Change.

Something has happened to me. I've changed. I actually look forward to working out.

This is pretty big for me. I never have been one to enjoy exercising. In high school, I used to try to get out of gym class regularly, blaming menstrual cramps. In the late 90's, I paid for a Bally's gym membership for 2 years and only ever went two or three times. And once, I even tried to talk a friend out of working out on his way home from work.

It's kind of a funny story actually. We all worked in the same department. Around quitting time, He announced that he'd planned to work out that night, but that he really wasn't in the mood. One of our fellow co-workers urged him to go anyway, saying he'd feel better once he got there and started on a machine.

I, on the other hand, like the a little devil perched on his left shoulder said, "Nah, skip it tonight. And while you're at it, why don't you hit Dairy Queen on the way home. Yeah, ice cream on the couch. That's way better than going to the gym."

Of course I was kidding around, but still, it speaks to how I felt about exercising. It was a chore. An ugly, sweaty chore.

So imagine my surprise that I now actually really enjoy working out. I just never realized how much extra energy and confidence it'd give me through the day. I guess I just needed to find the right program.

Here's an example of my new views on working out: I've been sick this week. Rather than skip my workouts, I did them anyway. Admittedly, on my worst day, I just did yoga. But even so, I felt better after I'd gotten my blood pumping. The stretching helped my achy back and stiff neck.

I'd never call myself a gym rat and I don't plan to run any marathons, but I'm definitely embracing the new me -- the energetic me. The changed me.

Fitness tip: When you start getting chest pains, it's a good idea to stop.

So I'm still working out with Maya and enjoying having noticeably more energy and strength since beginning my workout regimen. So, I figured that I should probably up my workout intensity and go from 15-minute workouts to 30-minute ones.

Mistake.

At about 20 minutes into what was allegedly going to be a lower body workout, I started to feel chest pains. Not discomfort. PAIN. As in, "Holy shit, I think I'm having a heart attack" pain.

At first I was in denial. Not wanting to wuss out, I stopped using my arms to lessen the cardio. But after a minute or two when the pain didn't go away, I decided it was best to bail and promptly reset my weekly workout commitment back down to 15-minute intervals.

It was really disappointing. I mean, I know I'm not in the best shape, but to be confronted with my own mortality at 4:45 a.m. was quite alarming.

Maybe I'll give it another month and try the longer workout again. But for now...

I CHOOSE LIFE!

Ah ha!

I screwed up when I entered my stats into my Wii Personal Fitness Trainer game. I measured my chest around my rib cage. According to my brother/fitness expert, I should've included my breasts.

Dang!

Now it makes sense. My virtual trainer has been suggesting several upper body workouts this week. At first I thought there was a glitch. But now I see that the computer must think my body is all whacked out and is trying to help me bulk up there.

Yesterday, I got an atta girl. I've gone over a week without missing a workout and was rewarded by getting new music selections and workout locations. (I am partial to the Empress Dojo.)

Man, I can't believe working out has actually become fun. I'm sure it'll be more fun when I correct the botched chest measurement and start moving onto lower body stuff.

That's also probably why the scale hasn't budged. According to those old stats, the Wii must think I need to gain weight.

Yikes!

Gone but not forgotten.

I've been bad about posting on my weight-loss blog, and I apologize to the handful of you who check it regularly.

But my failure to post doesn't mean I've been a failure on my quest to be healthier and more fit. In fact, it's quite the contrary. I've been busy as hell working out and eating well for the past few weeks.

I started working out 4 times a week with my new personal trainer, Maya.

Sure, she's a computer-generated trainer and I visit her via our Wii, but it doesn't mean she can't give me a good workout.

When I bought the game, I immediately apologized to my brother who is, in fact a real live personal trainer at a local gym. (He's also been on TV and featured in our newspaper as a fitness expert.)

Here, check him out in action:



Ideally, to get in shape, I should work with him, but to be honest, I...

1. Can't afford him, and
2. Can't carve out an hour to work out with him at his gym.

But, he understands my limitations and doesn't judge me. In fact, he's offered me great advice and support over the phone - free of charge - and for that, I'm grateful.

Anyhow, I've integrated working out into my daily routine and have kicked my Diet Coke addiction. After reading about how high-fructose corn syrup is bad and how too much sweet soda can actually make you crave more sweets, I have now eliminated Diet Coke (and my cheapo-alternative Diet GT - sold exclusively at Aldi) from my daily fluid intake. Instead, I'm now drinking tap water and carbonated water (lemon LaCroix) as a treat.

So far, the scale really hasn't budged, but my energy level and stamina have increased. I don't mind taking the stairs at work and have way more energy than before.

It's funny, I never felt bad. But now, I feel better. And (I can't believe I'm going to say this...) I look forward to my workouts with Maya.

Whoddathunkit?

Motivation

Yesterday, the wedding dress I ordered arrived. This was my first time ordering something so important online.

I kinda took a chance ordering a size 10. As I slipped it on, I whispered to myself, "Please fit and be fabulous. Fit and fabulous. Fit and fabulous."

Thankfully, it is both. Aside from a tweak to the hemline, the 10 was definitely the right choice.

The only thing is that if I was to gain 5 lbs, it'll be too snug. If I lose at least 5, it'll give me a little bit extra breathing room.

So, there's my extra motivation to lose those extra lbs.

How many calories are in rum cake?

Because I've eaten a slice (or two) every day since Dec. 25.

Yeah, I've ignored my pedometer and journaling since about Dec. 4. It's embarrassing, I know. However, at my last weigh in, which was a few days ago, I was still in my 150 lb range (151.5, actually), which isn't all that bad considering all the sliced cheese and sausage we've been consuming over here.

Like 99% of the population, I'm going to begin my weight loss efforts in earnest January 1. Seriously. I'm getting psyched up for it and have even begun planning my post-holiday grocery list (which will not include ranch dip).

My weight-loss resolutions are:

1. Bring my lunch at least 3 times a week.
2. Dust off the pedometer and try to average 7,000 steps/day.
3. Keep journaling - but switch from monitor existing habits to shaving off excess calories/fat.
4. Start a morning exercise/walking routine.

It's not like my past work is a loss. My journals that I kept back a few months ago were good. I like my weekly-view format and it kept me from visiting the mall food court more than once a week.

But now, it's time to get serious. I've got six months until the wedding to get healthier and more fit.

I can do this!!

Bad day bingeing

I had a crummy day. I have a huge project at work that's due Friday and my whole morning got sucked up by a different project. Oh, did I mention that just about everything that could go wrong with project #2 did, and it was up to me to figure out how to fix it?

When lunchtime rolled around (and I'd gotten most of the major problems resolved), I was ready to get away. I went to the mall across the street to look at 2009 calendars (which I love) to try to brighten my mood.

On the way to Borders, I passed an ice cream place. I stopped to peer into the case at the barrels of creamy goodness. I perused the the stacks of waffle cones, some of which were dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in jimmies.

I hesitated for just a second before...







MOVING ON.

I'm proud to have recognized that stuffing ice cream in my pie hole is not a cure for a rotten morning. And, incidentally, I didn't even buy anything at the bookstore.

In the end, I took a nice walk. And it felt really good.