My Fitness Journey

In the summer of 2017, I signed up to do Oxygen Magazines Challenge 3 - OC3 for short.  There were two coaches, and I chose Jamie Eason Middleton.  I was determined. The program lasts 90 days and every day you watch a video and do the assigned workout.  There's a meal plan too.  I was so into it.  I never missed a workout.  Until I fell down the stairs (ok, jumped thinking I was on the ground due to my poor depth perception) and broke my ankle.

Working out came to a screeching halt.  I was put in a walking boot cast.  I purchased a knee scooter and crutches.  This was midway through OC3.  I was disappointed - my first thought when learning my ankle was broken was "But tomorrow is leg day!)

I'd been big on always getting at least 10,000 steps a day with my Fitbit too.  That wasn't going to happen either. 

I gained some weight while my ankle healed.  Obviously.

So last summer, OC4 came up.  Jen Widerstrom (of Biggest Loser fame) was one of the coaches, and I chose her.  She even had a book, which I purchased, called DIET RIGHT FOR YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE.  Best money I ever spent.  I started the challenge at 154 and ended it at 137.  Numerous inches less on waist, hips, etc.  I did every workout.  I made the top 25 and got put in the Oxygen magazine.  I was proud of myself.

But I wasn't finished.  Then I went back and redid OC3.  I lost 7 more pounds.  Once done with that, I did a free challenge called Lean Body for Her.  And then it was time for OC5.  My coach was Amber Dodzweit Riposta.  She had workouts like I've never done before, so it was interesting.

OC5 just ended.  I've lost three more pounds, so I'm now at 127.  That's a good weight.  And I have some muscles.  I missed a few workouts here and there for various reasons, but I did almost all of them.  I stuck with the healthy eating and macros I learned from Jen Widerstrom.

And now I'm doing OC1, since I missed it the first time.  You can purchase past challenges and do them on your own.  I'm in the habit of working out now, I eat healthy 90 percent of the time, but I do have an occasional pizza or burger.  Alcohol is my biggest hurdle.  I do like my wine and beer.  I'm still working on that.

How did I stick with it?  I set a scheduled workout time, just like I do for my writing.  Of course, if something else comes up and I miss it, I have to do it later.  But I feel healthy and strong, which I love.

I'm 58 years old.  If I can do it, so can you.  Start small.  When I started, I couldn't do squats with any weight.  Same for step-ups.  I've gradually been increasing the weight so now I'm up to 15 and 20's.

It's not hard to create a new habit.  Try it.  You may surprise yourself.