Think before you complain about the "New Year's Resolution" gym members

Think before you complain about the "New Year's Resolution" gym members. My story is one example of why.

In 2014, I chose to use the New Year to commit to regular exercise, minimally three times per week. A person who used to be quite active in sports, I had become almost completely inactive. So, 3+ weekly trips to the gym for a 30-minute treadmill walk or occasional lap swim made a huge heart-healthy difference.

I consistently used the gym, until I found a way to work in a 30-minute walk over lunch at work. I decided to save the money, and I upped my weekly walks to an average of 5 per week (instead of 3).

Yes, I eventually quit the gym, but I continued my workouts, the more important point. And it resulted from a "New Year's Resolution". So don't scowl at the new people (who probably stand out in their new shoes & confused looks as they encounter the equipment). ENCOURAGE them in their commitment. Aren't we all better off when everyone is healthier?

And, for the cynics out there, the ones who sign up and then quit shortly thereafter help keep your membership fees lower, so quit your whining.

More of my story:
My "numbers" for blood work showed the difference that a light, regular workout made, although my weight was unchanged because my eating habits hadn't changed. In June of 2015, I decided to spend the summertime refocusing my efforts on healthy eating. Between June and September, I lost 30 pounds. (Ok, if you need perfect accuracy, 29.4 at my highest point of loss, which is today.)

In September, I decided to try an intense workout/nutrition program, "as seen on Facebook". I know it is a program that many people have found success with and that it works for them. I think that's fantastic and applaud them.

However, I know myself, and I should have known better. "Slow and steady, not extreme" - this should be my mantra. (Maybe this is why I have a pet tortoise?) I stubbornly persisted in the workouts, and I ended up re-aggravating my bulging disc, which pinched my sciatic nerve. I haven't dealt with this injury since 2007 when it required surgery, and this was a scary, frustrating setback for me.

Fortunately, I didn't need surgery again, but (per my doctor) it was back to walking-only for me! By this time, I was gearing up for the next semester. I realized that I couldn't be successful in school and focus on losing weight. I focused on realistic, healthy-ish choices in the midst of the craziness. (And I continued my lunch-time walks.)

I've been successful in maintaining my weight loss for three months of work + school. I don't have class in January; so, this New Year's focus is to research and prep for simple & realistic ways to eat a little healthier during spring semester and to refocus more fully next summer. Last summer, I tried a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program) through work. It turns out, this is not for me. I am too picky about my veggies! This summer, my goal will be to find & visit local Farmer's Markets, which I find intimidating. (Don't ask me why! I'm not sure, and I know that I'm weird.) I'm looking forward to choosing fresh, local produce of the varieties I like & learning to enjoy a few new varieties.