I've said it before...the journey to lose weight has its ups and downs. Now, the term "ups and downs" has many connotations. "Ups" can mean either weight gain or feeling confident about what is transpiring. On the other hand, "downs" can mean either weight loss or feeling "blah" with everything happening around you.
During these past several columns, I have experienced all four of what was previously listed. More importantly, I am NOW confident that I have made the right decision. That decision, I believe, is courageous and brave to undertake such a daunting task. I am following through on that promise I made to myself to get healthy. I am so proud. The new energy I feel is outstanding.
I have heard of an analogy that puts it into perspective. Weight loss "can be an uphill climb, however once you reach the top, it is smooth sailing." The smooth sailing (with some waves) is the level that I believe I am working on accomplishing. I don't think it is arrogant at this point because I feel like weight loss and I have some kind of positive connection. I say that also because of my determination to "git 'r done".
I reinstated my YMCA membership this past Monday as an early birthday gift to myself. Read on as I tell you about how committed I am. For the past few days, I woke up around 4 a.m. to start my day. When I get to the YMCA's pool, I warm up a little and do some stretching. I do not swim well (I failed "frog" and "minnow" in swim lessons as a kid - how pitiful) so I make allowances for myself to do some sort of exercise which benefits my arthritis. I do water walking, running in place and jumping jacks with "water weights." This lasts for about an hour. Afterwards, I feel really energized and feel great to go about my day.
This past Thursday, I made arrangements to have orientation in the fitness center to re-acquaint myself with the weight machines. I still woke up at the usual time and headed to the pool first (on Thursday) before going to the fitness center.
I really enjoyed my orientation with the fitness trainer du jour (his name is Doug). He showed me how to work on each machine (I already was familiar with them somewhat). I know several of the trainers in the fitness center. Each one of them has similar yet different techniques but the end result is always the same. Doug showed me how to breathe properly lifting weights. I felt kind of like I was practicing Lamaze or something like that.
After completing the weight lifting part, (I was told I had really good upper arm strength - which is a nice compliment to me) I went on to the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes (about 2.25 miles). I like lifting weights but I don't want to bulk up so much that I have muscles protruding; just enough to beat people up (ha-ha...just kidding).
I wound up staying at the YMCA that morning for two hours. Holy cow. Now, that shows commitment and perseverance. I enjoyed it so much I am confident I will continue my efforts.
A good friend of mine said the other day, "you're showing". I said "what? Am I pregnant?!" She replied, "No, you are showing your weight loss." We both laughed over the whole thing - ha-ha (guess you had to have been there).
Another drum roll, please...now that you all are waiting for...that magic number that appears on the scale. I lost five more pounds for a current weight of 293.
I plan on making arrangements with someone at the YMCA to take measurements of body fat composition etc...next week (which I will print in the column next time. I think that sounds interesting, obtaining that information as a "guide" to continue to improve.
Now, there is always room for improvement. I still am lax in completing a food diary, I also "binge" occasionally. I wish to rejoin the support group "TOPS", (taking off pounds sensibly). I once belonged to the group a couple of years ago; however I let my membership lapse. I have finally figured it all out. With anything, whatever your effort into something...you get the same out of it.Casi Stewart can be reached at casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue appears every other Monday on the Life page.
