Last updated on June 4th, 2014 at 09:19 am
I started blogging about health and fitness because I discovered the trick to lose weight. Do not wait for some magical time. Fitness and weight loss only gets harder as we age. Harder, not impossible.
Today is my 44th birthday, and two years since losing over 80 pounds.
Only two years ago I made a decision that it was time to stop waiting. My turning point was defined by stepping on the scale. I’ve talked about the details in past posts that tell the whole weight loss story.
How many times a week, month or year do you step on the scale and feel completely defeated?
Maybe it was the crazy thoughts in my head wondering what I would look like heavier. Maybe it was the fact I just could not bring myself to shop for pants one more size up.
When I look back at all the events that took place before this day, you would think any one of these would have driven my need to get fit.
- My wedding in 2004
- Chasing after an active teenager
- Running my own business for 7 years
- My 40th birthday in 2010
If you try and put your finger on it, the only time you will start making changes to improve your health and get fit is when you decide.
You will know when it happens.
Keeping the weight off with fitness, two years and counting
The weight loss experts offer these statistics on weight loss. These are the same experts who I would like to smack on occasion for their less-than-helpful advice.
By some estimates, more than 80 percent of people who have lost weight regain all the weight, or more, after two years.
Source: Gretchen Voss, Women’s Health Magazine
According to statistics it looks like my tough times are still ahead of me.
Can I just tell these stats they can go to hell? These are the numbers I wish weren’t floating out there. I hear them used as an excuse from people who need to get healthy. An excuse to not even try to get fit.
What I’ve learned in the last two years after taking weight off and putting fitness as a priority in my life is priceless.
- Stress can survive a good workout
- Eating healthy gives you energy
- Drinking water helps you think clearer (and pee clearer, but that’s another post)
- You will unintentionally inspire those around you to get healthy
That last one was a wonderful surprise. I’ve had acquaintances approach me and pull me aside at parties. They tell me they are working out, eating healthier, making better lifestyle choices.
I get pumped up from hearing the stories, seeing the way their bodies are changing, and smiles beaming with success.
Do not wait until your next birthday to find fitness
I waited a long time to get in the game and feel the benefits of fitness. I don’t want you to miss one second of how good this can feel. My next challenge is an Olympic distance triathlon in one week. Wish me luck!
Your turn. Pick one of these fitness challenges today:
- Get up right now and walk around the block
- Park 2 blocks away from every errand for a week
- Do as many push ups as you can immediately after getting out of bed (proper form of course!
- Thirsty? Drink only water for a week (no coffee, soda, etc.)
Comment below! Tell me which fitness challenge you picked this week and how you feel.
Go get your fit on – Heather
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Heather Montgomery is a fitness writer, triathlete, and serial entrepreneur who is devoted to sharing what she has learned about becoming a triathlete after age 40. She uses her Metabolic Training Certification to help other women struggling to get fit in mid-life. She lives and trains in Santa Rosa, California, the new home of the Ironman triathlon. You can find her biking the Sonoma County wine trails.
Note: Articles by Heather may contain affiliate links and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
