EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT!
While dealing with the large amount of weight gain, I was limited to walking. I would get exhausted easy. I was embarrassed because I would break out in a dripping sweat just climbing one flight of stairs. Even my Mom would ask me why I was breathing so hard on the phone when I got up from the couch to go to another room! Just writing this makes brings back memories and makes me cry.
Walking is Great
I had to force myself to walk everyday. EVERYDAY. Started walking in 2010. Did 20 minutes for a few months. Then increased to 45 minutes. Then 1 hour. A year later, I was hiking. I’m talking inclines! I worked my way up to being able to hike for 4 hours. That first time of hiking 4 hours was like winning the lottery for me! I was stiff and exhausted the next 2 days, but that didn’t matter. These days I am rollerblading 7 miles (we have a 7 mile path near our home) 3 times a week. I also jump on my rebounder (mini trampoline) everyday for 15 to 20 minutes while I watch TV. This helps my circulation and so much more.
As Nike Says, Just Do It
You will have to FORCE yourself to get up. Just push yourself through. You will look back later on and be glad you did. Ideally, I need to lose 30 more pounds to get back to where I was before. If not, I will still be happy and healthy!
Update: April 18th, 2013 – I now alternate 7 miles of rollerblading with bike riding 8 miles a few days a week. I also started water aerobics and kickboxing. Seriously… I never thought I would be able to do any of this again. If I can get off my butt and do it, you can to!
