BACKGROUND (perhaps you can relate)
I am a workaholic, and rarely make time for anything else. For most of my life I have worked the equivalent of one full-time and one part-time job, as I do now. Until about six months ago I never ate breakfast, and by the time I grabbed something to eat at my desk in the early afternoon I was understandably hungry and ate a lot. I am also addicted to sugar, so constantly ate sweets, with which fat seems to go hand-in-hand. By the time I left the office it was usually late, and I often stopped at a fast-food restaurant on the way home or phoned for pizza delivery. Whenever I had spare time I curled up in front of the television and snacked.
Although obese, I am currently healthy and my husband says I should stop worrying about my weight. As if. Over the years I have joined numerous gyms, but on the rare occasion that I used them I merely walked on the treadmill or around the indoor track, and sat in the pool, steam room or sauna. No one ever showed me how to use the exercise equipment, and I never asked. Four summers ago a young man I worked with offered to help me and I finally learned what the machines are for and how they work. Since then I have used the gym regularly for months at a time, but never pushed myself to work out beyond my comfort zone. From what I understand, that is about to change.
Recently I have watched people work out under the direction of personal trainer Zee Salehian of Fighting Fit. It does not look like a lot of fun. But you can't argue with the results. I knew he had helped a couple of women close to my age lose a lot of weight, but it was not until I saw Shirley's amazing weight loss that I started thinking I might be willing to do whatever it takes to look that great. (See Shirley's Story under Donate the Weight at http://www.dennistonsociety.org/).
At first I told myself I couldn't afford Zee's services, especially since I have promised myself not to waste any more money on my futile attempts to lose weight. Over the years I have spent many thousands of dollars on equipment, memberships, programs, products and pills promising weight loss. Many of them worked... at least a little bit, but only for a short while.
After meeting Zee to discuss his possible involvement with the 2011 Donate the Weight campaign, I got to thinking and putting things into perspective:
- I am in the process of upgrading a house I purchased recently. Would it not make sense to spend less on a house someone else will be renting, so I can spend more on the body I live in?
- I pay at least $45 an hour for regular pedicures and manicures, or to have my hair cut and colored. So that is not an unreasonable hourly rate.
- I want to lose at least 50 pounds over the next 6 months. If I work out with Zee three times a week during that time the total cost will be equivalent to what I spent for a 7 day cruise... on which I gained 10 pounds! Having a toned, fit body is well worth the price.
- As I lose weight I will be able to wear the wide range of sizes already hanging in my closet. As clothes become too large I can put them aside for the Society's garage sale to be held in May during Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society Week.
- Yes, I am extremely busy. But really. Can I not find 3 hours a week to devote to something that will enable me to wear a sleeveless dress again for the first time in more than 25 years?
December 16th
I met with Zee and made arrangements to begin working out and losing weight under his direction, 3 times each week when the 2011 Donate the Weight campaign begins Tuesday, January 4th. I explained that I am enrolled in an accounting program and do my studying before the office opens, so am not available in the morning. Once I get home from the office I don't want to go anywhere else unless absolutely necessary. But if I can go directly from the office to the gym at 5 o'clock, I will. He said we'll meet at 5 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the first week.
Zee asked that I make an appointment with chiropractor Ted Johnson as soon as possible, to have my spine checked. He said that will tell me a lot about the stress that has been put on my back by my large midriff. He also suggested I practice holding in my stomach muscles, as he will be asking me to do that a lot as we exercise. He wants it to become automatic.
Unlike other efforts I have made to achieve permanent weight loss, I KNOW this plan will have the desired results. Shirley and others are testimony to that fact. Although I thoroughly intend to be the Biggest Loser in the 2011 Donate the Weight campaign, because I work for the Society I will not claim any of the prizes. The transformation of my body will be enough of a reward.
