Casey are hard core! Hubby and I did the P90X program last year (um, we actually only made it to day 68, lol) but we haven't climbed back on that wagon.
As for me, I just took up belly dancing again. Actually, I signed up for two very specific classes that focus on technique and isolation drills (planks, etc) that strengthen and tone rather than focus on choreography. It's the most fun I've ever had working out, I'll tell you that much! Beats being at the gym :)
Yay! Go you! I'm an exercise fanatic!
*hugs*
Paige
Post a Comment