I spent the majority of my adult life about 40 pounds overweight. I was self-conscious all the time. I would never take my shirt off at a public pool or at the beach. I wore extra thick t-shirts to try and hide the flab and would layer up to cover up my weight as well. This went on from about the age of 25 until I hit 41 years old at which point had some major life changes. I finally said enough is enough and the process began. I lost a lot of weight and looked and felt better than I had in years. But with time and lack of motivation, some of the weight came back on. It wasn’t until shortly after getting remarried to the love of my life, that once again, something had to change. I wasn’t as big as I once was, but I wasn’t as lean as I was either. I can’t tell you exactly what the catalyst for change was; I think it was a combination of things. But I know I was fed up and sick and tired of being sick and tired. As the great theologian Woody Harrelson once said, “It’s time to Nut Up or Shut Up!” And that’s exactly what I did. I did not do this alone. I got involved with an online fitness group that was a huge part of my success called Anyman Fitness. The owner Jason Helmes was there for me whenever I needed him. He was supportive and always answered my questions. The Facebook Group provided a great deal of encouragement and a place to celebrate victories or vent frustrations. When my body started producing visible changes it was empowering and motivating. I started reading and learning more about nutrition (the biggest factor in staying healthy and trim) and experimented with my own workout routines once I left the online fitness group and went solo. And while I am at a good and healthy weight there is always that drive to do a little better; especially after eating and drinking pizza and beer over any given weekend. So what is the key to staying fit over 50 or any age for that matter? I would say Discipline and Consistency are the two keys to a healthy body. Eating healthy (most of the time) and exercising at least 5 days a week is what works for me. And I will be honest, it’s WORK! Some days you just don’t want to do it and other days you are all fired up. Fitness can be a mixed bag which is why most of us need support. If you are struggling with your health and fitness find a workout buddy or a group, start doing the work, and watch yourself get transformed. Remember that it’s a process that takes time and you need to be in it for the long haul.
One thing Coach Jason said that stuck with me and is so simple is, don’t think about exercising or eating healthy, Just Do It! When you spend too much time thinking about it, it can negatively impact your progress.
Don’t think, just do it! Paul
