I love, love, love food. I have always eaten well. I’ve never limited my sweet intake, and I adore chocolate. I eat in moderation, with a great variety of nutritious foods mostly every day.
Let me put this into perspective for you. When I travel, one of the most important things for me is the food. It is something I appreciate, and sometimes it`s something I remember the most.
But I never struggled with my weight. I know I’m lucky with this. There are times my weight has fluctuated but not to any big degree. And when I had my children, I gained a lot of weight and it gradually (mostly) came off after six months to a year. It didn’t bother me how long it took, and I didn’t try too hard to do anything differently to get down to my regular, normal weight. It just happened.
So when you look at me, you may think I`m healthy. I have normal, healthy weight for my height and age. For the most part, I am healthy. But in this new year, I need to make a change.
It started with my very first full blown health analysis. My husband thought I should get it done to put my mind at ease, since I was concerned for my health. Mainly I was concerned because of my parents passing so young. I wanted to know if there was anything I was up against, so I could take care of myself and be in good health for myself and my children.
So off I went for the full check up. I had to fast, I got a ton of blood work done, a major conversation with many detailed questions from a doctor, and then there was the treadmill.
The treadmill was the only thing I was worried about. My husband made it sound scary, explaining the different levels, and having to push yourself to keep going to reach your maximum cardio level.
All hooked up, I started, and I felt OK. “I got this” I thought, “Why did he make this sound so hard?”
The technician moved me up a level, and still I felt good. I wasn’t out of breath. I seriously thought I could go on for a while and then, “OK, we’re going to slow down”.
“What? Why?” I thought, but I didn’t ask out loud.
“OK, we’re going to go at a walk level.”
What was happening?
“OK we’re going to walk slower now.”
The slow down took way longer and I was so confused.
It turned out my heart rate shot up so fast and stayed up at a max level for a long while. I had reach my maximum cardio level by doing barely nothing.
I was concerned.
She explained that because I don’t exercise, once I start, I will notice a difference and the constant cardio workouts will help build up my capability.
That was months ago, but I have made the move and bought an elliptical for the home.
My journey has begun, friends.
6 comments
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been going down this road in regards to my health with regards to breast cancer. My mom has been fighting it since her mid-forties and I’m trying to make my health a priority including baselines. Let’s cheer each other on!
Great idea, Sara. I have no choice now that I’ve put it out live. It’s time to take action. I will cheer you on whenever you want. Hugs
This is a really important post. My husband runs a fitness business and always says that fit is a completely different thing than skinny. Good for you for taking action – good luck with the journey!
Thanks, Janet. I think people assume that ‘normal’ weight people are healthy when they might be very sick in some cases. Feel free to show your husband this post!
Yikes! I am not a healthy weight and my two experiences on the tread mill of doom have not been fun. It took 7 minutes to get to the target heart rate. Then you look at my husband who jogged for years but not in the last two. His heart rate is STILL incredible even though he is no longer a healthy weight. Odd how these things happen. Good luck – I hate exercise too.
I hear you, Carin. I’m not a fan of exercise either. But I think the elliptical plus a good show will get me moving and change my mind at the same time.