One of the steps in the CTM program asks you to do something new that will get you moving.
Just getting active by walking or doing exercises is hard enough but to step way out of your comfort zone and do something entirely new is hard even if it is fun or interesting or challenging. When you are overweight or even if you don't have a weight problem but are athletically challenged lets say, doing something athletic can make you very self conscious.
I decided to try golf. My husband plays, my daughter and her husband play. I would never lack for company to play with and I felt it would be an activity I could do for years to come. After all they do have a Seniors Tour. The closest I had been to golf was to watch it on TV with my husband.
Not wanting to take a lesson while on display I picked a local golf store that offered lessons. They have a place set up in the back of the store and late afternoon and dinner time the store is practically empty. This was all part of my plan to be as inconspicuous as possible while learning my new sport.
When thinking about playing golf I thought it looked easy to do and I would be able to say I played a real sport. I thought with a little practice I would be able to perform decently but I really didn't see a lot of cardio or exercise benefit to it unless you walked the course instead of using the cart.
Not so. A lot of muscles come into play in the game of golf and that's just getting ready to hit the ball. Muscles I had apparently not been using much because after practice I could really tell. This game takes a lot of practice just to go out and not embarrass yourself. It takes discipline and continued work just like any other exercise to see results. I have relinquished my self consciousness over time with the encouragement of my instructor. Not because he says I am doing well (he always gives me positive feedback as any good instructor would) but because he says other golfers are no better, at any given time they can have bad days without continued practice. Having watched some golfers, except for the pros on TV who I'm sure practice all the time, I believe him.
Anyway I guess I would advise that you choose some activity that you think you will enjoy and that you will be able to continue. After all you want to get moving and stay moving for life. Don't let fear hold you back. Size, shape or ability do not make someone good at something its determination and perseverance. Don't underestimate the exercise benefit and if you do, don't give up because its harder than you thought but be glad for the extra heart health you will get from performing your activity. In the end you will gain confidence, self esteem and in my case a new activity to share with family and friends. I will never make the Seniors Tour but I aim to be an active senior for years to come.
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Mar 31 | Gail said …
Awesome, Kathleen! I started taking golf lessons last year and am loving it (whenever I can get out on the course). I think we newbies get nervous at first (I am constantly letting people play through for fear of holding them up).
A good book that I thought I would share with you is, "Golf Shape" by Cindy Reid. I am getting back into exercising *again* and this book has some great exercises to work those muscles to improve your flexibility. Take care!
Apr 01 | kathleen said …
You are right about nervous. I always line up at the end of the driving range so no one will be looking at me practice. I do really like it though. I like being outside and gives my husband and I a common activity. My coach says I have a perfect swing. I like it when they put it on a CD and show you because I really can't tell by how I hit the ball, ha ha. Thanks for the tip on the book, I will look it up.
Jun 11 | Donna said …
Kathleen
I just started to learn this awesome game myself this past month. I knew that it wasa a hard game to begin with, but just learning that I need to keep my head down and follow through is hard. but instead of sitting at home on some nights we now go hit a couple of buckets of balls for practice.
thanks
Jun 12 | said …
Hi Donna, isn't it a great game? and you use more energy than I thought you would which is an added plus. I made my first par 3 the other day, it was very exciting. Good luck with your game.
Oct 23 | Cecelia said …
I just joined the "choose to move" and chose you out of the ladies in the group. When I saw your blog on golf, I thought how ironic. My husband plays golf 4 days a week. I keep telling him I am going to join him at least one day a week, so I guess that is one way for me to get moving.
Thanks
Cecelia
Oct 23 | kathleen said …
Cecilia, Golf is great exercise especially if you walk the course, but even if you don't. I noticed lots of new muscles when I first started playing. Glad you are joining the group. Check out the archived blogs for myself and the other ladies and you can follow how we started as you go through the program. We went through alot of ups and downs as we did the program but it is worth sticking with.
Post a Comment
Comment Policy
We welcome your comments, however all comments are moderated. Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted and not displayed. Also, please note that comments are owned by the commenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kathleen or its affiliates.