 I feel better than I have in years! I have noticed so many positive changes since I joined Harbor Athletic Club in February 2006. Everyone is always looking at the numbers, so here goes. Since January of 2006, I have lost 65 pounds, net. I lost 81 pounds of fat and gained 16 pounds of muscle. It’s the lowest I’ve been in nearly 20 years. One of the many things I have learned at Harbor is that fitness isn't just about the numbers, but also how you feel. So now, the not so obvious; I never had mobility problems, but I can tell that I am moving better and I am more flexible. I never had breathing problems, but I can tell that I am breathing more deeply and easier when I exercise. I can open jars and fill the water softener salt with ease.
 I never could have done it without the staff at Harbor Athletic Club. I always used to say, “I can’t exercise on purpose." I have to trick myself into it by doing something competitive like softball or racquetball. Cheryl, my personal trainer, and Mari, my pilates instructor, have helped me to stay motivated and have given me a variety of exercises to do. I always had trouble doing the same thing over and over again, and I think I do at least one new thing every time I meet with them. Not only have they shown me more exercises than I can remember, but just as importantly, they have shown me the proper way to do the exercises.
The nutritionist has helped me realize how to eat. I always thought eating right had to be restrictive, but she showed me that’s not necessarily true. I also know about how many calories to shoot for in a day. I’m not the kind to keep a food diary, so I was given a target of about how many per meal and per snack. If I know I’m going to stray on a meal, I can change my other meals accordingly.
Sandy, the lifestyles coach, has helped me with everything! She helped me to realize why I eat when I’m not hungry, and how to find ways to deal with the feelings, or alternative things to do. She helped me realize that I’m not going to get everything down instantly, but becoming fit is a process that takes a long time to master. She always says it’s simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
In my closet I had my winter “fat" clothes, and my summer “not quite as fat as winter" clothes. I’ve already thrown out my “fat" clothes because I know I will never need them again. I am also replacing my “not quite as fat as winter"clothes with smaller sizes. I think I'm on my second round of throwing out clothes. The pictures above should really be called "Before" and "During." I'm still trying to get down about 15 more pounds, and fitness is a life long process. If you are going through weight loss and trying to get or stay fit....congratulations, and good luck! It's not always easy. Just remember to be kind to yourself no matter what happens. |
