I have struggled with my weight since grade school and a big part of my weight problem over the years has been due to lack of exercise. My fitness level has ranged from sub-zero to fast-paced walking 45 minutes 4-5x/week at my best. Exercise has always been something I’ve had to make myself do. I don't like to sweat, fell asleep during yoga, don't have a bike, don't enjoy exercise in any form whatsoever. It’s not a matter of finding the time or having the resources to exercise- I just don’t like it. I am a complete and utter couch potato by nature.
Of course working at Lumenos, we are constantly made aware of our healthy (or in my case, not so healthy) habits thanks to all the programs offered, the information and supportive encouragement we receive. Even working in such a healthy environment, it's one thing to believe it's a good idea to live a healthy lifestyle and a whole other thing to actually do it! So last summer, I joined Weight Watchers (again) and got back on the wagon, so to speak. I did all right during the first 12 weeks food-wise, but I didn't increase my exercise and continued being a couch potato. I was walking some but not very much. After all, it was hot outside.
I tried to stay on the Weight Watchers program for another 6 months and was able to maintain my losses over the winter but was struggling to keep going. After losing the first 25 pounds I hit a plateau, so I decided I had to take the exercise plunge to be successful, and thought I would share my experience with the other couch potatoes out there.
Here were my criteria for starting an exercise program:
1. Climate controlled environment
2. 30 minutes or less
3. Painless
4. Convenient
5. No barbells, mirrors or skinny people in spandex
I debated purchasing home gym equipment but knew deep down I wouldn’t do it. I'm the type where the treadmill would become a clothes rack. So I settled on the easiest, friendliest, most foolproof environment I could find- a
Curves establishment. I pass this particular Curves every night on my way home from work, and frequently shop at the grocery store sharing the same parking lot, so its presence alone was constantly making me feel guilty. Frustrated with my lack of further progress, I decided to give it a real try for 12 weeks and see what happened.
In those 12 weeks, I have not only seen even more weight loss, but I've lost 10 inches overall since my first measurement. The exercise has really fueled my weight loss, my level of energy, attitude, motivation to keep going, lots of positive things. I still don't love it, but it's something I can do 3-4x/week and it's not too awful. How’s that for a new attitude?
If I can get up off the couch, anybody can. I would encourage other couch potatoes out there to try to find something active you can do that fits your needs and schedule. Start off slow with an easy program that’s not overwhelming. Curves isn’t for everyone, but I now believe there is something out there for everybody- if you look.
If you are trying to lose weight the exercise really makes a difference. It's really hard just to limit your food and continue to lose- like driving a car with no gas in it. I think a lot of people give up when they only change their diet and don’t see enough results or hit a plateau like I did. Even if you’re not overweight, exercise is good! You're never too old, too fat, or too out of shape to start.
Anybody else struggling to get active?
Any former couch potatoes care to comment? How did you find the right fitness environment for you? What did it take to make the change from non-active to active?
Dell- a Lumen