1/18/13

Curves Ahead


Okay, so here I am to whine about how my decision to eat whatever I want and not exercise has not resulted in any weight loss or change to my body type or size in jeans What. So. Ever.  I just don't get it.

Actually, sadly, I do get it.  As I keep saying time and time again, it makes no sense to commit to exercise and weight loss if one does absolutely nothing to follow through on said commitment.  Shall I say it again?

So here's what's different this time.  Possibly nothing, but a gal can hope, right?

Just after Christmas my health insurance company kindly sent me a little package in the mail that included a sort of credit card looking thing that purported to be a free pass to four different gyms in my local area.  I looked all over the card and the information that came with it looking for the catch.  The program is called "Silver Sneakers",



and, let me tell you, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.  



No.  The truck I fell off of was the exercise band wagon.  Who do they think they're kidding?  But I looked all over the Silver Sneakers website and I couldn't find anything that said there was any cost to me.  Amazing!



Apparently, there are many health plans offering this benefit coast to coast.  In fact, you could have this same benefit and not even know it!  I've had it with my health insurance company all along, and this is the first I've learned of it.  It seems that the health insurance companies have been studying the program and have determined that paying for folks to exercise is improving health and reducing injuries in their members.  HALLELUJAH!!  Common sense reigns!  Release the balloons!


So one of the gyms I can use is my closest Curves, and today I checked into it.  Indeed, it is completely free for me to go and use their facility, and I can work out as much as I want to.  I kept asking and asking, every time she told me something, I kept asking "How much will that cost me?"  Free.  Every stinking thing was free.  They aren't making it easy for me to avoid joining in, are they?

Well, of course, then we came to the "Curves Complete" diet plan.  That part is not free.  Nevertheless, I'm getting a reduced cost to join in.  So I made a six month commitment to their Curves Complete diet plan.  For that, I get access to their website, meal plans, and coaching once per week.  I think this might actually be something I can stick to.  When I left, I had a box of goodies, including a water bottle, a pedometer and my handy-dandy membership tag that I'll swipe each time I go to work out.


Cool, huh?

So.  I've gone and put my money were my ample mouth is.  And I'm actually kind of excited to get started now.  I'm going to go work out for the first time on Tuesday.  Then a week from Monday, I'll start the meal plan.  (I'm waiting the extra week because I was on my way to the grocery store after I met with the woman at Curves today.  I'm not ready to make a new list and purchase the right foods to start the plan yet.)    

While I was sitting with her, I realized how much I really don't want to go swimming when the weather is so cold out.  It's just too hard to maintain my resolve when I look outside and see snow or frost.  The pool is heated, but then, so is my sewing room.  We'll see, but I'm feeling optimistic that I can do it this time.

Before I end though, I wanted to share a video I watched this morning that I thought was fascinating.  I have a YouTube subscription to a set of videos called AsapSCIENCE.  They're videos of someone drawing on a white board and narrating about some interesting topic.  They're informative and quite fun to watch.  The one that came today was entitled "The Scientific Power of Thought".  According to the video, and without going into a lot of detail, you can learn something or practice something just by thinking about it!  Not only that, but folks who just thought about exercising actually improved their strength without doing anything else!  Check it out:



So, while it's tempting to think I can lose weight and get healthier just by thinking about it, I'm going to stick with the Curves plan.  Even the video tells me that I won't do as well with thinking as I will with action.  Exercise aside, however, consider how you might just think about a free motion quilting motif without doing anything else and perhaps improve your chances of doing it the way you want to.  Something to ponder.

And want to see something amazing?  When I left home, the sunshine was positively dazzling.  But as is so often the case, we were above the clouds.  I drove down into my little town of Newberg, and eventually passed below the clouds into the fog and drizzle.  But then, when I came home, I was above the clouds again.  


This is one of my favorite things to see from where I live.  It looks as if you could step right out onto the clouds and walk across to the mountains you see in the distance.  (I wouldn't advise it, however.)

25 comments:

gpc said...

Good for you! I hate to be one of those annoying people, but here goes anyway -- when I decided that I was going to have the Best Year Ever, I started stopping at a local indoor track every day to walk a mile. 9 1/2 laps. And I knew I would hate it. But it turns out that I have this great playlist on my phone that I've collected over the years, and I NEVER listen to it except during my walking time, and I love it, often going extra laps just to finish a song. And, without making any intentional eating changes (but making a lot of them sort of accidentally) I've lost 10 pounds. AND I am having the Best Year Ever. So I know you are going to be thrilled with yourself for making this beginning!

WoolenSails said...

I love that view, could just sit and stare for hours, lol.
I am not good with diets, I eat when I am hungry, lol.
I am bad in the winter,too cold and lately too much rain, but this weekend will be over the freezing mark, so hoping I can get out for a short walk.

Debbie

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

My mom goes to silver sneakers, yoga, and zumba all through the Y as a benefit of her insurance. I laugh because Ive seen the others in her SS class who look so old unlike her. But she is some one who has to be active. Good luck and have fun with it.

“Old World Goodies” said...

Congrats ....and what a view, love it,...

Quilting Babcia said...

I wish our health insurance plan had that! Would I use it? Hard to say, since it's a 25 mile round trip to town. If I had your view, I'd probably never leave home!

Larissa said...

Sounds like you've got a good plan there girl!!! I, myself, am starting off with Jillian Michael's Body Revolution system on Monday! The first week is going to be brutal ... but I'm determined to see it through!! Plus I have a girlfriend who's going to do it along with me, so that's even better - we worked out most days for 7 weeks last year until she had to deal with house moving issues and then the end of year came up ... I'm guessing you're looking forward to being a shadow of your 'former' self as I am?!!

... Your view is *GORGEOUS*!!! I can understand why someone would want to live there ... even *if* you have to contend with the snow!!! Hugs!

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

I have been thinking about joining Curves. I need to check my insurance and see if I have this plan!

Lynne said...

What an absolutely gorgeous view! Good luck with your new gym membership!

Celtic Thistle said...

Stunning view Barbara, enjoy your Curves classes we will be seeing a lot less of you in the near future I am sure!

Catherine said...

Good for you! Silver Sneakers is a great program.

Dana Gaffney said...

Wow, nice deal, I hope it's fun too. That picture is amazing, it looks like snow but fluffier. That's one to for the next photo contest you enter.

Diane Wild said...

Yup. Silver Sneakers has kept me walking every day this winter with no fear of frostbite or slipping on the ice. Plus, the benefit of machines for upper body workout. I love it. Even our little town that doesn't even have a drug store has a Snap Fitness. Good for you..go girl.

Kate said...

Good luck with your new plan.

Beautiful view!

Vicki W said...

That photo is spectacular. I'd also have trouble leaving home if that were my view! But going into town will make you appreciate it all the more when you return all sweaty and feeling great!

Anonymous said...

DH and I got a notice from our insurance co. just after the New Year telling us the same thing: there are several facilities that are free for our use.....the only drawback is that the closest one is almost 30 miles away! We have an exercise place in our little town that is patterned after Curves but that is not included and is still 5 miles away. Just have to get going and do what I know I should be doing!! Your cloud photo could have been taken as we leave the top of our ridge when we go to town. I feel the same way, you could almost walk out on top....beautiful! Hugs, Doreen

Donana said...

What an amazing picture. That is the most beautiful picture ever!

Lou said...

What a spectacular view you have!!!!

Nikita said...

That is absolutely breath taking... I could stare at that all day...magical.

Pattilou said...

Funny--just got my silver sneakers card in the mail yesterday. There was a mix up in my insurance, so before I even got my card I could take my number to my Swimming Center (that also has gym features) and I went to my class free! This will save me about $25 a month for my swimming aerobics class! Enjoy your exercise!

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Way to go! I have to say every time I read about you going to swim I shudder... the only time I love to swim is on a hot day to cool off! Since I live on a lake I do that often. A little gardening, a swim, rinse & repeat.

You CAN do it! Starting a new habit is hard but keep at it...

Rachel said...

Awesome!! I am here cheering you on :-) (and going to call the health insurance company...LOL)

Snoodles said...

You go, girl!! Keep up the good work! I'm cheering for you!

Lee said...

Are there any properties for sale near you? Yeah, in my dreams. Maybe if I think about it hard enough, lol. Thinking about specific quilting designs over and over works as a memory thing I would think - kind of like muscle memory when you're physically FMQing - makes sense to me anyway. Have a wonderful day.

Teresa in Music City said...

Good for you Barbara! My mom did Curves for several years and loved it. I have one near me but the place is small and a little claustrophobic to me. I don't blame you for not wanting to go swim in cold weather - I don't want to do anything in cold weather!

Your photo takes me to heaven in my mind - but I don't want to think about it too much as I'm afraid that might actually take me there! LOL!

Sarah said...

I used to g to curves, when I lived in a town that had one of the franchises. I really liked it. I can't say I lost any weight from it, BUT I did improve my cholesterol significantly, so there was health benefits. Good luck!