Happy new You

It was this time last year that I signed up for the Discovery Channel National Body Challenge, determined to make some healthy changes. The 30-day Bally gym pass turned out to be the key for me.

Although I had signed up for the Body Challenge in '06 and '07, I never followed through with their recommendations. This time, someone at Bally called me to schedule an appointment. Well, I couldn't very well not show up.

I hadn't been to a gym in ages, so I just laughed when the guy told me I should be working out 5 or 6 days a week. If I got there twice I week I'd be happy. And that's where I started. Once a week with one of their trainers, Adam. For about 3 hours before every scheduled session, I would consider canceling. I ran through all the reasons I didn't want to go - it was too much trouble, I was tired, I didn't have time. I'd call Adam, thinking of some excuse, but somehow he would preempt me every time, and I'd end up going. And don't you know, I felt great afterward, every single time. Physically, I felt stronger and more fit, and mentally, I was proud of myself for sticking with the plan. I finally stopped thinking of canceling and started looking for a way to fit in some more exercise.

Finding the motivation to do a cardio workout was a new challenge. Again, the excuses - the aerobics classes aren't scheduled at a good time, I can't get up that early, I get bored on the treadmill. Again, a breakthrough moment. A friend of mine suggested doing something I enjoy (now there's a concept). Suddenly it seemed easy. Tennis is a great aerobic workout, and although I'm not very good at it, I love it. So I signed up for lessons. Once a week, then twice a week. Then a third day, for a group cardio tennis class.

Now, a year later, I've maintained a 40-pound weight loss, and I can't imagine not having physical activity on a regular basis. To make it even more fun, Adam has taken our workouts out of the gym and to the park. It's great to be outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and the breezes and watch the ducks and geese.

You can do it.

Just start with one step, one day.

We can compare notes next year.

Goodbye 2008

Will you miss this year?

Sometimes you feel a little wistful on New Year's Eve, and sometimes you're happy to see a year come to an end.

Things I won't miss from 2008:

Gas prices over $4 a gallon.
Negative campaign ads.
Kids bringing guns to school.
200 (or 300 or 400)-point drops on the market.
Stories about the alleged "battle" between Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie.
Nancy Grace exploiting the Caylee Anthony tragedy.


Things I'll treasure:

The Miami Dolphins' amazing team effort!
'Pushing Daisies' and 'Life On Mars', two wonderfully inventive t.v. shows.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer battling for the top spot in tennis.
Michael Phelps' record-setting Olympic performance.
Great new music - and lyrics - from Leona Lewis, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles and Coldplay.
Gloria Estefan and Alonzo Mourning's incredible charitable efforts for South Florida.
Kimba's scones (the girl can bake!).

Animal heroes.

Taking my Dad to see "Monty Python's Spamalot" at the Arsht Center.

Hugs.

Feeling hopeful again.

What will you remember most from 2008? What are you happy to say adios to?