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DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s your motivation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The pursuit of flat abs and bulging biceps leads some of us to the weight room. My motivation was an injury.
I wasn’t sure how I hurt my shoulder — just that my shoulder hurt. Maybe my overloaded briefcase was to blame. Or perhaps the position of my computer’s keyboard.
“You said you’re how old?” the orthopedist asked as he held my X-ray up to the light.
I told him. He nodded. The joint, he explained, was simply worn and under used — a cruel reminder that I was not, in fact, getting any younger. He gave me an extremely painful shot of cortisone and prescribed four months of physical therapy, three times a week. Grudgingly, I complied.
Each session, Steve, my physical therapist, would show me a few new exercises — with rolled-up towels, gigantic rubber bands and small hand weights. At first, I could barely lift a pound in each hand before the pain would set in. I felt ancient.
But I stuck with it. And eventually the pain subsided. I got noticeably stronger, and more confident. If I could rebuild one part of my body, why not the rest?
I joined a gym, resumed my long-dormant running routine and took my bike in for a deluxe tune-up. Five years later, regular cardio workouts remain part of my routine, balanced with the moves Steve taught me — now with 10-pound weights in each hand. Reading today’s cover story, I’m happy to know I’m doing just what the top fitness experts these days are advising, for both injury prevention and weight maintenance.
Pushing off the effects of aging as long as possible remains my top motivation. But the dream of a buff body doesn’t hurt either.
What motivates you to stay fit?
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By Drew
August 28, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
I’m single. ‘Nuff said.
By couch_potato
August 28, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
nothing……
By mobeef
August 28, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
terrorist
By TinaB
August 28, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Buying a new Victoria’s Secrets thong and bra. As I sashayed across the floor in the dimly lit room my husband started applauding…or so I thought. When I got over to the bed I noticed his hands were behind his head and he was watching every move. So how could he clap with his hands tucked under his hand. That noise I heard was not applause…IT WAS MY BIG FAT BUTT CHEEKS CLAPPING TOGETHER AS I WALKED ACROSS THE FLOOR IN 4 INCH HEELS. Needless to say I joined dusted off my Nordic Track elliptical and treadmill and alternate each one every day for an hour.
By Somer
August 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Looking at my coworkers. I go to the gym everyday at lunch while they order wings, burgers & fries from every takeout spot within 3 miles of our midtown office. Over the last 5yrs, they have become too lazy to go & get lunch. They have packed on the pounds. I thought one of my coworkers was snoring when she was just sitting there breathing.
I also have an obese friend who is retired. All she does is eat and sleep. She is so doped up all day on medicine from having every disease associated with obesity. No matter what time of day I call, I am waking her up. I know that I could not live like that.
By DreamGirl
August 28, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
I walk 4 miles a day, and do 50 sit ups…..because.. NOTHING tastes as good as THIN feels!
By Jen
August 28, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Well….I am fit, but I am not thin. In fact, I am obese.
My motivation is staving off diabetes, which my father has and my grandmother had, before she died at age 63.
I used to be thin. But, somewhere around age 24 I started having trouble. First I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Once that was treated my weight went back down with diet and exercise.
After my son was born, however, I started having trouble again. Part of it was lifestyle. I’d also graduated from graduate school and started my 8-5 corporate career while also being a wife and mother. So, I’d stopped playing soccer and no longer had the opportunity to ride my bike to class. But I did remain active and I still exercised, just not as much.
My body did not respond to attempts to lose weight be diet and exercise and I gained 70lbs in 7 years.
A year ago we moved intown and I found more time for the luxury of fitness center exercise (which really is an affluent activity). Since last January until a month ago I would get on the exercise bike for 45 minutes 3 days a week. However, I live 3.5 miles from work. S0, about a month ago I began walking to work 3-4 days a week, which takes an hour, in the place of fitness center exercise. Once the weather cools off further I will also walk home.
However, I have not lost weight, in fact I’ve gained. But I have become aerobically fit. I don’t get winded for anything!
Within the past week I was diagnosed with PCOS - Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. One of the symptoms of this syndrome is insulin resistance, which makes it difficult to lose weight. However, the best treatment for insulin resistance is to lose weight!
I’ve read that a low-carb diet is a good diet for someone with insulin resistance and many women with PCOS have found success with this diet.
So, I’m going to see if I can get rid of this 70 extra pounds by trying that and keeping up with my walking. If I don’t lose weight with 2 hours of brisk walking 3-4 days a week then I never will. But, I would imagine I would still be staving off diabetes. And that’s what’s most important.
Good luck to all.
By chocolatefool
August 28, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
I run because I am less concerned about “staying fit” than about outrunning illness and infirmity…
By Jen
August 28, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
If anyone out there has been diagnosed with PCOS and has managed to shed a lot of weight, please speak up. I know there are lean women with PCOS, those that never gained weight. But, I’m speaking to those who did and then lost it.
I could use the tips…
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
August 28, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
I’m single….. I’m a wee bit over 40 and want to live a full active life!!!!!
By Soon...
August 28, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
I’m naturally model thin so nothing has motivated me YET. But I’ve noticed the cellulite creeping in on my small frame. Give it another year and a milestone birthday and that will do it!
By jess_me
August 28, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
At my mid-60 age staying fit is a total no-brainer. I intend to live long enough to watch my grandchildren be married and have children of their own.
To be fat, flabby, short of breath and lazy is not an option. As long as the ankles, knees and hips will hold up, I’ll be walking every day, increasing the time and distance regularly.
Sit-ups are a real pain but another necessity for me. When I do die, I want the undertaker to beat my strong heart into the ground because it won’t stop on it’s own.
Let’s just say that my family is what motivates me, that and a healthy life.
Anyone needing motivation should count their blessings and include them in their reasons to remain fit.
I thank God daily for the ability to do the physical things I do, and that in so doing I can enjoy the beautiful world He has given us.
By Tom
August 28, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure what my motivation is. I’ve just always WANTED to do things that coincidently amounted to exercise. I started martial arts in my early 20’s and still practice today after achieving my 2nd degree black belt and instructing for nearly 4 years by the time I was 30. Now I’m 48, still practice AND stretch. I’m able to kick the top of a door frame keeping one foot flat on the floor. I also lift weights — I feel guilty if I don’t go to the gym and feel great when I do.
By Yeahright
August 29, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Hey Jen! I have PCOS and it stinks! The only way you can lose weight is with gastric bypass. Good Luck!!
By Jen
August 29, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Yeahright Your name on here makes me wonder if you’re putting me on…but, if you’re serious I am confused. Gastric Bypass works because it forces people to eat less and also means less time to absorb nutrients. I don’t really have a problem limiting my diet…it just seems that limiting it doesn’t work.
Are you saying that Gastric Bypass works for PCOS because it deprives a person of nutrients due to the shortened time in the digestive system?
Have you had Gastric Bypass? Was it successful?
I really rather not do something that drastic. I just really want diet and exercise to work!
By couch_potato
August 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Good Food…. Good Couch……Good Life!
By Yeahright
August 29, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Hi Jen! I am a real person with PCOS. I just like to use crazy names. My doctor told me that the best way to get this weight off is with Gastric Bypass or a Lap band. I eat very little as it is and I keep putting on weight. I would have sugory if I didn’t work for a cheap company that would pay for it! There are lots of support boards out there for PCOS. You just have to find them and do the research. I think in the end though you will consider surgory. I wish you good luck and keep us posted!!
By Jen
August 29, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Man, Yeahright, I really don’t want to have surgery!
I just started the anti-androgen treatment and a low carb diet and I am really hoping they work for me…it’s possible they will also put me on metformin since many women with PCOS are insulin resistant. They’ll test me for that next time I go in to see how the anti-androgrens are doing…
All I want is for diet and exercise to actually work for me!!!!!
By Sonita L. Horn
August 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
FAT people
By Fay
August 29, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Being healthy and FAT people.
By Yeahright
August 29, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Good luck on the Metformin. I had to stop taking it because it was making me sick. It has the same effects as that Alli diet drug. Try working out for two hours a day and cutting back on bad food and see how it works. If that doesn’t work you might want to consider Gastric….