If You Plan to Lose Weight, Then Plan to Exercise

Everyone knows that one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle is exercise. But just as we all know the reasons why exercise is good for us, we also know the reasons why we don't do it: It's painful, requires time, hard work, dedication, and motivation. I struggle with working out as much as anyone else. I will go months and work out consistently, lose weight, look better… then inevitably, I go for months without doing anything and then, just as inevitably, I see my size 8s in the back of my closet, notice that my 12s are getting snug, and I climb on the scale one day and "AHHHH!!!!." I scream like I'm being chased by Freddy Krueger.

I know the routine so well, that by now I've gained and lost the "baby weight" from my three kids at least six times.

My favorite exercise has to be running. For me, it burns more calories and helps me shed pounds the fastest. A lot of other people feel the same way. Just look at all the runners out there. But there are other ways to quickly drop pounds – high-impact aerobics come to mind. You should talk to your doctor before you begin any type of intensive exercise regimen.

I have a dysfunctional relationship with running however. Once I am actually pounding pavement, I love it! It's those five steps to get me there that I fail miserably at. Time, location, children, diet, and motivation are my stumbling blocks.  When I can overcome these, and finally get out there with the music blaring in my IPod (not safe, but I do it anyway), it is the best feeling in the world. I feel great, I'm in a better mood, I want to eat right, and have that unmistakable runner's high. So why can't I just put on my running shoes and go?

For the same reason as most people. Time. At least that's what I tell myself. When you barely have time to sleep, when are you supposed to fit in time to walk, run, or lift weights? My husband says that I just have to "make it a PRIORITY." Easy for him to say.  I know that when I make exercise a priority, something else gets ignored: children, cleaning the house, a work deadline. So, figuring out when to fit it in has to be the first step. You don't need hours, just 20 minutes is great for a beginner or for someone (like me) who hasn't worked out for a while. That breaks up nicely into 2 and 5-minute increments.

Running requires a more time than the time actually exercising. There is the prep time, stretching afterwards, and a shower. It's hard to commit to all that!  You simply have to decide that being healthy is important, you are important, and make the time for yourself. Just start small, go for a short walk or take the kids on a bike ride

Deciding where to exercise is almost as important as deciding how long to exercise. Lorton has numerous sidewalks or paths and on flat areas too. Many HOA offices have a gym and at least a treadmill. There is also the state of the art Gold's Gym in Gunston Plaza. If you can't find a place from these choices, then just to go to one of Lorton's 11 public parks. Living in Lorton, there is no shortage of places to exercise. Furthermore, the weather right now is beautiful this time of year and it's great to be outdoors.

For those of us with children, finding childcare after we've set a time and place to exercise can be a challenge. Some gyms offer daycare and that can be a great break for parents. During my husband's last deployment, I paid a sitter to watch the kids while I ran. It wasn't cheap, but it gave me a much-needed break and was a great stress reliever. Working out with your kids is also a great idea. Take them outside and play a sport, go to the park, walk the dog. It's amazing how many calories are burned chasing a toddler. The example you are setting for your children will help them make exercise a regular part of their life.

I find when I work out, I eat healthier. It just seems to naturally happen and doesn't take a lot of extra work. If you are just starting an exercise plan you may find your appetite increases. This diminishes as your body increases its metabolic rate. Making good choices before you work out is essential. Working out on donuts and coffee or a stomach full of pizza is counter-productive. Those are foods that slow your metabolism down, making it harder to lose weight.  Eat lots of vegetables but don't be afraid to reward yourself with a treat every once in a while.

The killer for me, whether it's exercise or diet, is motivation. If we are truly motivated, finding the time isn't an issue. We would MAKE the time.  Getting started is 99% of the battle. If we feel great and look better once we are done, why is it so hard to do? Because it sucks! Losing weight is not fun (not nearly as much as gaining it!) the rewards of exercise and die are weeks and months away. So the key is to set small goals and meet them. Try to exercise every day. Try to eat less than 2,000 calories in a day. Then try to do both in the same day.  Set a goal, and once you reach it, all the pain seems worth it.

So lace up your shoes, get outside and be active. Find your motivating factor. Set a better example for your kids, fit into your size eights, be able to walk a few miles without losing your breath. Just get off the couch or out of your computer chair and get moving. You will be glad you did.