Hello Dear Reader,
Well, I should say, hello the reader who wrote this.
” Could you write a post about your epiphany, how you decided to lose weight and get fit and what were the first steps you took, along with other bits of Froogs wisdom, please please please pretty please ?”
I love new starts. I love the New Year, the new seasons, a new book, a new challenge, somewhere new and most of all I love a new day. The greatest thing about a new day is that yesterday is totally gone and we can all start again. I am at my best between six in the morning and midday! It all goes down hill after that BUT if it doesn’t go well, there’s alway another day (Thanks for that one Scarlet). I have lost weight before and got all the way down to almost a size 10 and bit by bit I ate all the weight back on. The weight did not creep on without my permission. I made it welcome and even though I didn’t want it, I made it comfy and kept on feeding it!
I had a personal, deep and very real self loathing of my entire body! I’ve always hated it! I hated every bit that droops, sags and wobbles. Fat is not a feminist issue, fat is the issue of a greedy human who just ate too much. I’ve never read fashion mags and couldn’t care less what anyone else looks like. I physically hate myself and have now declared war on my whiny, pitiful miserable self loathing and I’m not prepared to put up with the wobbles or sags anymore!
I’m 5’10” and far more suited to being an Amazonian warrior than a passive dainty and submissive waif. I will never simper, tousle my hair, lick my glossy come and get me lips. I’m a big, strong and healthy woman who birthed her children as easily as popping peas and got up and got the dinner on the table a few hours later. I may hate the sight of the bingo wings, saddle bags and roly poly thighs but I am not letting them stay any longer. I was never every going to get there by moaning, or talking about it………….I just had to do it. I know this all sounds very Dr Phil but I needed to put some verbs into my life!
Every drop of sweat, every stride on a pavement gets me closer and closer to having a lean, strong, long and muscular body. I like to work my legs the hardest as that’s where the most over fed areas of my body harbour past cakes, pies and pasta! I like to use the Myride bikes at the gym and set myself a mountain bike ride and push myself to the point that sweat is literally dripping off my tits! I like to get off and mop the floor where I have splashed sweat. In fact, the more I sweat and stink, the better I feel! I also like to push big weights around! I love the way my legs and push a ‘full stack’ on a leg press, I love the way I can squat 40kg and I love the way that every step down stairs after a really hard ‘leg’ session’ is a reminder of the tone and strength of those incredibly strong and powerful legs of mine.
Whilst I was over my happy weight and size, I beat myself up all the time and all it gave me was a headache! Now, I actually beat my body and it makes me feel incredibly positive about all the new tomorrows. We are spending slightly more on food and I am making the most of smaller but really healthy food. We deserve to be fit and well, we deserve to be well fed and we deserve to be happy.
I started the gym and a new year’s resolution. I love new resolutions. No one who makes them actually just falls off the wagon. The consciously stopped. They actually said, stuff the diet, stuff the exercise or stuff the money saving. It didn’t just happen that they opened their mouth and a Hobnob fell in, they walked to the shop, bought the stuff, opened the packet and then their mouths and they made it all happen. There are no reasons for not exercising, there are no reasons for eating too much or eating unhealthily and there are never any reasons to not live well and to make the most of our lives.
As a woman, I know all the excuses that I could use. I could make excuses that my husband doesn’t support me. I could make excuses that I have joint pain and IBS. I could make excuses that my family needs me. I could use the excuse that I don’t have time. All of those excuses made by anyone are the reasons you have personally chosen because you actually don’t want to do something and are not ballsy enough to just say……………actually, I’m just lazy. When I was over my ideal size and suffering from joint pain, I walked. I added hills and took them slowly to begin with.
I went to a gym! Me, who had decided that she couldn’t afford to spend any money on myself and as I’m frugal with my money and have to get my money’s worth…went every day! In the beginning, I walked on the treadmill and I graduated to walking on it set on a hill programme. I progresses to weights, interval training and after a few months of working indoors, set food outside for the first time to run. I hadn’t run in years and I had two massive fears……………wobbling and pissing myself! The secret is to stop and pee if I needed to and wear compression leggings………..nothing wobbles in them.
I would also like to point out the gyms and pavement pounders are full of people full of every shape and size. I often pass larger people running and every time I just wish I could run as fast as they can! I’ve gained an incredible respect and appreciation for anyone who works hard at anything. Getting a leaner and stronger body takes years. There are no quick fixes! It takes repetition, repetition and repetition and really hard work.
I’ve always known that when I was debt free, when I had reduced my mortgage and when I had plenty of savings that I would be able to afford to make different choices. I don’t buy many clothes, I’ve only recently been to a hairdresser and now my investment is in myself. I no longer loathe my body, infact I am incredibly proud of what it can do! I’m proud of the fact that it gets lycra on and gets out in the cold, gets sweaty and is improving my life chances!
I’m going to reveal my secret weapon! My biggest investment in my health was in getting professional help. I hire a personal trainer. It would be an understatement to say his expertise have changed my life. No shouting, no driving me on just the quiet affirmation that I am getting fitter and healthier with every step I take.
Paul Penrose (I have his number and he’s available in West Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall but he’s moving to London next year) is a triathalete and iron man who has competed for team GB and continues to train university teams, Plymouth tri-club and is a highly sought after personal trainer. Yes, it costs what it costs, but it’s cheaper than Lighter life and fraction of the price of the ruinous misery I was suffering when I hated myself!
Now lets get this straight! I’m not suggesting anyone does as I do. You need to find your own personal motivation. No one wants to hear their own whining or self pity any longer. I was sick of my own negative self talk and had to do something to make my own life better. Remember though, if you do nothing to improve your lot, it’s not fate - it’s your own choice!
On that note………….I’m off out for a run round the block!
p.s - it’s not too late to go out for a walk - set yourself a mile a day - that’s how I started!
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs
When I had my kids I was FAT. I decided it had to go so went from size22 to 12/14. I have stayed there pretty much ever since but it is a fight. It's not easy. In recent years I can't eat carb. In August I thought I would try some and ended up with a pretty bad stomach so now back to my way of eating. I'm almost 70 so you are getting the weight of your way. I know I to have to pay a bit more to eat they way I do but it is worth it. Keep up the good work.
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It really wasn't too late for a walk! As soon as I read your post for today I tied up my running shoes and went for a twenty minute walk/run. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Diolch yn fawr Froogs! Xxxxxxxxxxx from a fat but soon to be slim Natalie with hard work and determination
Love
Natalie xxxxxxxxxxx,
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Froogs, I completely agree with you that exercising and being proud of what your body can do does alter they way you perceive yourself and your body. I am by no means slim (size 16/18), but I exercise 4 or 5 times per week doing Zumba or Dance aerobics. I love it, I enjoy it, I miss it when I don't get to a class and I've met so many lovely people and we all have a great time doing it. If you don't fancy exercising on your own in the gym or running, consider group classes. The first time you visit it may be a bit scary but before long you're one of the regulars.
I haven't really lost weight for a few years now, but to be honest I don't really try. I'm pretty happy with how I am and I can more or less eat what I like without putting on weight, because I will work it off in a class. I am 47 and can dance and complete a class with as much energy as many girls 20 years younger. It makes me feel younger and healthier and happier and I would recommend regular exercise to anyone.
Froogs you are very inspirational to many people. I admire your tenacity and discipline and you are getting the results you deserve and that hard work brings. Investing in and looking after ourselves and our health is probably one of the most important things that we can do to enhance our lives and stay positive.
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Froogs, what an amazing inspirational post! Just what I needed to read today as I step back on the health and fitness wagon!
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Froogs what an amazing and inspirational post! Just what I needed to read today as I step back on the health and fitness wagon!!
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Like you I disliked my body. For years I had over eaten and under exercised. On New Year's Eve 2012 I made a promise to myself that I would change what I could. So on January 2nd I got up extra early and went for a run/walk and I thought I was going to die. I couldn't run for a minute near mind around the block.
But I set myself goals, a song, two songs etc before I knew it I was hooked. I made sure I got out everyday.
However my biggest motivation was my best friend. During those darkest days when I really didn't want to run I thought if him. At that time he was on his second tour of Afghanistan. My thought was if he can travel all that way, leave his family and friends to get shot at, I can drag my arse out if bed every morning and run around the block!!!
In May I completed my 1st 10km in Manchester. Next February I'm hoping to complete my 1st half marathon.
Yes I have lost weight (I don't actually know how much) but I have dropped from a size 20 in January to a size 12.
I still dislike some of my body, although there are now bits I actually like.
Small steps and something to focus on is all you need.
Running is a part of my life now, I wonder what I promise myself this new year?
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After reading your post yesterday I got off my arse dug out my trainers and went for a run. It was great! thank you for the inspiration.
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now go again, and again and again - it will get easier xx
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Kudos to you! one day - I hope to say that I ran 10K!
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you can do it and I will wave my pom poms and call 'go nikki!”
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good for you - I wish I had your motivation and energy xx
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you've made my day - just a few minutes a day, up and down the street or round the block - you will reap dividends xx
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With me it's not about looking better (although that is nice), it is about how I feel. If I practice yoga, go to the gym and I am generally active i feel so much better mentally - more able to cope with the stresses and strains of life. I use a very cheap gym though in a local school. Nothing fancy but it does the job. I don't manage every day like you Froogs - no idea how you fit it all in and I totally admire your determination and perseverance. Twice or three times a week is enough with a bit of yoga in between.
I am going to a sort of interview tomorrow at the local country club - I will be teaching a mini yoga session and if it goes well will hopefully earn a bit of extra cash teaching a class in the New Year. I should get all those people who have decided on a New Year's resolution!!
Jane (http://shoestringcottage.wordpress.com)
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My inspriation was a certain FQ who recently posted about food wastage and about how all we need to do is look down below our neck. It literally shocked me. Secondly it was a post by Gav (Greening of Gavin) about how to set and achieve goals. I immediately called the Dr/s and made multiple appointments for consultations, xrays, podiatrist, and soon i will be seeing a Foot Surgeon. Sadly the news isnt good and one foot need complete reconstruction - no running for me. BUT there will be a huge wait time before surgery and so i will be trying to lose as much as possible so that my recovery will be quicker and less painful. Thanks Froogs.
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Hi Froogs,
thanks for sharing all of that. I think it's not frugal NOT to invest in one's health. In the long run being unwell/fat/unfit cost much, much more than a personal trainer and healthy food. You go girl!
Madeleine.X
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Dear Froogs,
I've been reading your blog since 2011 when I first bought a house. My husband and I worked really hard to pay off a big chunk of the mortgage and hopefully soon I can afford to work part-time. Everyday I am really inspired and motivated by you, but often disappointed in my own efforts compared to yours. I would 100% say that reading your blog helped me stay on track with overpaying the mortgage the last 3 years. I'm incredibly inspired by your exercise regime and hope in another 2 years I can come back and say that I have made some significant health changes inspired you. I think you lead by example and your strongest message is: “get up and do it and keep trying, even if you fail many times, keep trying!!!”
Well, that’s how I read it; hope I haven’t put you on a pedestal
Kind Regards
Mariette
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Response to the dear reader who says they can't exercise during arthritis flare ups. NHS advice - in between flare up you can do any of the following- walk, swim, yoga, tai chi, gardening, stretching - look at their site for advice. It also advises that you keep moving and don't stay inactive for too long. The NHS advises all people of all ages to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day - there are plenty of gentle movements that can be made from a bed or a chair - plenty of advice online
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Thank you so much ! I really needed this. Everything is getting together in the house and around me, and now as you said I want to invest in myself. Weight has been creeping up on me (and as you said, I've let it) and now I'm thinking “Enough !”
I'll ponder on all you've written here and use it as a basis to find my own way of doing things. Thanks again and congrats on the amazing results (and motivating people at the same time).
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I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome several years ago following a nasty few months of glandular fever and stress. I rested for several years and the pain in my muscles and joints was unbelievable. I remember one morning getting out of bed and falling on the floor because my legs were so weak. Frightening. Best thing we did was to get a dog which made me go out walking every day. I started with short walks, then built up to much longer walks. The muscle pain improved significantly and I met more people, made friends, slept better at night and gradually improved. Well done Froogs, and why shouldn't you spend money on your health? It's a great investment and you've had so long not spending on yourself, that you definitely deserve to do this.
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Froogs - it's true, isn't it - a lot of people put their own health last out of a sense that they should put others first? But logically, that doesn't work! It's much harder to look after anyone else if you're sick or in pain, or tire too easily due to not looking after yourself properly.
As someone with an L4 prolapsed disc, and almost 20 years experience of pain management, I know that staying fit keeps the pain away. It was an absolute bind to then go and injure my knee a couple of months ago, but I just switched disciplines for a bit and tried more cycling instead of running. The alternative was to give in, get fat and let my mobility suffer. I'm still a bit of a cake addict, and a lazybones now my bus pass works on more buses, and the buses aren't getting into town until it's late and cold, so that's my battle for this winter. Like everything else, time management, self-discipline… anything's possible.
Trying to get better at cycling so maybe I can do a duathlon next year. Now you're breezing 5km runs, you'll manage your 10km no problem, I'm sure - I did my first 10 days ago.
I agree that investment in fitness is the best way to go. Those ready-portioned food diets may suit the very overweight who are struggling with self-control on portion sizing, but long-term you have to change the routines, habits and attitudes with which you approach food, fitness and health.
Good luck with your continuing goals, and thanks for the motivational butt-kick!
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I rarely comment on your blog, but I just wanted to say that I love it. When I see a post by you in my inbox I sit down to read it properly, and you are a huge inspiration. And you are right - I've been using the excuse of having a 3year old and a new baby - the time excuse. But in the summer I made time to go out running, so I could do it now. My journey starts today - I am going to make time today to go for a jog, and to kick my own bum into gear. Thank you for reminding me of how important I am too, just as important as my girls. I need to make time for me 🙂 xxx
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Thank you so much for writing this blog post. It has really inspired me. I am currently on the road to losing weight but I haven’t been doing much (or indeed any) exercise having read your blog post I know it is me that is stopping me from doing things. From achieving the goals I want to achieve and living the life I want to live. Thank you SO much!
I am going to print out this blog post and stick it up in my kitchen as a reminder that if I want to succeed it is down to me.
Thanks again, Gemma
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Thank you so much for writing this blog post. It has really inspired me. I am currently on the road to losing weight but I haven’t been doing much (or indeed any) exercise having read your blog post I know it is me that is stopping me from doing things. From achieving the goals I want to achieve and living the life I want to live. Thank you SO much!
I am going to print out this blog post and stick it up in my kitchen as a reminder that if I want to succeed it is down to me.
Thanks again, Gemma
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“Fat is not a feminist issue, fat is the issue of a greedy human who just ate too much.” - praise be to this line! Also, getting some verbs into my life has just become my new motto 🙂
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Froogs, I don't have arthritis but have pseudo-arthritis, and you are so right. I have episodes of a bad back. The episodes seem to be getting longer and worse as I age. I had an episode of 8 weeks this year. And this episode has really motivated me to do regular exercise.
My back seems to be getting worse and triggered by being increasingly sedentary, unfit as in without core strength and a little overweight. So I have changed many lifestyle factors. Avoiding pain is a great motivator!
Walking and stretches increase my mobility. And keep the pseudo-arthritis at bay. Strength exercises make my backside and core stronger which puts less stress on my back. Sitting less and with better posture when I do, helps. And I have cut bad fats and sugar products.
Sorry, long comment. But I feel strongly about the need to take care of ourselves rather than rely on drugs, surgery, doctors, physiotherapy etc I know not everyone can but I am also at risk for heart disease (mother has heart problems, I have a mummer, and my cholesterol is rising). And I don't want my future self saying, “Why the bloody hell didn't you live healthier?”
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I lead a beginners running group in my local area, following doing run leader training with Run England. To find a group near you just take a look on the Run England website - its fun & its free!
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You're an inspiration, you really are. I read recently that the new 'life begins at 40' is 'life begins at 54', well guess what I'm 54 next year.
I got fit and lean for my 50th year and somehow it all crept back (I must be nice to myself here … it really was comfort eating … losing two of our three parents in the space of 5 months knocked the stuffing out of us both). Now we are about to start a whole new life in a new country and it's time to get myself fit, really fit, and I've decided 2014 is going to be the year I do it.
After all you did it this year, I'm only a year behind if I get cracking soon.
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