by Melinda Blevins

Created on: May 10, 2010

On a recent trip to the doctor for my annual exam I received an unwelcome wake up call when I stepped on the scale. Sadly, the scale tipped to what is now my heaviest non pregnancy weight ever.  I have never owned a scale of our own, so while I did notice my pants were tighter, I had no idea I had gained almost twenty pounds since my last doctor's visit.  That weekend I hit up Target for a scale, I have since decided it’s good to be in the “know” with this one.  I am still not technically overweight, but I realized that if I did not do something quick to nip this in the bud I could be headed in that direction.  Now that I’ve hit my thirties I have realized that I cannot eat whatever I want and maintain my lazy fitness regime without consequences.  As a self professed “lazy girl” when it comes to exercise these are the ways that I have started to get my metabolism into gear. 

 My first step has been to create an informal walking club.  I have started walking with two other moms in my neighborhood at night.  We walk about three miles at a very brisk pace three or four nights a week.  I can’t believe how fast the time goes, I am no longer watching the time on the treadmill, only to grudgingly realize that only thirty seconds has elapsed.  Not only do you get a little exercise in, this time also gives you the chance to catch up on the latest gossip.  It’s a win-win.  A walking club can also be created at work.  Get a few coworkers together and go for a thirty minute walk over lunch.

 Another way that I have found that works to kick my butt into gear is to give myself an incentive.  Rewards work, especially if it’s a treat you enjoy.  I will tell myself that if I work out four days out of seven for two weeks I will treat myself to a pedicure.  I also found that this challenges me.  The other day I told myself if I could jog for 20 minutes on the treadmill I could get a skinny mocha from Starbucks the next morning.  The key is to remain firm with yourself…and no cheating!

At my house, I have an exercise room in our basement with some sparse exercise equipment that is often neglected.  There isn’t much motivation to go visit this room in my house.  So, I moved my exercise ball from this room to our living room next to the couch.  While it is an eye sore, I have found that I actually use it when I watch television.  I have been doing sit ups and leg rolls with it, and even mixing it up with some push ups.

I have not gone as far as to formally diet, but I have made small changes along with being much more aware of what I put into my mouth.  I have stopped buying muffins and doughnuts at work, and instead make instant oatmeal.  I have cut out soda, which has been the hardest change.  These small changes seem to be making a difference.  I have lost five pounds so far, and plan to continue these changes in order to make them part of my lifestyle.

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