In March, I was finally fed up from feeling out-of-shape. I started working out.
After years of not exercising and eating whatever I wanted, my metabolism failed to make up for my behavior.
A combination of factors pushed me to start exercising and eating better.
I can”t comfortably fit into a majority of my pants.
With summer approaching, I face the daunting fact that I will likely show more of my super white skin. Honestly, fat hides better below dark skin than Irish white.
This summer I plan to go on vacation with a number of my athletic and beautifully sculpted friends and I would rather fit in than not.
I also have a desire to not be at the back of the line, the out-of-shape kid or the person who can”t run a mile.
Truthfully, it was the promise of a date that kick-started my drive to get fit. I also have a bunch of free time after work, get a discount at the gym and freelance photographer Bob Minenna said he would train me how to properly work out and eat right.
Last summer one of my friends sat down and told me what pushed him to lose about 20 pounds. He called it the potential for fat. He opened up his Facebook and showed me a photo of his family, all of whom were overweight. He said he realized if he didn”t change he would end up like them.
Many studies show the health benefits of exercising and eating healthful food.
A study printed in March in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed as women age they need to exercise at least an hour a day to maintain a healthy weight if they aren”t dieting. Those who were already overweight ? the majority of American women ? have to exercise even more to avoid gaining weight without eating less, the Associated Press reported.
Researchers also said in March that up to a third of breast cancer cases in Western countries could be avoided if women ate less and exercised more, the Associated Press reported. Of course, neither I nor the researchers are trying to place blame on women who get breast cancer, as three of the major risk factors for breast cancer ? gender, age and family history ? are clearly beyond their control.
Being overweight or obese can contribute to people”s risk of heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer and high cholesterol and is associated with high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
The Association uses the latest joint American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on physical activity that says all healthy adults ages 18 to 65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days a week.
“Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and most Americans are not physically active enough to gain any health benefits,” the American Heart Association reported. “Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing, walking or many other activities can help your heart. Whether it”s included in a structured exercise program or part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart.”
I”m tired of sitting on my behind making excuses for why I don”t take care of my body. I certainly don”t want to wait 10 years and feel incapacitated when pregnant or 25 years and avoid vacations or events because my body is too tired or 50 years and be unable to walk.
My grandma broke her hip two weeks ago and although her hip is healing, she”s not doing well.
I want to be one of those old ladies who exercises every day, climbs to the top of Vernal Fall in Yosemite and can garden without breaking her hip.
Use whatever excuse works, fit friends, health benefits or a date to take the step to get in shape.
Katy Sweeny is a staff reporter for the Record-Bee. She can be reached at kdsweeny@gmail.com or 263-5635, ext. 37.
