A Lifetime of Fitness???

I looked back today at my blog postings that I did in 2009. This was at a time in my life as I worked toward the goal of losing weight, getting fit and competing in a body-building competition.

Nov 2006    

The end result was to go from a size 12-14 to 2-4, I lost roughly 10 dress sizes! I achieved my goal, to lose weight and get in shape. That journey took me three years to complete.  Now a year and a half later, although I still look and feel pretty good, I must admit that I am not in the shape I was in Oct 2009 (see below). I am happy to report that I did not gain it all back, I did gain some of it back.  My jeans have crept back to a size 6-8, and I have not been consistently hitting the gym.  As a business owner, 2010 required my full attention to focus on growing and nurturing the business. Now that we are well into 2011, and the business is fairly stable, I am thankful that I can again find the time and energy to get back to the gym consistently. The question becomes... how do I get motivated??                                                                                                                                                


I find it easier when I have a specific, measurable goal or deadline to work towards, or to look to someone who inspires me.  At some point in the last year and a half of inconsistent exercise, I did some research into the oldest female body builder and I discovered a whole new perspective in health and fitness that changed my entire outlook!  Yes, I had achieved a goal, but now the challenge becomes maintaining that goal.  In many ways it is easier to achieve a specific goal, but harder to keep it. Whether it be starting a business, a new relationship or losing weight and getting fit... getting it started is the easy part!

The woman who is now my inspiration, is Ernestine Sheppard.  She is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest female body builder.  She is 74 years old and looks incredible!  I can only hope to look as good at her age!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Ernestine Sheppard
Age: 74 years!

In order to look that good in 25 years, means that I need to live a healthy lifestyle now.  I remember when I first started my journey to fitness, my doctor asked me a key question: "Are you ready to change your lifestyle?". My response at the time was "yes!",  and as I reflect on what it means to have a lifetime of health and fitness, I find myself thinking about the same question again... "Am I REALLY ready to change my lifestyle?  My answer again is YES!   

So... off I go to the gym!