There once was a time in my life where I thought that I needed to have a "modelesque" type body in order to be happy. And that look and shape was what I longed for. After continually trying and beating myself up for not reaching it, I just kind of...gave up.
As I got older, and become more interested in my overall health, I realized that what I really needed to do was stop worrying about the "look" of my body and concentrate on getting back into shape. I needed to be concerned with how much excess weight I was carrying and how strong my heart was. I needed to focusing getting in some physical activity on a daily basis and make sure I was eating things that were good for my body.
Since that realization I started paying attention to what I was eating and how much I was eating. (Honestly, portion control started first.) Then I committed to daily exercise. For me that meant a daily exercise program. Sure, in the back of my mind I would've love to have lost weight but what was more important to me was reducing my excess body fat.
Those were my two objectives and I have to admit, it took some adjustment. It took me forming a new habit. But since being healthy and fit became one of my priorities, it wasn't that difficult to make those adjustments.
What I was doing wasn't dieting and working out to lose weight. I was taking on a lifestyle change. And you know what??? It worked! At my heaviest I was a 168 pound 5' 5' 30 something female with over a 34% body fat ratio. According to the national standards, I was a 1% body fat increase from being considered obese. Now at 40 I weigh 143 lbs and am at a 21% body fat ratio.
No, I'm no skinny minny. But I don't have to be. I've picked up a lot of strength and muscle along the way in this journey. And in my recreational activities I have a bunch more stamina and endurance than ever before. I feel great and well, have heard enough comments to know that the change looks pretty good on me too.
Since taking on this quest I have started looking at new goals to achieve. I think that's a natural progression. Of course I will keep you posted along the way.
That's what getting back into shape means to me, simply getting back a fit and healthy body. The question is...What does getting back into shape mean to you? Is it a certain dress size, body fat percentage, level of fitness, being able to perform a sport again, getting back your 6-pack, something else? Whatever it is, let me know and let's work on it together. Together we can achieve our goals to get back into shape.
Any questions let me know.
Jo Chris
Getting Back into Shape.
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