Consider two persons, two choices, ONE life, no regrets!!!

Back in January 2009, two persons joined the YMCA, one of them was me. Well, probably more than two people joined in January of 2009, but my story focuses on just two and, more specifically, ONE of them that joined that January.

Two persons walked into the YMCA and checked it out and decided to join.

Two persons started going 2-3 times a week, sometimes more; but, for sure attended the evening water aerobics class that was offered once per week. One person lost around 15 pounds during the first few months of working out in the water and was really loving the fact that while she was in the water, pretty much nothing hurt. And, she was moving better on land as well.

As the calendar months passed by during 2009, commitments dwindled and pretty soon, two choices were obvious and one had to be made.

One person, made one choice: to stick it out and do this thing. That person, was me.

Once the choice was made to “stick it out and do this thing,” I had to make other choices about how to get the journey toward better health in “high geer.” Weighing in at over 400 pounds, I needed more than activity to gain better health.

During the fall of 2009, we had a substitute instructor come and teach our water aerobics class. For the next three days after that class, I felt a distinct decrease in my level of pain while walking. So, after checking out my options, I decided to hire her to work one-on-one with me.

Two more choices were made: Join Weight Watchers and begin working with personal trainer. So, December 12, 2009, almost 11 months after joining the YMCA, I moved my journey toward better health up to a new level.

Now, 46 weeks after making those two choices, I have enjoyed some great changes in my life. These are not listed in order of occurrence.

1. Off BP meds.
2. Down several sizes in bathing suit, tops, and pants.
3. Lost nearly 30 inches from around my body as of August.
4. Little pain while walking, once my knees are stretched out.
5. Numbers are down on the threat of diabetes.
6. Cholesterol numbers are down.
7. Have shopped in a non-scooter store.
8. Am walking without my walking stick all the time except when going in and out of the pool at the Y.
9. Went to the Fair, used my rollator, but went and walked around for over an hour.
10. Have had to adjust the steering wheel and seat in my van. I no longer have the seat back as far as it will go or the steering wheel as high as it will go.
11. Have gone to the Y almost every week during 2010 for at least 2-3 times, staying active in the pool for over 2 hours most visits.
12. Loving water aerobics and don’t miss classes if possible.
13. Only miss my Saturday morning WW class when I’m out of town with work.
14. Tried Zumba and plan to return again to see if my legs respond the same way. But definitely will return when I’ve gotten down to 300.
15. Am willing to go places I haven’t been before and don’t know the exact layout/steps/etc.
16. Smile a lot more.
17. Have squeezed off 66+ pounds.
18. Did a 5K on recumbent bike.

Two persons. One chose to stick it out. One is regaining life. One has no regrets.

As 2010 quickly draws to a close, what choices have you made this year to stick it out, regain life, and have no regrets?