by Molly Gaynor
(Cincinnati, OH, USA)
New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight have never been something I was interested in. If you want to change something about yourself you should just do it. Why wait for a new year?
In January 2009 I started exercising more often. I have tried previously to exercise frequently, but failed. I was skeptical and unsure if I would stick with it this time. I have logged my progress since then.
To my surprise I stayed with it. I began using exercise TV, magazines, and fitness DVD’s. Not every attempt has been successful, and the motivation was sometimes hard to keep, but I have kept a positive attitude and wrote in journals and always look for something new.
I even take trips to the library to pick up books about eating right and how to exercise properly.
Eating well has always been my struggle. I am addicted to caffeine. I am also an extremely picky eater. It is very difficult to find foods that I like. I started by decreasing my caffeine intake. This was not an easy task.
I was happy with the progress I made though, and now very rarely drink soda. Due to the fact that I like maybe two fruits I switched from carbonated drinks to juice, and only juice that contains 100% fruit juice. This was I get my servings of fruit for the day. It’s a great substitution.
I have also never been a fan of drinking water. I started by drinking water after exercising. I knew I had to find another way to increase the amount of water I was drinking, so I always bring water to work.
If the water is there while you are working you will drink it. Since I have picked up extra hours at work I have managed to drink a good amount of water each day.
Going to school full time and working and having a social life is hectic. Making sure to throw in exercising is hard sometimes. My neighborhood is not one that I would want to go for a morning run in. This is extremely unfortunate.
I have found DVD’s that I enjoy though and make time for them almost daily. The key is to find a trainer that you like, and to do something fun. I have found some great workouts on Exercise TV that have cardio mixed with sculpting. Routines like this make me feel best afterwords.
On days when the TV and computer are taken I go to a binder I have put together that has various exercises from magazines. I also am lucky enough to have memorized about seven dance routine workouts I have done, so I can do those in my room anytime.
I am 21 years old and just reach five feet. I currently weigh 107. I have lost weight and can see results. This has been great motivation for me. I have tried exercise partners, but they have failed me. It has been up to me to do this. I am happy doing this on my own. In fact, I think I might prefer it.
I am always looking for new routines. I have a list of exercise DVD’s that I am interesting in buying, but paying for college on my own makes it difficult to set money aside for anything that is not essential.
I have read the success stories of others. They have inspired me, and helped me to do better myself. These stories have helped me to stay happy with what I have to work with and not worry so much about doing something new all the time.
I have helped my sister train for sports in high school. She looks up to me. I am so happy that I can help her and be there for her. Inspiring her and giving her great advice has made all the work I’ve done since January very much worthwhile.