Weight Loss 101: Get Movin’
Hello all! I hope you’re having a grand morning so far. In the first two posts of my Weight Loss 101 series, we discussed resources to help prepare you for embarking on your weight loss journey, and the steps you can take to really get your new, healthier life started!
So at this point you’ve probably started to revamp your eating habits a little bit. Maybe you’re just looking at what you’re eating more conscientiously, maybe you’ve calculated your BMR and are seriously calorie counting – whatever level you’re at, you’re doing it right! Knowing is half the battle (thanks PBS!) so just being cognizant of your eating habits goes a really long way in terms of weight loss!
Today’s post really only has one theme, and I’ll admit that this is the part of my journey to health that I continue to struggle with the most: exercise.
1. Move.
That’s it. Just move. One bullet point. That’s my big message for today.
Don’t get me wrong, guys. I hate to exercise. Like, really, really don’t enjoy it. So I feel your pain, and I see your eyes rolling, and I see that finger just itchin’ to X out of this window because you’ve heard it so many times before. I really, truly get it. ‘Cause that was me! I mean, shoot, let’s me honest: that’s still me.
I don’t like being sweaty, I don’t like feeling out of breath, I don’t generally like the thought of being in pain… I’ve just always been this way. The last time I played a sport was in 8th grade. And only because when I was younger it was “strongly recommended” by my parents that I play a sport (read: I was forced.)
Exercise has never come easy to me. But I do know that in order to live a truly healthy life, exercise has to be a part of it. So I’ve tried really hard to broaden my horizons and test out different things: Zumba, running, yoga, Bikram, and even a VERY misguided attempt at P90X.
I still haven’t discovered exactly what it is that I LOVE doing, but I am enjoying being able to try out new things, be active, be social, and be healthy! I’ve been surprising myself lately by actually wanting to go out and do something more active than catch up on overflowing DVR some afternoons. And admittedly, it is pretty sweet to be able to say that I’ve completed not one, not two, but THREE 5Ks (something that I would have outright LAUGHED IN YO’ FACE if you had suggested it to me 9 months ago.)
Nobody’s asking you to train for a marathon, or even to start running at all. Start walking. Or swimming. Or biking. Or dancing. Join a meet-up group that has kickball tourneys. Or an ultimate Frisbee team (as it continues to warm up, that’s my plan!) I’m still trying to find the things that I love to do while getting some exercise in, but I really do believe there’s something out there for everyone, and it just takes a little experimenting to find it! 
I know I say this a lot on my blog, but seriously. If I can do it, anyone can do it. It just takes a little determination, a little willpower, and a LOT of willingness to look silly. But it’s worth it when you can pick up a 50 pound weight and say:
Holy crap on a stick! This amount of weight used to be ON me! And it is REALLY frackin’ heavy!
Or, you know, the same sentiment in a much classier way. 
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You’re definitely right about needing to find something that you enjoy or want to do but having it be anything- not just the traditional running or going to the gym. I find that having something to strive for- a race or completing some online challenge I’ve found- is what motivates me. Plus nice weather always helps!
haha, love the last pic
I have always loved working out sooooooooooooo much!! in fact, I have to stop myself from not working out EVERY day! My Pilates teacher told me that between age 8-11 your fitness level will be set, means: if you were working out at that age a lot, you will need to work out regularly later, feeling unsatisfied if you don´t. this certainly does explain my addiction to workouts
off to Zumba in a few hours
and you go girl!! great that you can motivate yourself, even though u hate working out!
“and knowing is half the battle” is from GI Joe…
Great post
I agree that working out can mean different things to different people – everyone doesn’t have to do the same thing and it’s all about mixing it up until you find something you love 
Great post, Gretchen! I really like your tip about finding something you love to do and then doing it. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. There’s something out there for everyone!
If walking is your thing, than perhaps look into joining a walking meetup group. There are tones out there and they’re a great way to meet new people and discover areas of your city you may not have known, or may not have explored otherwise.
I love me some good walking!
CONGRATS on 50 lbs lost!!!
You’re amazing–and that last picture is hilarious!!!! Love it!