Terry Foster: Weight challenge provides structure
My head phones were blasting, my body was sweating and I was in my own world. Then I looked down from the treadmill and saw Erica the nutritionist looking up with a smile.
Thirty minutes later, I was signed up for the 90-day weight loss challenge that Life Time Fitness is promoting around the nation. It is something I really need at this time.
I keep talking about moving toward the second stage of weight loss. I just haven’t done it. I’ve figured out a nice balance of exercise and eating that allows me to maintain my weight. Thanks to trainer Melissa, I’ve even lost a couple of inches in the hips.
But now, I want to see numbers on the scale. My goal is to drop 30 pounds in 90 days and watch my stomach shrink. This weight challenge provides a little structure and part of the game plan is to weigh myself once a week.
That is the main motivation. I know if I see weight gain, it will anger me. It is like a weekly challenge and I do not like to lose challenges or games. A few years ago I was part of a Weight Watchers men’s group. I lost 35 pounds without much exercise. I am convinced I lost the weight because I did not want to admit defeat in front of the group.
I needed to see progress and do not want to see weight gain in front of Erica.
The plan is good because it has meetings, fun runs, an Internet site and other things to keep you programmed.
That same day, I ran into Lions placekicker Jason Hanson. He was working out at the Commerce Township Life Time Fitness because of the NFL lockout. He is not allowed to work out at the Lions practice facility in Allen Park until this labor dispute is resolved.
He said most players are trying to maintain their levels of weight and endurance, sort of what I am doing now. But he said at some point they will need a trainer or more structure. I got the trainer. Now I am trying to put in the structure with this 90-day challenge.
You do not need to join a health club’s challenge to lose weight. But I recommend getting a workout partner and weigh each other every week until you reach your goals.
Summer is approaching and we normally wear fewer clothes and want to look as trim as possible. That is my motivation after I peel off these layers of sweatshirts and sweaters. I am proud of the arms, the legs and the butt. However, I could use a natural tummy tuck without surgery.
So I will be wearing my handy dandy wrist band which will remind me to watch what I eat and to hit the gym every day. I will let you know about my progress as I go through this big 90-day challenge.
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