11 Months and Counting - Fitness Report

Eleven months ago I joined a gym located right around the corner from me. It's not the first time I've joined a gym. I've tried before to get fit. I've never been particularly physically active, but now because I work from home and don't go out of my way to get exercise, other than going for walks, I knew I wasn't getting the exercise I needed. I knew I wasn't fit. I'd also gained some weight and I just didn't feel comfortable in my own skin.

So, on July 1, I began revamping my eating habits. They weren't terrible, but they weren't great either. I realized that all the other times I had failed at my attempts to live a healthier lifestyle, I was changing too many things at the same time. So, I figured that by changing my eating habits first and getting my body ready for physical activity, I'd be giving myself a better chance at success.

How have things changed over the past 11 months? Well, on July 11, 2012, I couldn't complete 20 minutes on the easiest level of the elliptical. I did do some weights, but then I went home and collapsed, reminding myself how much I hated to feel so tired.

I went six days a week for four and a half months. Friends were advising me not to go that often, but I know myself. I knew that if I didn't go every day, I would find excuses not to go the days I was supposed to. I've been there. I've done that.

Finally, in the new year, I cut down to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as my regular days. I could do extras if I wanted, but I had gotten into enough of a routine to know that I would stick with the three days per week thing.

Now, on June 11, 2013, I can (and do!) complete 20 minutes on the elliptical, with resistance, without any trouble. I do my weights and machine exercises, and then I finish off with 20 minutes on the exercise bike. When I'm done, I'm tired, but not wiped out. I've lost almost 30 pounds and several inches. And I have muscles! I also got back on my bike and am enjoying the feeling of being outside, riding along the canal.

Several people predicted that with this exercise, I would have more energy because that tends to be the way things go. My fibromyalgia doesn't allow for that, I'm afraid. I still am quite fatigued, but I seem to be able to handle it better and I do have more energy when I'm doing a specific task, like going for a walk.

So folks, don't give up if you've not succeeded at previous attempts at getting fit. I was an out-of-shape 51-year-old last year. I'm an in-shape 52-year-old today!