The gym

[Shelly]

I just got home from the gym. I had a great workout. Over the past year and a half, I have lost 45 lbs. I workout 5 nights a week. Man, I feel so much better! My goal is to be ready for my tent camp out in August. I plan on doing some serious hiking, and I need to be as ready as I can be.

[cnq50b]

Shelly,
Way to go!!
Thanks for sharing - it's very inspiring - means it (working out) can be done & will make a difference. I need to do something - even more walking would be beneficial. Just need to 'do it'!

[BirdbyBird]

Congratulations.....You have really demonstrated some determination. I remember feeling the difference, oh about 10 years ago..... I remember, but am now struggling to find that feeling and perseverance to do it again. Can any of that wear off to others over the internet?

[Shelly]

I will do what I can. I just know when I turned 50 I had had enough! I started out going to boot camp 5 nights a week. I was familiar with the gym, but I needed to actually pay someone to kick my butt every night. And by paying someone, that also made me accountable. I wasn't going to waste all that money. So off to boot camp for 6 months. Then when I felt I was strong enough mentally, I join the gym. So I am now on my own, and still doing pretty good. I am not saying everyday is easy and some days I really have to force myself to go. But I am really glad when I do. I am still maintaining.....I have learned though that just cause I was able to get the weight off, doesn't mean I can slack for too many days in a row. This is defiantly an everyday, for the rest of my life journey.

[Redwahine]

Ditto what Tina said. I write the check to the gym every month, why isn't it working? I have been struggling with just doing it. I have the time, the membership. Don't have the motivation and perseverance. I even bought a pack of 6 sessions with a personal trainer that has been sitting on the shelf for 2 years. However, I want to be in good enough shape to be able to hike and explore and enjoy the outdoors when we travel!!

[Bethers]

After spending money once upon a time on a "lifetime" membership (and don't believe them, there's fine print) for a gym, thinking that I'd do it if I spent the money and had to go there - and that being with others would make me more likely to do it, I learned, WRONG. So I'm in awe of you for your perseverance. My exercise has to be doing something like walking or hiking or a job that keeps me moving (like the boat this summer) as doing exercise in a gym or at home, just has never worked for me. And I've learned that I can really control things by what I stick in my mouth ... if I get the perseverance there (lost it this winter big time ... having to get it back now).

So, again, kudos to you for starting AND sticking with this.

[Shelly]

After spending money once upon a time on a "lifetime" membership (and don't believe them, there's fine print) for a gym, thinking that I'd do it if I spent the money and had to go there - and that being with others would make me more likely to do it, I learned, WRONG. So I'm in awe of you for your perseverance. My exercise has to be doing something like walking or hiking or a job that keeps me moving (like the boat this summer) as doing exercise in a gym or at home, just has never worked for me. And I've learned that I can really control things by what I stick in my mouth ... if I get the perseverance there (lost it this winter big time ... having to get it back now).

So, again, kudos to you for starting AND sticking with this.

Thanks Bethers. I think the key is just staying active. And of course being happy with ourselves. I know I am never going to look the way I did in high school....just reality. All we can do is what we can do.

[bluepinecones]

Way to go, Shelly. And your success is encouraging to the rest of us.