"Give yourselves a round of applause…’cause you’re IN!” the coach at the BHIP orientation session congratulated us. I felt happy to be a part of something that I hope will change my life forever. I’ve been thinking about ways to improve my health for some time now. I’ve even explored alternative diets, such as vegan. I’ve enthusiastic about exercise, but after being away from the gym for a long while, it’s been tough getting back on the wagon. Well, my friends, I’ve just gotten back on and I’m a happy camper!
Day 1
My Song of the Day, which represents my emotions regarding my health and fitness journey: “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters. (“I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. I know I know I know I know I know I want!”)
In today’s workout, in addition to learning the basics of squats, my coach giving me the confidence to go lower to the ground than ever before — something I didn’t think possible for someone my age and body type. We performed the plank — in my opinion, way too many times. And we did something unusual: We learned good posture. Who knew that standing correctly could be so painful? A lifetime of sitting all day at a desk has led me to a lifetime of poor posture. Standing correctly showed me how incorrectly I’ve been standing. Muscles in my back, hips and thighs ached. The key lesson for today was “do it correctly.”
Today’s mission accomplished!
Day 2
Song of the Day: “Let’s Get Physical” by Olivia Newton-John, 1981 (“Let me hear your body talk.”)
I used to work out a lot. I’d run, do numerous fitness videos, step aerobics and more. Now I’m discovering that more is not always better. Yesterday we did a handful of moves at what I considered a slow pace, and I woke up this morning a bit sore — okay, a lot sore, from my tummy to my knees.
I like that fact that the people in my class are very committed. It’s motivating to see that we’re all in this together. Our coach is very informative and motivating. I’m so thrilled to be in this program that I’ve been telling all my coworkers, family, and others how great it is — I probably sound like a TV commercial.
What’s really exciting is that I actually look forward to getting up at 4 a.m. to get to class before work. Endorphins are great.
Day 3
Song of the Day: “I Want a New Drug,” by Huey Lewis and the News, 1983 (“I want a new drug. one that does what it should.”)
My drug: ibuprofen, pain relief.
But today is assessment day, a bittersweet occasion. The bitter part is having my stats in my face. Seeing my numbers — my blood pressure, weight, waste circumference, etc. — was in some ways greater torture than squats. I don’t like to face the truth about myself.
The sweet part of today is — no gym! I need a break. I tend to focus my time and energy on others, like most women do. This is a time to remind myself that I deserve to be healthy, happy and fit.
Day 4
Song of the Day: "Lean on Me,” by Club Nouveau. 1987. (“Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on… for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.”)
Support. I really appreciate the support I’ve been receiving over this past week — encouragement from my coworkers, fellow BHIPpers and my coaches. But my overwhelming support comes from my family, who gave me beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers for my “new beginning.” Yesterday I came home to find a jetted tub full to the top with bubble bath, Epsom salts for my aching muscles and the scent of an aromatherapy candle. Blissful!