The "E" Word

So it has taken me a really, really long time (years) to discover that I've been kidding myself and everyone else. How many times did I let the words, "I don't have time for exercise" come out of my mouth? I can tell you that through my entire "Phase 1" of this weight loss journey, that was always my way of getting out of exercise. This time around, "Phase 2", the light has finally gone on in the past few months, and I have learned that not only do I actually have time for exercise, but I have managed to work it into my day 5 days a week!

My excuses ranged from I'm just juggling way too much, I'm too tired after working all day, I don't have time, blah, blah, blah. For a period of time during Phase 1, I actually was going to the YMCA on a regular basis, but used the excuse that "it takes to much time out of my day". I quit, bought an elliptical machine saying I could get a workout at home in half the time it takes me to leave the house, go to the Y, workout, shower, and come back home. Only problem was once that beautiful piece of equipment was delivered to the house, I used it a few times and lost interest almost immediately.

So what's the change? Well, first, it's about time management. I've learned that if I actually focus on all the other things I have to do and get them done without too many distractions, I do have time. My schedule lately is to work all day until 4:00. I work out from 4:00 to 5:00, then put dinner on and take a shower while dinner is cooking. Sometimes I even sneak a little 15 minutes of exercise in after dinner. Of course, this takes planning. I have to know exactly what I'm cooking early in the day.

The proof of my change is the fact that I'm talking about exercise and I am so excited about it. I'm getting bored with the routine of using indoor machines and have now been out a few times in the last few weeks walking/hiking in local parks with trails that take you along the water and in the woods, through old peach orchards, etc. And (now, anyone who knows me, hold onto your hats) I'm actually thinking of trying to start running. Yes, that's right. That's what I said.

Another thing that came to me today was something my Weight Watchers leader said a long time ago, and that if nothing else, you can fit exercise in at night and still watch your tv shows. Did you know that during the course of a one-hour tv show, there are 15 to 20 minutes worth of commercials? So instead of getting up and looking in the fridge and cabinets for a snack, do some exercise during those commercials, use a stepper, lift weights, situps, pushups, jumping jacks, running in place, etc. So tonight, I'm going to try that.

Bottom line, I've become a new person and continue to surprise myself with every turn. I CAN do it. I CAN become a healthy active person. Yes, it's taken me 40-some years to get here, but HERE I AM, WORLD. So watch out!