Heart Choices: Getting Back in Shape -->

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Getting Back in Shape


It's been some time since I last wrote a Fitness Friday post. 

There's a good reason for that.  I've not been practicing what I preach!

For most of my life, I've made exercise a habit.  I could never really understand those people who said they just can't get into it.  To me, it was simply a choice I made for my health and a way to stay in shape. 

Did it take discipline?  You bet. 

But even when I didn't feel like it, I did it.  And over time, I began to actually enjoy it.  That's typically what happens when you create a habit in your life.

Well then ...life happened!

Over the past six months, my life has been in a tailspin.  I've moved into a much smaller temporary home.  I sold all of my furniture, including all of my exercise equipment.  And that included my treadmill and weights.  I know; how could I let them go?  Well, it was a package deal.

I've not been consistent in my exercise for the last six months.  Here and there, I've taken long walks.  And I do have a few free weights that I keep under my desk.  And I've used them once in a while.  But what has been missing is ...consistency.

And the result is that I've gained some weight.  I don't even know how much I've gained because I can't find my scale in the garage that is packed with boxes.  I just know that my clothes are tight.  It's hard to close the zipper of my pants. 

In the past, getting dressed wasn't a problem at all.  Now I have to try on three or four outfits and look in the mirror.  This one is way too tight.  I'm top heavy to begin with but adding those extra pounds makes it worse.  I fall out of everything. 

I finally understand what many of my friends have been saying!

However, I'm determined to get back in shape.

Why?

I want to have lots of energy again.
I want to sleep better at night.
I want to fit into my clothes.
I don't want to obsess over how I look in the mirror.
I want to be about the Kingdom work God has called me to.
I want to focus on others, not me.
I want to go to  my 40th high school reunion next year in Lindenhurst.
I want to fit into my dress for Kristin's wedding in September of this year.

So, now I want to hear from you. 
Where are you as far as exercise goes?
Has it become a habit for you?
What might motivate you to make exercise a habit?

I'm joining up with my friend Sandy of God Speaks Today (the originator of Fitness Friday).

I want to be serious about getting back in shape.
No fad diets; just simple healthy eating that I can live with.
Exercise regularly.

I think we all could use some accountability, don't you?


So, I've begun to walk/jog around the neighborhood.  I've mapped out two and a half miles. 

One day I want to run with my friend Jamie.  She runs marathons and home schools five children.  You're my hero Jamie!

  I will write a post most Friday's to share what's happening.  If you'd like to join me in this getting back in shape journey, be sure to follow my blog or subscribe.  The buttons are on the right side of my posts.



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Debbie Petras
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21 comments:

  1. Way to go Debbie! It's hard to get into the habit of working out, isn't it? I have been doing pilates a few times a week for quite a while now, I don't feel good if I don't! What motivates me is the mirror!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Have a happy day!

    Nancy

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  2. Okay Debbie my friend... ditto, ditto, ditto!!

    I have messed around with the whole fitness thing and I am in the exact same boat! I have begun to get serious about it, and while I'm in Norway I am going to make healthy choices, but when I get back I am also going to continue the walking I've started, and the aerobics and weights.

    This post comes at a perfect time for me. I think it's where many are right now, you will no doubt get plenty of comments.

    ONWARD & FORWARD!! :)

    Love you sis!

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  3. About 2 months ago I started going to the YMCA 3 days a week and doing a Zumba class and the treadmill and swimming laps. You are right...I didn't want to do it at first then I started enjoying and friends started going with me. Then life happened and now its been 3 weeks since I went to the gym. I'm determined Monday to get back to class...but it's so hard to get started again.

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  4. Getting on shape has been on my mind a lot lately! Over the last 9 or 10 months, I've let things slide. I've never had a problem with weight, but now, with moving to a new town and having a new job that is quite sedintary(and boasts a huge candy dish on the front desk) I've put on about 5 pounds. I don't get as much "regular" exercise as I did before. For me, I have found that walking (brisk walking) has been the best exercise in the past and I need to start a daily routine of it again! We do walk into town and back every weekend, but once or twice isn't enough. I need to start my exercice routine every day. I'm so glad you made this post. It is encouraging me! So, tonight when I get home, I'll "hit the streets"! It's good to have accountability partners...so I'm so happy you're starting this. Thanks for the post, Debbie!

    Living for Him, Joan

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  5. Ah yes ... "discipline". It's such a worthy focus, but equally easy to relinquish when (as you say) "life happens".

    How I eat and what I do to stay conditioned has a direct correlation to my spiritual life, and that has everything to do with my priorities. Some days my life pings on all cylinders; and other days it just pings. That's when a piece of pizza is my inspiration. :)

    I applaud your goal-setting! May it become a treasured part of your day, and result in a satisfaction that's infectious.

    Hugs,
    Kathleen

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  6. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Thanks for the inperation to exercise. I need that.
    I am now following you and I took your button.

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  7. Debbie good for you and your new exercise regime. That is wonderful!
    I wish you much success.

    I have recently lost 48 pounds due to healthy eating and exercising. It really does feel great not to stress about buying new clothes again. What a relief to have my B/P back to normal as well. That is what jump started me to take control of it all last year. I'm feeling very grateful and blessed these days. I have many past posts about it on my blog if you would like to take a look.

    Have a blessed weekend.
    ~Melissa :)

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  8. Debbie!!! Oh, I've missed you so much! I hear you girlfriend. Let's do this thing together. Looking forward to reading your progress.

    Love you!!!!!
    Sandy

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  9. I was a gym fanatic for years, then got my equipment at home and thought I'd bypass gym time, etc. .....hmmmm....not quite the same workout! I don't want to get "out of hand" with all of it and yet it is important to me. So Debbie we are in this one together....you have your support group with your cronies out here and we do need each other's encouragement.... Yes!!! Nothing feels better than feeling GOOD!

    xxxxxx
    Carol Joy

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  10. I visited your friend Sandy's blog. Thank you for linking up to her. I would like to join in Fitness Friday but not sure where to begin? Help?

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  11. Working out has been pretty consist in my life for a little over 20 years (my husband was a bodybuilder and competed when I meet him)but then I turned 50. That was 2years ago and now I'm officially a part of the 'no shirt tucking in the pants club.'

    I remember thinking that I would always tuck in my shirt and I would never be like "them." Well, that attitude has changed!

    I try to get to the gym at least 4 times week but the belly isn't budging!

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  12. Oh Debbie,


    TIMELY message for me. You know the progress I had in 2007 into 2008 and then the hormones/early menopause and other things began and needless to say part of that weight crept back up and not from over eating. I will say that for me the weight I lost originally was primarily due to my consistency in working out 6 days per week. 5 minimum. For the last yr it hasn't been consistent and it's a battle.

    I recently got ahold of myself in the spirit realm and had a talk with Abba and HE is helping me but it's a long road which I've decided to just take one day at a time and not stress it. I won't take hormones, etc. so it's me and JESUS all the way to the finish line.

    I'm with you in this so let's encourage each other ok? Wish we can phone talk one day. Love ya sister!

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  13. I would love to be accountability partners sis, love you.

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  14. Starting back exercising again was one of my re-energizer post. I have to walk...it is a mental thing at this point. I seem to see the world better if I get out and walk. I walk about 45 minutes to an hour and started to combine some jogging. My husband has joined me just recently and it has been so good for him to de-stress.

    I am not loosing weight...haven't in years, after my pregnancy at age 45 and the stress we have walked under. I am sure my hormones hate me!! LOL

    At this time I am not worried about the weight just trying to stay on target with the walking....which has to be early now since we have hit double digits.
    I will be checking in to keep myself going.
    Thanks,
    Janette

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  15. Oh Debbie, your environment has definitely been different which can shake up a person.

    I am off track myself. You're right, without exercise my clothes are tighter ... harder to zip. Looking through the closet for outfits that look 'ok' is a pain. I'm with you.

    Thanks for the spur to get back on track.

    Love & blessings!
    Beth

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  16. I love your honesty, Debbie, and your vulnerability to now understand your readers' plight! As for me, I'm up to 10 lb. weights 3 x's a week and 150 stomach crunches every morning. Who am I kidding????? Truth is, I got over enthusiastic at Carrie's new apt. with her 14 stair staircase. So I limp (my right knee) and am still wearing my reliable Sporlastic knee brace since I got back to AZ. Do you think I have an excuse? I know you will tell me the truth.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  17. Well, it's been really hard these last few weeks, but I've been jogging since my college days, so it's kind of ingrained into me. I braved my new neighborhood yesterday for the first time; so darn hot, but seemingly safe! Thank you Lord. Like you, I want my clothes to fit and not be worried about it all. I've got some work to do, but I've been here before and am confident that I will come back around to a better "fit" all the way around, physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally.

    peace~elaine

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  18. I really, really need to get back into the habit. You are right, once you have a routine down, it will become like second nature; just like being in God's Word. The more you read His Word, the more you want to know. I think it is the same with exercise.

    Thank you for the 'kick in the pants' my friend. Need to find a route around the neighborhood.

    Love & peace,
    Iris

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  19. Thanks for the motivation! This post was timely for me as well. My fitness testimony is identical to yours! Gonna go get my tennys on! I'll be checking back in soon:)

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  20. Debbie,
    I love your story; I too need to get back into exercising again. I just found out that I have Sjogren's syndrome. And I am fatigued all the time and don’t want to exercise at all. I just had my yearly check-up and my Cholesterol has gone up to being high. I do eat right and don’t need to lose any weigh, but I do need to start back in exercising. To get my Cholesterol back down. I remember reading on face book that you are doing Fitness Friday “Getting back in Shape”. I was praying to the Lord this morning and remembered your blog on “Getting back in Shape”. So I have signed-up on the blog and I started my first day today exercising. I was on my tread mill for a half hour and did some floor exercises. Please keep-up blogging on this, that will keep us all motivated to keep going. Love you and miss seeing you and talking with you my sister.
    I am praying for you everyday

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  21. Sounds good to me.........(((HUGS)))

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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