My health and fitness journey can be summarized in one word: restarting. On a Monday morning or the first of the month, I have fresh optimism. The benefits are almost immediate. Even 20 minutes of cardio increases my energy and uplifts my emotions. After a week or two, I build stamina and momentum.
Then life interferes, as it does. A night of bad sleep, a cold or fun things like vacation, and my routine is off. Soon I am eating cereal for dinner. Now that I am in my 50s, the stakes are higher. With a family history of diabetes, and hormones that feel like they conspire against me, I can’t afford to give up so quickly.
Having struggled to stay on track for most of 2019, I started again and it’s working.
Luckily I have found a great place to restart. At UpLift, I have a new fitness program designed for me and meet with a trainer monthly. We set goals and discuss obstacles. We schedule workouts on my calendar. I enjoy the camaraderie with other women in a positive atmosphere that is comfortable for long-time members along with brand-new members. The accountability helps me conquer the “I don’t feel like going to the gym” feeling, instead of letting it lull me to the couch.
Because the trainers have gotten to know me, they ask the right questions. “What have you planned for your lunches this week?” I want to have a good answer, so I do the work—the planning and meal prep. My go-to lately is spinach with cucumbers, smoked salmon and olive oil dressing. If I’m especially ambitious, I add roasted pumpkin seeds.
I don’t do any of this perfectly, but I have never given up permanently. If you are looking at Day 1, I know all about that day. Choose your health. You’ll be glad you did.
Guest columnist Rhonda Habel is a member at UpLift Guided Fitness in Woodbury.
