How did I let this happen? đ€·ââïž
I have always considered myself fit, but after working full time for about a decade, I realized one day, that this was me. I was a muffin top. That young and fit waistline was now arguing with my shorts. "Size up lady, or get to work!"
Then I started listening to the rest of my body and was shocked at what I heard. My shoulders whimpered whenever I laid down to sleep. My lower back was requesting a regular dose of Motrin. My blood pressure was shouting, and my muscles were going on strike. đł I no longer had that vibrant get-up-and-go energy.
Is this how we age? đ§đ»
Next, a coworker had to have rotator cuff surgery. My neighbor was scheduling knee replacements and everyone seemed to have some kind of back pain. Those people in the medicine commercials were my age - this was not a pretty picture! Everyone seemed to accept that this as our lot in life. I stood in front of the mirror and made a decision.
Not going Down without a Fight! đ§đ”
While there was still a little spunk left in me, I decided that I had to take SOME kind of action. It had to include exercise and weights. My nutritional intake was, and typically has been, well above average. But too much food - even healthy food - will eventually cause weight gain.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! đđ»ââïž
It was just after Thanksgiving last year of 2020. Covid was still requiring us to restrict our movements. The local sports club had set up plastic partitions between cardio machines. Yes, in order to use the treadmill, I was boxed in by plastic. With a mask. The free weight area was the same, and I could have easily taken one look and said, "Next year."
The Plan đïžââïž
3 days a week of cardio + free weights. I started walking and worked up to 30-60 minutes of jogging by the end of 2 months. The weights were a little more fun. I made myself do 10 repetitions of each exercise WITHOUT pausing in-between. All in all, this routine took me about 1 1/2 hours, 3 times a week.
Progress, no Matter How Slow, Should Never Be Criticized! âđŒ
The first 5 pounds came off quickly. But then it seemed like I was just flailing around with nothing to show for it. My body was testing me to see if I really meant business. But my mind was stronger than my body, and I didn't miss a workout for 6 months!
What aches? đȘđ»
At some point, maybe a few months in, I realized that my shoulders had stopped whimpering, my lower back pain was GONE, my blood pressure was normalizing, and if I wasn't mistaken, I was beginning to see a little muscle tone. huh! Imagine that!
9 Months Later & Victory is Mine! đ
Since I started until now, I have lost 25 pounds. I didn't crash diet, I just added exercise - Cardio & Weights. Perhaps all those body aches were because I had let my muscles get weak. They no longer provided that support for my joints and spine. But by lifting weights 3 times a week, I toned up those areas. AND I FEEL GREAT!!!
So, see ya later, Muffin Top! đđŒ
I've got a new outlook, and it doesn't include Motrin or joint surgery!
If I had a microphone, I'd drop it!
Until next time, this is Rose, saying
Be Kind to Yourself!
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