Get Fit Physical Night

A couple months ago, I became the lead of my church’s Health Ministry – Get Fit. The idea behind the ministry is to Get Fit: Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually, and Physically.

Tuesday night, we had a Get Fit Physical Night led by Sean Overton a Certified Personal Trainer. Sean was great! He led a fun, but challenging workout. I’m so proud of my church family for their enthusiasm and for making our first Get Fit Physical Night a success! Who would’ve ever thought we could have so much fun exercising?! The proof is here in the photos…

   

  It’s time to Get Fit: Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually, and Physically! It’s a way of life!

Splish Splash: My pool adventures

Truth be told, I've become a little bored with Cycling class. Besides, it's good to mix up the workout routine. I haven't been in a pool in a couple of years. Very early on in my weight loss, get fit journey I used to take water aerobic classes. Actually, it was the first gym group class I took once I enrolled at 24-Hour Fitness in the spring of 2010.

I'm not sure what's going on with me, but three weeks shy from turning 41 years old and I've decided it's time to learn how to swim.  Remember, a couple of months ago I resolved it was time to ride a bike? Maybe it's because I'm coming into myself, maybe it's because I'm working with a trainer, or a little of both. It's kinda nice to have someone guide me and help me in areas where I need it. With Christie by my side I'm more wiling to try new things and I also push myself harder.

This morning, I followed my regular strength training routine and then met up with Christie in the pool.  She introduced me to the paddle board, but that didn't go to swell. No worries. There's always an alternative. I just grabbed the side of the pool and kicked, kicked, kicked. Then onto some pool exercises similar to water aerobics (jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc.). I love how I feel in the water. I feel so light. It's incredible how I can jump and kick so high. If I were on land there's no way I could move so freely and effortlessly.

After pool exercises Christie started showing me how to float on my back. Wow! What an adventure that was! She totally had to help hold me up. I wish I would have had my camera to capture that moment! Needless to say, I didn't learn to swim today but I sure had a splash of a time. Stay tuned...I'll keep you updated on my pool adventures as they happen.

Mistakes made, lessons learned

As a young girl, out of curiosity I placed my hand on the red burner. Ouch! I quickly learned, a red burner means it's hot. I never done that again.

As an adult, I was driving down the highway in a new area of town I accidentally took the wrong exit. Oops! I never took that exit again.

Trivial mistakes like those are a part of life. So, are not so trivial mistakes, like my latest. As you know, healthy living is a relatively new concept for me. I've been obese the better part of my life (see previous post) so I know all to well how to be inactive and eat unhealthy.

Anyhow, I had been working out and eating healthy for about three years -- the best run of my life -- when all the sudden my professional life became hectic and I started slipping off of my program. I'm an all or nothing kinda gal so when I wasn't able to workout I also began making poor food choices. Before I knew it, it had been six months before I seen the inside of a gym and I had an expanded waist line to prove it.

I beat myself up about it. Hung my head some, but such is life (see previous post). I have to learn from it and move on. What I learned: I can't afford to not workout. I can't allow myself to eat what I want when I want. I have to set a routine and stick to it even when life becomes hectic.  This is no fad. There are no quick fixes. I'm in it for the long haul. This is a lifestyle.

I'll never touch a red burner again, I'll never take that exit of the highway again, and I'll never travel off my path of healthy lifestyle quite the same again. Mistakes made, lessons learned.

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

What Separates Us

It's no secret that I was off my workout game for a while, about six months. And it had been even longer since I worked out at 24 Hour Fitness. But, now that I'm back at it, at 24 Hour Fitness. I've noticed something.

I see the same familiar faces. The tiny, fierce lady who is always going hard on The StairMaster, the buffed guy, Marcus, who is always lifting, and the older couple who always team up side-by-side on the elliptical machines.

Working out had become a very big part of my life (it is a big part of my life) and I logged a lot of hours at the gym. I met a lot of people there. Recently, I ran into, Allen, a young energetic fella I used to joke around with. We chatted a little. I told him I was just now getting back at it, after a hiatus. Very nonchalantly, he said, "It makes no difference. You're here. We're here. That's what separates us."

Allen's right. It's a choice. It's a commitment. It's a lifestyle. It's not about once or twice. It's not about one day, one week, or one month. It's about doing it again and again and again. And If there's a bump in the road, which there will be. Adjust to the bump and continue down the road.

I'm far from being an athlete. Nor, am I the strongest gal in the gym. But,what I am is, committed. I realize that this get fit thing is a lifestyle. I also realize that I can't lose the weight or become fit if I quit. So, I continue on. I don't have to, but I choose to. It's not that I'm better or stronger. It's not that Allen is better or stronger. Okay, maybe he is. But, what separates us is our willingness, our commitment.

It's hard

I promise you. You don't want any part of this. Being fat and out of shape that is. If you haven't already -- then don't. Don't come any where near this.
 
Being fat is hard, really hard. Being fat and trying to lose the weight even harder. Being fat, out of shape, trying to lose the weight, and get fit -- brutal.

I've taken many of group exercise classes and I have heard just about every motivational pep talk there is. For some reason though during yesterday's cycling class as my legs felt as if they were going to fall off and I could barely breathe. The instructor's words "Push through," really resonated with me.   "You'll only get stronger if you push through," he said.

Gosh darn it! He's right. If I want to, if anyone wants to get to the next level, the next phase, they'll have to withstand some amount of pain. They'll have to push through. I guess, that's exactly why I'm still here. Pushing through is hard.

Truthfully, I don't want to eat any healthier than I'm already eating. I don't want to say goodbye to my signature homemade chocolate chip cookies or my lazy Sunday morning breakfasts involving thick sliced pepper bacon. And quite frankly, I don't want to workout any harder either. It hurts.

So, folks, when you see an overweight, out of shape person and you think to yourself, "Why don't they just lose weight?" Take it from one of those overweight, out of shape people -- It's hard. It's hard to say goodbye to all the bad habits and embrace the good ones. Despite the negative stigma that comes along with being fat and the health concerns -- losing weight -- is hard. 

Typically, I like to end with something motivating, uplifting. But, I'm afraid there's nothing motivating and uplifting about these truths: Losing weight is hard. Getting fit is equally as hard. Pushing through is the hardest.

Habits

Despite not wanting to. I did. 

Sleepy. Low energy. Unenthused. I went.

See, the thing is I'm just now getting back into a workout routine.  So, I don't want to miss a workout -- especially because of a lame excuse like I'm sleepy.

I'm trying to form a habit. Forming a habit takes consistency. You know, doing the same thing again and again. Over and over. Day in. Day out. And when it comes to working out -- doing it even when you don't want to.
 
To establish a routine and form a habit -- here's my approach:

- I've started with a small goal. I don't want to overwhelm myself.  Three times a week for now. Once the routine is engrained. I'll add another class or two (Yoga, Weight Training, etc.).

- I'll attend the same class (5:30 a.m. Cycling M,W,F) for a month. This establishes a pattern. Once the habit is formed I'll be more flexible on days and  times.
 
- First day, I introduced myself to the instructor.  This gives me someone to be accountable to. Even if I let myself down. I won't let him down.

- The night before, I set out my workout clothes, underclothes, socks, tennis shoes, towel, and fill water bottle. Preparation equals success. Besides, it gives me a few extra minutes to sleep in.

- Stay away from the negative thoughts. Instead, replace these thoughts with positive,
upbeat messages. The mind is powerful.

So, this morning despite not wanting to. I did. And I'm glad. I feel energized, accomplished, good.

Legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said: 

“Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” 

I'm not going there!

Instead, I'm with Aristotle:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Tug-of-war

Squats. Lunges. Push-ups. Typical exercises found in most workout routines. We done plenty of them in yesterday's boot camp, but we also done a little something unexpected, something fun -- a game of tug-of-war. Whew!

When I saw Trevor grab that huge, thick rope my eyes lit up. I haven't played tug-of-war since I was a kid. We anxiously formed two teams, grabbed our spots in line, and started digging in. Tugging back and forth. Tug. Tug. Tug.  My heart was beating fast. It felt like it was going to pop out of my chest. But, I was having too much fun to care I just keep digging.

I never realized I was so competitive. I really started getting into it.  Round two I was first in line. Digging hard. We tugged and tugged. A few times the other team started pulling away from us. I was screaming "PULL." We pulled ourselves to victory that round.

Afterwards we were breathing hard, smiling, and laughing. Feeling like kids again. It's nice to do something different like a game of tug-of-war to break up the typical workout routine. Thanks, Trevor for the unexpected, fun challenge.

I'm really digging my new training studio Northwest Personal Training. It's kinda cool and different.  Wanna join in on the fun and get fit? Email me: farewellfatso@gmail.com for your complimentary pass.

Slow lane

Aren’t you tired of hearing about this? I know I am. Huu…Try living it.  It’s like, hurry up and lose the weight already, fatso. So we can move on. You’ve been saying farewell for quite sometime now. Be gone already. Oh shoot, if only it was that easy. Laughing.

Some days I feel like a broken record. Some days I don’t know what to blog about because I feel like I just keep talking about the same thing over and over. I’m a pretty crafty writer (I think) who just so happens to have a journalism degree so I know all about the spin. But, I’m all spun out.

The accounts of my workouts, culinary creations, food choices, breakthroughs, feelings of inadequacy, and fat back are never ending. That’s right, it’s never ending. This is a long, egregious road. This is a tough battle with a very stubborn opponent. Some days, I get sick and tired of it. Oh, how I wish I could speed this up and cross the finish line. I wish there was a magic pill. Maybe there is and I just didn’t get the memo.

You all know by now. I poke fun of myself. Calling myself, fatso is my way of making light of this all. I chose to put myself out here -- in a very open way. I’ve never told you this, but having you follow me is also the very reason I put so much pressure on myself to cross the finish line. I feel like at some point you will grow inpatient with me. Become bored with me. But, I never told you it would be easy, happen quickly, or be exciting. Folks, this blog is my real account of what it takes to single-handedly battle obesity and create a healthy lifestyle for myself.

I write to you from the heart. I strive to be a positive role model, a real example. I’m not farmed away at a camp being fed by personal chefs and worked out by a team of trainers. I don’t eat from a menu of low-calorie sub sandwiches. I don’t eat from packages and follow diet plans that exclude fruit. I don't place drops under my tongue. Perhaps if I tried one of these methods I’d be at the finish line already. Instead, I am right here, in the thick of life -- full of trials, triumphs and twists battling obesity, and creating a healthy life for myself. A life that includes: Exercise, eating fresh whole food, and blogging in the slow lane.

I’ll keep writing, if you keep reading. Deal?

Small things

Celebrating small things...

Often overlooked and less celebrated are small things.  Small things are the foundation for big things. Without small things, well, big things can't happen. Seems to me celebrating the small things en route to the big, ultimate things makes more sense. Why delay the celebration? Big things, are big, and they usually don't come around as often.

Case in point: Battling obesity is a big thing. But, when you weigh 388 pounds losing a pound is a small thing. I could not, however, have lost 170 pounds without losing the first pound, five pounds, ten pounds, etc. With each pound there was cause for celebration because those first pounds were the foundation.Those first pounds gave me the strength and confidence to go on.

On the flip side: A nonchalant attitude towards small things such as missing a scheduled workout can be damning. It's just a workout -- not! Maintaining a workout routine requires discipline, effort. It's the attitude, the spirit. Sure, one workout is a small thing, but ultimately weeks, months, years of working out become a big thing. Y'all with me?

Let us celebrate small things, and let us not take small things for granted. For small things become big things. And, if you are impatient like me big things just take too long.

MIA

Missing: The gal with the go get it spirit at the gym.

I just don't know what's going on. I can't seem to find it. I just don't have the same go get it spirit I use to have for working out. I am the gal who would take back-to-back weight lifting, Zumba, boot camp, cycling classes. Trainers have told me I finish what most won't start. Where is that gal at now? I've tried and tried to find her, but she's MIA.

I don't really like group exercise classes so much anymore -- too crowded, noisy, and stinky. I'd prefer to workout on my own, but I've never really gotten a good routine going since my leg was fractured last year. My leg feels better, stronger, but I'm a little tentative about working out by myself because I kind of want someone there to make sure I can get up off the ground after push-ups, planks, etc. I know, I probably just need to erase the fear factor and do it, but... Also, I really want some new kick-butt routines that are suited for my healing leg. Heavy sigh.

Yesterday, was a turning point for me, I hated the way the gym smelled -- like stinky boys. Ugh. Despite the smell, I traveled back to the weight area where I usually love to hang out and flirt with the fellas, but that didn't even spark me. I left after a subpar bid on the bike and a few lat pulldowns.  What gives? I don't know. My goal of Fit by Forty is just about six months a way. I need to find the next gear. I desperately want to get to the next level, but truthfully I don't know how. I'm in need of a reboot. Resurgence.

This is hard, really, really hard. Battling obesity is the hardest battle I've ever fought.

Move!

I've been busy, busy, busy with all sorts of projects. As a result my workout routine has suffered greatly. I really miss my gym time and exercising. My body feels so heavy and sluggish. I need to get back in action. I need to move! The numbers on the scale remain the same, but my body just feels so ugh. There is something to be said about exercising. Exercising makes me feel better. When I exercise I feel trimmer, lighter, and less stressed.  My trainer, Steve always tells me I don't have to come to the gym as long as I eat right. Sure, that's true because diet is the biggest factor when it comes to weight loss, but I feel so much better when I combine the two. My goal is to lead a healthy lifestyle that combines diet and exercise. My regularly scheduled gym routine will resume soon, very soon. It's time to move!

Like minds

I believe I've mentioned this before, I ♥ working out! As a fat person with a slothenly attitude I avoided physical activity like the plague. And, the gym would have of course been out of the question. Now, that I'm on a mission to live a healthy, active lifestyle I love going to the gym. The gym is my playhouse. I get my exercise on, chat with folks, and share ideas. The gym is the place where I feel like I'm a part of the team --the team that I was not a part of in my youth.

At the gym, we all are working towards the same ultimate goal - to be fit and healthy. As I'm getting my work out on, I like glaring around the gym and watching everyone else's workout routine. The buffed guy back in the corner hitting the hang cleans. The toned female taking the length of the gym doing lunges with weights in her hands. The not so sure lady on the treadmill going at a snail's pace. No matter, we are all there trying. I love it. Love it. Love it.

Those who know me, know I'm not shy. So it's pretty easy for me to conjure up conversation and boy do I. I've made so many acquaintances and friends at my gym. I've gotten some useful tips and info from inside the walls of 24 Hour-Fitness. For me it's been important to surround myself with folks that are like minded. Sure, not everyone at the gym is exactly on the same level or page as me, but for the most part, most are and I need positive, encouraging folks to keep me focused. It's too hard otherwise. Again, I say, I ♥ working out and hanging with folks that have like minds.

Let 'em talk

I'm always thinking about y'all. How to inspire, encourage, and reach you. Y'all have become a significant part of my life. You give to me and I give to you - reciprocity at it's best. This weekend while at my mother's house the answer to one of the questions many of you have asked me finally came to me. It's funny how that happens. For weeks, I've been trying to come up with an answer and nothing. Then all the sudden. The answer came to me.

Many of you heavy folks, heck some of you not so heavy folks are intimidated by walking in the gym and getting your workout on. The equipment is part of the intimidation factor, but the main issue is what other people think. Let's be clear: Who cares what they think? Who cares what they say? Let 'em talk. First off, they probably really aren't thinking about you -- they should be concentrating on their workout. Again who really cares. They'd talk about you just the same if you were at a restaurant gorging yourself on highly caloric food -- probably even more so then. And really I think most people if they are talking about you are applauding your efforts.

You have NO idea the compromising positions I've been in throughout this journey. When I started working out at the gym I was a whooping 294 lbs. I was guaranteed to be the heaviest, most out of shape person in the Group X classes I was taking. Sure, I was intimidated by folks and looking in those mirrors was mortifying. Lying my huge body down on the ground on a mat - oh my, God.  Having to run, jump, plank, dance. All things I was very uncomfortable with. Some things I just couldn't do, other things I wouldn't even try. I didn't let those fears or the fears of what others thought of me get in the way. Some days it was overwhelming. Some days I'd come home and cry. But you know what? Looking back on those experiences I was my own worse enemy.

During my time at the gym. I've met some beautiful, encouraging people in those classes and out in the gym as well. Some of these folks I still talk to today and I call them my friends. Most people look at me with admiration. In boot camp, (I was about 285 lbs.) they would applaud for me after I reached the finish line when running relay laps. One day I was in the locker room talking to a woman and I mentioned to her that I was on my way to Yoga class. Next thing I know she shows up to Yoga and plants herself right next to me. After class she told me I inspired her -- if I could do it, surely she could (she's an average size woman). Her and I are still friendly with one another to this day.

At the end of the day, it makes no difference what others think or say about you.  People are going to talk about you no matter. This is about your health, well-being, and livelihood. Do what you have to do, to better yourself and let NO one stand in your way. I speak from experience when I say you probably really are your own worst enemy - stop!

• If you are intimidated with going to a class: Ask a friend to join you. Or stand in the back of the class until you feel more comfortable.
• If you are fearful to use some of the equipment out on the gym floor. Ask your front desk folks about an orientation of the equipment. Most gyms will be happy to walk you through and show you how to use the equipment. 
• If you can afford a personal trainer - an even better option. One-on-one routines geared towards your fitness level and you'll get proper instruction all set at your pace. I train with Northwest Personal Training and have complimentary passes to get you started. Email me: farewellfatso@gmail.com if you're interested.

Quality not Quantity

No gym workout today.  Those of you who have been following me know I have a tendency of going hard and then crashing into a brick wall. Not this time around, I'm taking the day off to replenish, refuel. After all, it's not about the number of days I go to the gym per week -- I don't want to just go for the sake of going. Showing up is not enough. When I hit the gym I want to give my best effort, my all. It's quality, not quantity.

"Start from Scratch"

I love music and I'm really eclectic in my taste. If you got a hold of my iPod you'd be blown away at the diversity - whoa Nelly. Anyhow, when it's time for a gritty workout the genre I prefer is Hip-Hop and Rap. One of the songs I listen to, to get me pumped up is ""Start from Scratch" by The Game. In the introduction he says: "What you looking at self. You want a piece of me?" He's calling himself out. I need to be called out too when I'm about to deadlift. Hee hee. Once I  hear that intro I go into a zone.  


So I was out walking recently, my mind more relaxed and the song came on in the shuffle. I finally really got the full context of the message...Yes, rap music usually has a message. 

The chorus: 

If I could start my life from scratch

If I could take away the pain off my past

If I had another chance I would do just that

I'd give anything just to go right back

Aha! That's just it -- all the events of my life, tragic and not so tragic make me who I am. 

• The busted down training wheels on my bike as a girl
• Having a child at 20 years old and raising her by myself
• Tipping the scales at 388 lbs.
• And, my defining moment...The darkest, coldest winter I've EVER experienced -- 2009 has transformed me into the beautiful, vibrant, fit, woman I am today. 

While suffering through that long, dark winter I could not see any light. I didn't even conceive there was light. Ha but out of the darkness I  found myself and as a result I've created myself. If I had to do it all over, no doubt, I'd start from scratch. 

Recovery journal

Day 89: Life is what YOU make it! I CHOOSE to live mine to the fullest. I radiate warmth and positive energy and I get it back ten-fold. I am surrounded by positive, supportive people. Today, my Physical Therapist met me at the gym to workout with me. She showed me safe, effective ways for me to workout while I'm rehabing. How cool is that?

Smart and balanced

A couple of months ago I wrote a blog post, “Scared and a little stupid.” At the time I wasn’t feeling so good and my body was giving me all the signals to slow down. But, I was hard headed and I didn’t listen. I forged ahead to the gym on an empty stomach, light headed, and dizzy. I nearly fainted in Pilates and had to leave class prematurely. That incident was one of my first wake-up calls to take better care of myself. Sometimes it’s important to just STOP. RECOVER. REFUEL. Coming from a person who avoided exercise like the plague and ate whatever foods I wanted. I admit, I have turned my obsession in quite the opposite direction. I eat and breathe health and fitness. It consumes me. I want out of this body so bad and sometimes I just can’t and won’t sit still.

Last weekend, my body, mind, and soul were tired. I was - I guess you could say - tapped out. So I decided to take the weekend off from exercising and thinking too much about it. Time to just chill and relax. I realized after some self-reflection what my life needs is balance. Here’s a recap of my week:

·      Monday – I worked with my Megan, my trainer. Accomplished things I never accomplished before: 33 pushups and 25 modified pull-ups.

·       Tuesday - I hit the gym HARD. I was moving around like Agile Abigail. I tell you I had full command of the gym. I was a Rock star.

·      Wednesday – A vigorous cardio workout followed by a return to Yoga class. In Yoga I discovered my body is in need of TLC. Despite being stronger and fitter my body is really wacked. A blog post about Yoga is forthcoming.

·      Thursday – A tune-up type workout with Megan and I started my pre-training jog for the half marathon I’m participating in this June.

·       Today, Friday - It seems I have hit another brick wall. I’m physically tapped out.

After reviewing my week I guess maybe I still missed the mark in the area of balance. But, to make good on the week I’m not working out today. And, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. Heck, I work hard. My body works hard. I give all of myself when at the gym or with Megan. I respect and cherish my body and its limits. Today I grant my body the rest it deserves. After all, slow and steady wins the race. This is about the overall, big picture and I’m destined to win even if I take a day off here and there. I’m smart and balanced.

"...Life’s a great balancing act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.” ~Dr. Seuss

Me, Myself, and I

There I was all by myself, trembling, sweating, and about to give up on the  plank. No Megan. No Group X instructor. Just me, myself, and I. If I gave in and released the plank, who would know? It was in that moment I recalled being in Boot Camp fatigued and ready to collapse to the ground from plank position when the instructor, Jen said these words, “Don’t give up on yourself.” I held the plank that day because of those inspiring words and ever since have used them to help me get through tough workouts. After all, throughout all this there is only me. This isn’t a show for anyone else. I don’t show up at the gym just because I want to be seen there or have bragging rights about having gone there. I started this journey because of an internal desire to change myself. At 388 lbs. I was a miserable soul, so whenever I get discouraged or feel like giving up I remember the alternative. This battle is not being fought for Megan or anyone else. This battle is mine and mine alone. I push myself to the limit because I never, ever, ever want to return to that lonely, miserable place again. I push myself because I want to be healthy and fit. I push myself because I want to look good. Heck, one day I want to sashay around in a pair of 4” heels. So when I’m working out and at the brink of giving up from embarrassment, fatigue, or a combination thereof, I push through. This is a battle I’m determined to win. I will never give up on myself. 

This thing MUST be broke!

For the last two and a half weeks the scale has not moved. I was sure the darn thing was broke until I tried the scale at the gym and the same numbers appeared. Apparently, my body has caught on to my exercise and diet regimen and is forcing me to re-evaluate. Instead, of becoming discouraged I’m just marveling at how amazing the human body is. I mean really, it won’t let me get away with the same old routine. I need to do something different. Keep challenging myself. So it’s time to re-evaluate my routine because backing down or giving up are NOT options.

I think it’s important I mention that although the scale is not moving my body is changing and I have slimmed down. I take photos to chronicle my progress and I can tell the difference in my upper body and in my face since my last official weigh in. I say this because I want to make sure I emphasis that the scale is not the only way to measure one’s success. Clearly, it’s a tool that is used to help measure progress but not solely relied on. I think I keep hopping on it only to make myself crazy or crazier.

**Ironically, about a week ago one of my FB followers asked me about breaking through a plateau and here’s what I told her. I guess it’s time I follow my own advice.

Plateaus are sooo frustrating. They can make the most determined people give up. So… First, don't give up. Secondly, re-evaluate your game plan. You can't keep doing the same thing and get different results. If you usually take cycling class four times a week and jog three days then switch it to kickboxing and weightlifting or… Main thing is to keep your body guessing. Our bodies are complex and they need to be challenged. If you were loosing weight with a certain workout routine it may help just to tweak the routine a little. Next, and MOST important is your diet. I’m not big on counting calories but I’ll say this, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, nuts, and water are your staples. Also, breakfast is very, very important because it gets your metabolism going. Try to eat six times a day no more than three hours a part. Apples and raw almonds are great portable snacks.  Lastly, did I mention not to give up? Okay, good. Stay at it!!! Just make some adjustments. Slow and steady wins the race there is no quick fix to change your lifestyle. I hope this helps. It brings me great pleasure to pass on advice/encouragement so please feel free to ask anytime. Ironically, I just came from the gym when I saw your post and a trainer there was telling me next year this time I’d be a trainer myself. Hmm… smile. 

The Challenge

This morning, my body aches, especially my feet. Oh my, aching feet! There are a number of possible culprits – but, I’m putting my money on the StairMaster® StepMill®. For some reason, or another – could be my stubbornness or plain stupidity, I just insist on climbing on the thing. Never mind, I sweat like a pig, pant, and can barely talk during the ten whole minutes while I’m on there. I can’t seem to get enough.

One thing, I’m learning about myself through this journey is I like to conquer things. A couple of months ago I took a cycling class and only made it through half the class (mostly due to the HARD seat). Anyhow, it bothered me that I was unable to stay for the entire class. So within two days I was back in cycling class and that time was able to complete the entire class. I’ve been back to cycling class a few times since then and have all but decided I really don’t like it, but I now know physically I can do it.

So…I think that’s my obsession with the StairMaster ®, I just want to know that I’m capable of doing it for more than ten minutes. Once I can get up to at least 30 minutes then maybe I’ll succumb, but until then I’ll keep stepping away. Let’s hope I can get up to 30 minutes without incident soon because I tell you -- that is an intense workout for a girl my size. The other day, I swear this older gent was looking so concerned I thought he was going to call for help. All jokes a side, there’s nothing I can’t physically conquer. Yes, it may be physically uncomfortable. Sure, it may cause me to be in compromised positions. But, no matter, I’m up for the challenge and until I’m personally satisfied with the results, I keep trying. I physically challenge myself more each day.


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I thought this was a great description of their product: “For 25 years, the StairMaster® StepMill® has been called the toughest workout in the gym. We don’t think that’s fair. We think it just might be the toughest workout anywhere. For members who want real results and a real workout, there is no substitute.” From StairMaster® marketing team