Be Fit
Laurie has been making the coolest buttons and gifting them to many of her Blog Pals. I’ve ‘lifted’ a couple from her as she does a great job of creating them. Instead of trying to make a button of my own, one that would depict my desire to get (more) fit and stay that way, I asked Laurie if she could create one and she did! She made four wonderful buttons.
The one I like best (it was hard to choose!) is in place under my “Just Be” buttons (these are subject to change at any time). Along with the other Be Fit Buttons, it can be shared. Pick one for your blog and be determined to stay, get or “Be Fit”. The button doesn’t lead you to a web site about fitness as it’s for YOU to decide what is best way to be fit (you might want to credit Laurie as she is the creator).
Being overweight has never been a problem for me. My genes keep me thin. But as I have aged a few pounds have been added. Being near skeletal in my younger years, this was a good thing. But, egads, after turning 50 big changes started taking place in my body. That spare tire around the middle started to show up! Now if we are going to get ‘spare’ parts in our old age why can’t it be an extra heart, or an extra set of hands, or something we REALLY need? What’s with the spare tire? The only way to keep it at bay is to exercise and I HATE exercise. I love the way my body feels when it is in movement and when it is strong and fit…I just don’t like the fact that it needs to be done EVERYDAY! There is NO end, and in fact, it becomes something that must be done MORE often the older you get.
This is a commitment to me. I have been working out fairly irregularly but I do walk 5 days a week, fast, about 2-4 miles. I like lifting weights and have found a program I CAN do. It’s called the The Power of 10 and if you care, Leslie Stahl swears by it. It works for me, too. It’s hard to believe that working out with weights once a week would be enough…but it is. You can call me crazy (I'll still be fit). Find something that works for you. Eat smart, work out well and “Be Fit”.
I think that weight lifting is key for women, especially as they get older. I am also a big fan of workouts/stretches with those excercise balls.
Posted by: Melissa | August 11, 2004 at 04:48 AM
Be Fit! Right on!!! I agree age makes it harder. I'll be 49 in November and I have to watch it more as I get older. I was always skinny. I'm still slim (the pill helps me from being a total grouch...thank you Ortho!) I used to bodybuild, run, bike...you name it. Now my knee's are bad and I have to watch what I do.
Why is it that as you get older you have to excerise more, but your body holds you back because of aches,pains and all the things that go wrong. Lif's not fair!!! I'm sorry for going on and on! LOL
Posted by: Eilene | August 11, 2004 at 05:57 AM
I just started walking again. For me, it's for the mental boost I get - keeps the blues away. I plan on going back to weights in the fall when the kids are in school. It is amazing how much better you feel with weights!
Posted by: Mary Beth | August 11, 2004 at 06:45 AM
You go girl! Just back from my daily 4-6 mile race-walk and feeling great! I lift weights sporadically, and this summer it has been hard to fit it in, but once school starts..... It is amazing the effect the excercise has on your mood as well. I also agree with Eilene, there are things I have to be careful about with age, as injury comes easier and takes longer to heal. Okay everybody-just 15 minutes per day this week-you have to start somewhere!
Posted by: Teresa C | August 11, 2004 at 07:08 AM
This post really resonated with me. I am a little overweight- about 15 lbs and have been doing yoga recently and wearing a pedometer to encourage more stepping during the day.
I really have felt better on the days when I have started the day with exercise.
Oh, and Eilene, I can't believe you're 49! You look wonderful!
Posted by: Christy | August 11, 2004 at 08:31 AM
What snazzy buttons! I used to bellydance a fair amount, but I've let that go. Time to get back to what I know works for me.
Posted by: Steph | August 11, 2004 at 10:18 AM
Wow, talk about synchronicity! I've been thinking a lot about WHY I stopped exercising & how I really need to start up again. I've just now started walking again (as in this week), and I really love the many positive effects. I'm checking out the link on the weights. Once/week sounds perfect for me.
Great buttons, Laurie! I may snag one..
Posted by: Annie | August 11, 2004 at 10:22 AM
I love the buttons (anything with BEES!) but I need help. Now that I am on a mac, I don't know how to put it on my site. There is no *right click* button for a mac. I want that BEE on my site...if anybody knows how to help me get it there...there's a FIBER reward for such a good deed!
Posted by: greta | August 11, 2004 at 03:10 PM
I find with increasing age I need to spend much more time on everything, not just exercise. Spending the time cooking and shopping to eat even healthier, making sure I always get enough sleep, etc. Heck, just putting on makeup seems to take twice as long these days!
Posted by: Nanette | August 11, 2004 at 03:45 PM
I lost A LOT of weight a few years ago, but it is slowly creeping back. I really need to get with it again, and those buttons are good reminders. Great idea, Margene!
Posted by: Laurie | August 11, 2004 at 04:45 PM
I love the buttons - and they are very timely too. I have just recommitted myself to an exercise/diet program ..... thanks Margene!!
Posted by: ann | August 11, 2004 at 05:16 PM
Chiming in with me too. I used to grit my teeth to take off winter weight gain, but off it came, and that was that. Now...I work so hard, and nothing happens. So I get frustrated and console myself with self-defeating behaviors. I will check out this book, and gear up once again to try a new approach. But I look at my mom, and I wonder if I can beat what genetics has programmed me for. Margene, thanks for writing about this.
Posted by: Sharon | August 11, 2004 at 08:47 PM
Most people associate being overweight as unfit. On the other hand, I'm skinny and unfit, always feeling sapped of energy. I don't exercise as I don't even have time to rest or eat properly. My only relaxation for body and mind is knitting and crocheting.
Posted by: Siow Chin | August 11, 2004 at 09:56 PM
Love the button. Thanks!!
Posted by: Jackie | August 14, 2004 at 07:05 PM
On a mac, you need to ctrl-click (hold the ctrl button down while clicking) and use that menu to save the image. Usually if you want to do a right click thing the answer is either ctrl-click or apple-click. Or you can get an apple 2-button mouse (it understands the inputs just fine).
As far as exercise, I spent a lot of time figuring out what makes me exercise or not. Generally, in order to do a good job of exercising (that is, do it, not resent it, continue doing it) I need to find something I love doing. For a couple of years that was dancing - tap dancing, jazz dancing. I even got my largish body up on the stage and danced in a frou-frou costume. Before that I did triathlons. Not big ugly long ones, the nice little womens-only danskin triathlons. I was big and slow, but I finished :-) Last year I started martial arts. I love martial arts, I go several times a week.
None of these may work for you, but I *strongly* suggest that you think outside the box. I know maybe 4 people who really truly love the gym, everyone else thinks it's a chore. If you like walking but never find the time, maybe it would help to challenge yourself to walk a 10K in the Springtime, and train for that. Find something that moves you :-)
Posted by: Domestigirl | January 05, 2005 at 01:21 PM
Eek! It came out all ranty. Sorry... I'm not generally that way. The buttons are way cool, btw. I'll put one on my site and like it to my fitday page.
Dunno what came over me. Ommm....
Posted by: Domestigirl | January 05, 2005 at 01:23 PM