Joining the Thin Club

Shake Up Your Exercise

I don't know about you, but I've become a bit of an exercise nut since losing the weight. Not only is it an important element of keeping the weight off, it's really become a highlight of my day (and yes, I really do exercise every day!). It's part of my day that's just for me, where I can escape the daily grind of work and the everyday stresses of home life. Depending on the kind of exercise, I can let my mind wander or make myself focus 100% on my physical movement.

That being said, any routine gets to be a little boring after a while. If you're feeling the exercise blahs, don't let it sap your enthusiasm. Try something new.

How many of the following have you tried?

-Kickboxing

-Ballet

-Yoga and Pilates

-Distance running. Maybe a marathon is the new goal you've been searching for?

-Pole dancing. Yes, really. A lot of exercise clubs are starting to offer classes!

-Joining a softball or other sports team

-Swimming

-Ballroom dancing

-Surfing

-Belly dancing

-Skiing or snowboarding

-Hiking

-Rock climbing

Give something new a shot, and you'll find that you're back to your high-energy self in no time.

before and after

I was about 225 pounds before I lost the weight. That's nearly twice what I weigh now. I carry a "before" picture with me everywhere I go. It might sound strange, but it really comes in handy. I show it to doctors, as part of an overall conversation about my health. When I was first starting to shop for my new "Thin Club" wardrobe, I showed it to sales clerks in clothing stores, so they'd know I needed advice on what size to try on and what styles would look good on my fabulous new figure. And I LOVE showing it to new friends, who can't believe the woman in the picture could possibly be the same person.

People I've known for years, of course, often don't recognize the new me. Not only am I thinner, I'm stronger. More active. More confident. More outgoing.  Showing them the "before" picture serves as a sort of I.D. card, a way to prove it's really me.

But my "before" picture is so much more. It's a talisman, a symbol of just how far I've come. On days when I'd like nothing better than to skip the gym and make a trip to the bakery instead, the "before" picture helps remind me that I am never going back to being that person. I love who I am now.

Share your "before and after" stories in the comments. If you'd like to show off your "before and after" pictures in a future post, shoot me an e-mail!