Fit before Forty
So I was working out tonight on my awesome Wii Fit, using the EA Active More Workouts game. It’s tough (especially on Hard setting!) and I was sweating. I did my workout for the 6-week challenge that I’m doing, and because that only burned 150 calories I decided to do one more session. I did the Wii Balance Board step aerobics a couple days ago and really liked it. Repetitive, yes, but I’m challenged when it comes to core strength and good balance, so a little repetition isn’t such a bad thing for me. I fired it up, chose the toughest level, and worked it for 30 minutes straight. 400 calories gone – yay!
But I’m not here to simply prattle on about workout stats and such. I realized as I was doing the high knees and kicks and basic steps that I’d been in that situation before. Years ago – nearly 20 years ago, to be exact. I was 20, working at an animation voice-over studio on West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver. Ocean Studios. They did dubs for Japanese Anime cartoons and the like. I met cool actors and handled the administrative stuff. It paid terribly and the boss was a bit of a weirdo, but I’m a sucker for a creative environment. I was starting to put on some weight, so decided to join a gym. I can’t remember what it was before – possibly something along the lines of a Just Ladies, but it turned into a Ron Zalko place a year or two after I left that job. Anyway, I faithfully went to step classes and weight circuits and the like, and didn’t lose a pound. I don’t remember how long I went. I was only 20, so I would say less than a year. My stick-to-it-iveness was poor then and is still something I wrangle with daily.
So here I am, nearly 20 years later, and still doing the basic step. Heavier than I was then, for sure. More confident and patient, too. I’m determined that this is my time, this year is the year I slay this dragon once and for all. So whether it is because I’m awarded one of the 20 spots available in the GoFusion 2010 Total Fitness Makeover (if you enter too, be sure to put my name as a referral!) or if it’s because I work out hard and consistently on my own, however I get there, I’m getting there. I want to eat real food, be nicely fit and able to hit my forties like a house on fire.
Short-term goal? To be at least 50 lbs lighter before we head out on our cruise on September 25th. A girl has her pride and I won’t share what I need to lose total (after all, this blog is new and we’re just getting to know each other…) but I know the healthy number and I’m aiming for it with high hopes. I am so happy that my neck and shoulder are strong enough to allow me to work out again, so I’m not squandering the chance to get strong and healthy.
If you have health + fitness tips or similar encouragement, share in the comments!
Mac'd out geek girl; love my husband, my dogs, design, photography, gardening, red wine, eating fresh and local. I do creative stuff at a large Fraser Valley wholesale nursery.
That’s a big goal but I’m here to encourage you that you can do it, especially if you keep doubling up on the intensity of your workouts. A friend of mine lost 50 pounds in 2006 and how she did it was she worked out 2 hours per day 5-6 days per week and she ate basically the same thing every day. She was extremely dedicated and it paid off. The best news is that she has kept the weight off and it’s been 3 years. When you set your mind to it anything is possible. Good luck!
Sounds like a great start! I have a similar goal (50lbs by August). Right now I am taking a plus-size friendly bootcamp class (bodyexchange.ca) three days a week and filling in the other days with hikes and light workouts. The diet is the hard part but I am determined! Keep up the good work and keep us updated on your progress. (BTW your blog looks great!)
Thanks so much, Kendra and Maryanne! I appreciate the support and your encouragement is awesome.