Fat 2 Fit: Spring Forward and Just Do It

When confronting a difficult or unpleasant task, I'm amazed how the notion that "now is not the time" seems so reasonable, persuasive, and, well, predictable. Tomorrow, or better yet, next week, seems more opportune.

 

Timing is important—delays sometimes work out best. Overall, though, surrendering to the idea that later is magically better has impeded me on any number of fronts—from personal to professional.

 

Look at the years I spent abusing my body (62 pounds of extra weight is a lot to carry on a 5-foot-2-inch frame, not to mention the extra work required of my organs.) Given how great I feel today, how I wish I had broken through the "not today, not now" barrier earlier (see Carole's story).

 

Because of my experiences of leading the Nevada County Meltdown, strangers frequently engage me in their fitness issues. Some are excited and inspired about their progress. Others work to convince me that the time isn't right for them. "I know I'm fat, but I just can’t make myself do anything about it," is one comment.

 

I encourage individuals who say this to arrange for a doctor or nurse to analyze their health and fitness levels. There's nothing as motivating as seeing your name in the 90th percentile for heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.

 

For those who say, “I don't have time to exercise," I suggest rethinking priorities. We all have the same 24 hours each day. Being a certifiable workaholic, I know the temptation to jump into the day's work without a thought for my body. When the sweet siren's voice of multiple tasks—all of which seem pressing—starts singing, I struggle to resist.

 

To get going, I tell myself that if I suffer a heart attack, it's not likely I'll wish I'd spent more time working. I also remind myself that exercising is the best possible use of my time right now, as well as the best insurance I have to remain active in the future.

 

"I can't afford a gym membership" is also an excuse. But there are all sorts of ways to stay fit indoors: I have an exercise ball, a couple of 5-pound weights, and a strap I use to get 30 minutes of floor exercises done every morning. My reward is a cup of coffee when I finish. And walking outdoors is free.

 

"I have an injury," or "My medical condition doesn't let me do anything," is another reason to postpone exercise. But so many resources are available to help us learn how to get fit, even with temporary—or permanent—disabilities. My physical therapist helped me work through many injuries, including a torn hamstring and a back problem. With his help, I’ve reached the point where I can play tennis without discomfort. Of course, it pays to go slow and listen to your body. But almost all of us can find ways to build strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness, whatever our physical condition.

 

For many of us, spring calls forth the impulse to create a new beginning—to start afresh. Given this impulse, I’ve challenged myself to make "now" the best time to make progress everywhere—whether it's the care and organization of personal belongings, the use of time or improvements in my eating habits. If you're thinking about tackling your own fitness issues, consider joining me. Spring forward and just do it!