Thursday, March 3, 2011

Working Toward a Healthier Weight

I don't have any hangups about my weight. In fact, I'm not even sure how much I weigh. But if I had to guess, I'd probably say I'm in the 190 pound range, give or take 5 pounds. It's somewhat of a stable weight for me, and I typically stay around this weight.

The problem is, I'm not comfortable with it anymore.

I have a hubby who loves me dearly, and could care less how 'big' I am. Truthfully, I come from a bigger family, so being somewhat overweight is not viewed as a problem, per se. My problem is that my clothes don't feel great on me anymore. Trying to find 'new' ones is such a chore (I detest clothes shopping for myself). Finding pants that are a size 14-16 petite is nigh on impossible in a thrift store, and I loathe to pay retail prices.What's a girl to do?

I have a big, soft belly. With some of us, having children expands us in places that never quite go back to the way they were. I'm ok with that, except that my middle area seems to still be expanding, and I'm not pregnant. From a profile view, one might guess that I was about 6 months pregnant, and I'm not. *sigh*

I eat relatively healthy. I enjoy fruits and vegetables, particularly raw ones. I don't want to alter what I eat too much (I'm not an extreme kind of person for anything), but I am willing to cut back, cut down, and eliminate *some* of the unhealthier items that I consume. I try to cook at home more, so that the foods we eat are healthier, if even slightly.

During the winter months, I am very inactive. I work, I sit around at home on my computer, or on the couch. I do things that most folks so like vacuuming and laundry, but I don't exercise. I could join a gym (there are 2 very good ones within 1 km of our apartment), but I cannot justify the expense for something I likely wouldn't use. When the weather is nicer out, we have our 'walking evenings' with the family. We will drive to an area where there are lots of walking trails, and walk for about an hour or so in one direction, laughing talking and enjoying the scenery along the way. Then we'll turn around and walk back to the car. My version of strength training is carrying a screaming 2 year old through the library when he doesn't want to leave. Sometimes my work requires me to lift, pull and push heavy things (over 100 pounds) which I can still manage, but it's getting increasingly difficult to do.

After dinner a few nights ago, I talked to hubby about it. I told him I couldn't wait for the nicer weather so we could start walking again. I miss it, health benefits aside. He's going to help me by making me aware when I'm putting salt on my food (I LOVE me lots of salt), so that I can cut way back on my sodium intake. He offered to help in any way her could to help me get motivated to do more moving around and get more active. Of course he offered to increase our sex life, you know, because it is a physical activity that gets your heart rate up. Lord love him. Lol!!

Our apartment complex has an outdoor pool, which I use around 4 times during the time it is open from July 1-ish to End of August-ish. I do enjoy swimming, as it makes me use more muscles than I typically would in a day. There is a pool at one gym nearby, and there is a community pool within 5 km of the apartment.

I would like to start scheduling in some more 'exercise' into my daily routine, whatever activity that I can do. I don't own a bicycle (maybe I should check Kijiji for one) so I would not be able to include that activity at this time. I'm not fond of exercise videos/DVDs so those likely wouldn't help.

What type of home exercises would you recommend for a beginner?

3 comments:

  1. I tend towards the "lazy" side of life. When I'm not working or doing chores, I like sitting. I don't get huge thrills from exercise or physical activity and I'm not competitive so don't like organized sports.

    Like you, I enjoy walks with hubby, but not so much with the kids tagging along. I'm looking forward to this coming summer because we'll finally be able to go for short walks alone.

    I don't have a weight problem though, so I'm really not terribly motivated to change my activity routine. So far I seem to be one of the lucky ones that doesn't gain weight unless I seriously over-eat, which I've been known to do from time to time. However, with menopause on the near horizon, things may change. I've seen thin women get quite round when they hit menopause - time will tell.

    In terms of home exercise plans, I really don't have any suggestions other than slotting aside 5-10 minutes in the morning for stretches, resistance exercises and cardio. Making up 3 different routines including a bit of each might keep you motivated to keep it up?

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  2. I am the same during the winter. I joke that I'm like a bear who hibernates-I pack on fat in the winter to keep me warm and then gradually shed them during the spring/summer when I'm more active.

    Is there any way you could do the family walks somewhere indoors? I used to work in a mall and particularly on Sunday mornings there would be people who would walk the perimeter of the mall. This is a terrible idea if you'll be tempted to spend money you don't have, but maybe somewhere similar? Also, I know you have a two year old so maybe this isn't a good option for you just yet.

    Good luck!

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  3. I had a treadmill for several years til the motor burned out and I loved it. But they are expensive. Then I bought a recumbant exercise bike on sale at Cdn. Tire for $99 and have been using it fairly faithfully for a few years. I like the bike because I can watch TV, listen to music or read a book. It has a back on it so I can lean back which makes it very comfortable. You can increase or decrease the tension thereby changing the resistance (strength training). AND I don't have to go outside in the winter! Once it gets warm enough outside I switch to my bicycle which I ride all over the city - love it! My knees can't take running anymore so the bike provides the cardio but is easy on the knees.

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