To any new “Choose to Movers” I want to encourage you to keep up and follow the program. It’s been almost 2 years since I took the Choose to Move Challenge and I can honestly say it changed my life! I not only improved my fitness level, I have maintained a new and healthier lifestyle, which is great because I’m 55 now and going to have my first grandchild this year. Here’s what works for me:
I eat breakfast every day – I’m eating a high fiber cereal with blueberries or banana and milk. This has made a tremendous difference. I’m not jittery or starving and overeating at lunch. My brain seems to work better too.
I get up and walk or ride my bicycle most mornings, weather permitting. I’m not a treadmill person – I love being outdoors in all seasons. If I don’t do it first thing in the morning it just doesn’t happen. My goal is 30-45 minutes of cardio most days – I take my ipod and have great fast walking music.
I belong to a fitness center that I love – just walking in the door makes me feel good. I don't have to wear makeup or look good when I go there. No one else does! Because of work, I don't get there as often as I would like, but when I do I use the rowing machine and free weights. I invested in a couple of sessions with a trainer to help me learn how to use the various machines and to find out what to do. She also developed a “home program” for me.
I’ve discovered yoga! I call it “baby yoga” because I’m still at the lowest level of difficulty but accept that I may stay there forever. I started a Saturday morning class and at first I thought it might be hard to get up and be there at 8:00 am on Saturdays, but now I absolutely hate to miss it! We have a wonderful teacher who is gentle with us while she pushes us to improve.
My goals for this year:
1. Do some yoga every day. I have a yoga mat, a strap and 2 yoga blocks in my workroom and listen to XM radio – a station called “Spa” is my yoga music.
2. Keep up the cardio (walking, biking) every day when possible.
3. I have a friend who is going to coach me in swimming. I can swim but poorly. I want to swim well enough to pass the YMCA swim test (swim 500 meters, tread water 5 minutes). I have permission to practice for free at my university’s swimming pool. I have to pass the swim test in order to take a class in rowing and ultimately hope to join the Dallas Rowing Club! I think rowing is so cool.
4. Do something EVERY DAY for mind, body and spirit.
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
Jan 09 | Monica said …
Dear Melanie,
Thanks for being sooo inspiring. Maybe because it seems (from what I've read on your blog) that we have very similar daily activities, and amazingly similar goals, you make me feel that I, too, can do it. Thanks a million, I definitely needed that encouragement!! Since I joined the gym over two weeks ago, I have been going every day. I start work (and graduate course-work) on Monday so the HUGE challenge will be to stick to it at least four times a week: three times cardio (treadmill run/walk, or bike) and Step, and Core-conditioning twice.
I have a commute of over an hour(mostly Metro) to Washington DC every day but I will do my workout before or after anyway. That's the right attitude, isn't it? Do it no matter what.
I'm glad I've chosen you as my mentor. You have been great.
Happy 2009 and a wonderful Spring semester,
Monica
PS: What's your specialty in the academic field? Just curious.
Jan 12 | zulema said …
hi! i'm so glad that you're still logging on after 2 years! I came back to our site because i need encouragement! i gained weight! recently i read the article that Oprah wrote on her "O Magazine". I totally felt like her: "how did i let this happen again?" I'm starting from scratch again. with a lot of momentum lost. i feel bad, dissapointed in myself. i'm so happy you're still writing. that gives me the drive to start all over again. thanks melanie! hugs!
Jan 12 | zulema said …
p.s. please remind me how to post. i totally forgot where our main site is. e-mail me. :-)
Jan 17 | Judith Schachtner said …
Hi Melanie, I chose your profile because I know that if you lived next store...we would be friends. We are the same age and I was a walker for years and loved it. I kept in shape physically and mentally for years walking and biking and then I moved and it wasn't the same...too many high traffic areas. I have tried yoga and would love to do more and I also was swimming at the local YMCA. I have had a rough 10 years with menopause and have "fallen off the wagon" because of lack of motivation and energy. I use the excuse, that I am too tired (but I am). So, because I am concerned about my heart health I want to really be committed to this 12 weeks program. I work full time and have a fair amount of stress associated with work, not good, but I love my job.
Thanks for listening to me.
Feb 02 | cindy said …
Hi Melanie,
I just signed on today. I am 53 and a grandmother and professional and I know that I have to exercise first thing or my work life takes over and before I know it I'm too tired to work out and it's 10pm at night. I'm committed to getting heart healthy, my BMI is 26 so I know I really have to work hard, I too can't believe I got this way. I use to workout religiously but after starting my own business 10 years ago, it's getting harder to stay connected. I must make some changes to be healthy. I don't want to end up with adult diabetes which is in my family.
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