Workouts Are Contagious

My daughter Ellen & I at the gym

By Laurie Epps

Working out is contagious. I'm sure it is. Now that I'm going to the gym, and I've lost nearly 10 pounds, my girls don't want to be shown up by their mom. It's true. My eldest daughter Melanie has joined a gym in CA, and usually sends me a hiking picture on the weekends of her hikes. My middle daughter Ellen goes to the gym with me on occasion. Mainly, Ellen tries to make it to either Yoga or Zumba (we're still trying to get to Zumba). However, I've yet to include my youngest Chloe, except on this last hike. 

Getting fit should be a family affair. However, I'm learning the frustration of trying to get my six year old to try veggies or salmon. Also, it's a challenge to introduce fitness to a young child, and it's hard to get cooperation out of a teenager. For all the moms out there, you need to be doing this for you. It's not selfish. Consider it maintenance. You can't take care of everybody else, if you're health is declining to a point where you can't take care of yourself.

The Importance of Fitness Goals

Just Before My Yoga Class

By Laurie Epps

My weight loss has plateaued. But my overall fitness has improved. I've tried a new yoga class that meets twice a week. I'm really starting to recognize folks at the gym and really enjoy myself. I always feel better after a trip to the gym.

I believe from my research, that yoga really does a body good. This is not only true because of the relaxation and meditation component, but also because it gives you overall awareness of your body. What many people aren't aware of is that there are 14 Types of Yoga. Most gym's, like mine, offer Hatha Yoga which is very fluid and is meant to burn calories. When you're new to working out, it might be hard to keep up, but slowly you'll notice improvements.

Just Before My Yoga Class

Me & Bike #2

By Laurie Epps

At a Birthday Party on May 22, 2015

My second week, I did extremely well. I went to the gym 5 times that week. I wasn't really following a specific outline of a workout yet. I was just trying to do half an hour of cardio, and then five machines in thirty minutes. I alternated upper body with lower body exercises. 

By that Monday, I'd lost another two pounds, and then another pound. So now, I'm up to seven pounds of weight loss! I couldn't be more delighted. I'm heading in the right direction, won't you join me?

Today, I saw on Facebook that my cousin Kay has lost 90 pounds! Wow! I'm so proud of her. I'm begging her to write a blog post for me, but she's in the throws of moving. I think she'd be a great inspiration for all of us. Kudos, Kay!

Me on Bike #2

The Real Kick-off Week

May 17, 2015: At My Great Godsons Dedication

By Laurie Epps

I'm finally doing it! I'm making it to the gym almost every day. The first week, I went 5 days that week. My efforts are rewarding me with immediate weight loss. I'm not going to bust 300 pounds, and I couldn't be more delighted. Much easier than I thought it would be, I'm making new friends, and I'm feeling much better about myself. 

Already, I've noticed that I walk a little taller when I enter a room, and it looks like my unwanted tummy is dropping. If you're in that dark place that I was in, you might be intimidated by the gym, or going it alone.... don't be. Your friends and like minded people are at the gym.

I know that the gym may not be feasible or palatable for a lot of folks, so today, I'm going to talk about the best reasons to strive to get in shape.

Rebounding

By Laurie Epps

I don't really know what I had, but I was truly sick for over 3 1/2 weeks. I didn't start to feel a little better until Monday. I apologize for not posting last week. I was simply too ill. But, today I'm back to post a little progress in spite of everything.

A Rough Start

By Laurie Epps

Aldous Huxley once said, "Hell isn't merely paved with good intentions; it's walled and roofed with them. Yes, and furnished too."

So I'm not quite three weeks into my fitness challenge, and it's not starting off as I planned it in my head. Still, I'm trying to remain optimistic, and realize that I'm just experiencing a setback. But I made a promise to my readers, so regardless of any shame, I'm going to post my progress as is.

Week 1: January 12-18, 2015

New Column: Workout Wednesdays

Pictured at my friend Faye's Wedding in 1988

By Laurie Epps

I wasn't always heavy. I didn't start out this way. Most of the people in my family aren't heavy either. But this is my story. I know I'm not the only woman out there that has fought this battle. This column is meant to be encouragement for the people that struggle with some of the issues in regards to weight loss.

The picture at the right, most people would consider me to be in my best shape. I ran marathons, did martial arts, participated in triathlons, and practiced ballet. I've danced with both the Atlanta Ballet, and the San Diego Ballet. But I was also malnourished and very sick in this picture. I had anorexia. I weighed in at a whopping 112 pounds, and it was waif like on my 6'0" tall frame. Yet, I looked in the mirror and I saw a fatso. I couldn't exercise enough, and I couldn't eat too little.

A Year after having my second baby in 1997