keeping things going

I know it's been a few days... have you been able to get that exercise in? 20 minutes of walking is hardly anything at this point. Use it as time to think or you can do what I did, mindless exercise while watching tv. Do what works for you to get that 20 minutes in three times this week. Your body still benefits and it gets you used to the movement. Don't hop on the scale and expect weight loss and don't try on those jeans -- not yet,anyway.
Start planning your schedule for next week. try to add 5 minutes of walking. Tell yourself, "I'll just do one more song" or 'I'll go until the next commercial,' something like that.
Now, someone mentioned joining a gym. That is great -- if you use it. so many times, people make a new years resolution to get fit. THey purchase a year contract with a fitness center and are really good about going for the first three weeks, then, it all dies down. They feel guilty they spent the money on the membership because they don't go. I would encourage you to 'Build a Habit' of exercise FIRST, then, spend the money on a membership, if you want to. Everything I'm going to tell you about, you can do at home. If you already have a membership and are in the 'guilt' stage. Do this for yourself. Figure out how much it costs you. For example, if you paid/are paying $35.00 a month. then you are basically paying, roughly, a little over $8.00 per week. Maybe that means nothing to you, but, to me, that is a movie ticket, each week. The point is, I don't want you to feel 'guilty' about exercise. You will dread it and find other things to do. "Oh, I SHOULD go to the gym, but....." This way, it is in perspective and you know what you are spending, if the money boils down to very little, don't sweat it. On the other hand, if it is a lot, then think seriously BEFORE you renew that contract.
Habits -- oh, I wish I could remember the article I read that talked about habits. It was inspiring to me. The most important thing I read and still remember reading, was that it takes 12 weeks to make or break a habit. 12 WEEKS !!! Think back to all the other times you've tried to lose weight. At what point did you give up or stop? My guess would be between 3 and 6 weeks. That's when I wanted to stop and give up. I had lost only a few pounds, I was tired (I hadn't figured out the nutrition thing yet) and it all seemed futile. So, when you get to that point, you will be prepared this time, to push through it. You'll know it is coming and sometimes, being prepared wins the battle. As we get closer to that time frame, I will offer some suggestions to keep you on track.
For right now, I have one last suggestion for you with your exercise routine. I would HIGHLY suggest getting a "YOGA" or "Stretching" video that you can do at home once a week. something around 20-30 minutes. If you haven't done either before, it will seem really boring at first (thus, only done once a week) but, then you really learn to enjoy those moments of serenity. If you have netflix, or a 'movie' membership, you may be able to 'try before you buy.' If you like cutesie and annoying, then Denise Austin has a Yoga/Pilates video (she knows her stuff, but I just can't stand her) There is also a video called Yoga for weight loss. I have that one, it is nice and shows beginner, intermediate and advanced. I find it a little boring after doing the P90X version of Yoga, but, it is a good relaxing 1/2 hour.
Next post, we'll talk about weight loss/workout buddies.....