Losing Weight and Thank "You's"
Over the past several years, I've lost around 100 lbs. There is a whole community people who have helped me. Credit cannot be given to one person or any one program or thing in particular. Though I don't always feel it, I am very fortunate and I'm very thankful for the things I have been given.

I give lots of credit to the following people (in no particular order): Dr. Bell- encouragement. Thanks for not telling me I still weigh too much for my height. Dan Spicer at the Prevention Park YMCA- Thanks for 4.5 have years of group fitness training classes. You got me started with the exercise craze that I' m currently in. Sherry Sebastian- Thanks for the FANTASTIC spin classes- the hardest cardio class I've ever taken. You're an A+ instructor. April Burton- Your "The Works" class is phenomenal. Your spin classes are equally as challenging. The following that you have in your classes is unbelievable. Thanks for listening to me, pushing me, and challenging me. You are a great friend and great person. Michelle Roberts- my friend and workout buddy at the YMCA. You, Michelle, are an inspiration to me and so many people at the YCMA and outside of the YMCA. You have lost your weight the right way- gradually and with a proper diet and exercise. Thank you for listening to me and encouraging me to see the positive. Julie Curtsinger- Julie's boot camp is fantastic. Thought I haven't lost TONS of weight I've seen so many changes in my body since starting boot camp about 12 weeks ago. I feel stronger and more lean (http://www.juliesbootcamp4u.com) Don't lost sight of why you started boot camp. You have skills to help so many people. Last but not least- My Family. My sister Kelly Caldwell and my father, Jim King. You guys are the best! Though I can be a bit obsessive compuslive you have supported me through everything. I love you dearly!
For several years I refused to step on the scales (even at the dr.'s office). There's that whole if I don't know how fat I am then I'm really not as fat as deep down inside I know I am. My weight has a always been an issue for me. Though I was always "husky" as a child, I was also active (b-ball, softball, swimming, playing outside with friends from sunrise to sunset). I started putting on the weight when I started college and was not active. I don't have my exact weight at my biggest, but I know I was around a size 22 in pants.
I have lost and gained weight so many times over the years and I have been on many weight loss journeys. I've been on the weight loss journey that I am now on for about the past 8 years. Boy has it been a rough ride on a rocky road. I remember so clearly the day this journey began. I was living at home with my father and teaching first grade at Collins Lane Elementary. I came home from school like I always did and sat down in front of the t.v. with a Dr. Pepper (not diet) a Suzy Q Snack cake, and probably a bag of chips. As I was sitting on my large rear end, something clicked and I said Oh my God, I can't do this to myself anymore. I'm not sure why, but I got up immediately and put on a big baggy pair of sweatpants, a "humungo" sweatshirt, and tennis shoes.(When you are fat, you think the bigger and baggier your clothes are, the better. WRONG!!!) I walked down the East West Connector to the first stop light. On the way back up, I literally cried because I thought I was going to die and/or have a big fat heart attack. Guess what? I didn't die or have the big fat heart attack. I walked just about every day for a year. I walked when it was raining, I walked in the snow, I walked when it was 100 degrees. I walked, and walked, and walked. I was eventually walking, on good days, for 2-5 hours. When I scaled the walking back, I started taking some step aerobic classes at The Prevention Park YMCA. I eventually started taking Dan's group fitness training classes at the Prevention Park YMCA. I took GFT class for about 4.5 years.
On July 6, 2008, I had abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), a bi-lateral thigh lift, and brachioplasty. (8 hours worth of surgery) About 2 months after my surgery, with the encouragement of my friend, Michelle, I started taking spin classes at the YMCA. For about the first 6 months I hated it...incredibly hard and challenging. I can officially say that I am addicted to spin class. In fact I like spin so much that I decided to buy a road bike. I've had my bike about 2 years now though I've only been riding it, riding it for about a year. Though I am VERY slow, I absolutely love riding outside. Thanks to Troy and the guys at Capital City Cycles. If you are interested in purchasing a bike, check them out. They are fair, honest, and they know their bikes. Check out their site: http://www.capitalcitycyclesweb.com/Home_Page.php I highly recommend them to anyone considering purchasing a bike.

Last January, the YMCA had a team 12-week weight loss challenge. The parent of one of my students, Julie Curtsinger, was our team coach. The 12 weeks were phenomenal. With Julie's encouragement and coaching I dropped a few pounds. Julie really worked with our team on the importance of nourishing our bodies properely and the importance of eating properly. I really got the feeling that she cared and that her heart was in it. When Julie decided to start a boot camp, I decided that it was time or a change. I quit taking GFT classes and started boot camp classes. As part of her boot camp she started an 8-week weight loss challenge. I am in the middle of the 2nd 8-week weight loss challenge now. Though I haven't lost a lot of weight, I have lost inches. I feel stronger and more toned. (I love the whole team/group aspect of your weight loss challenge.)

I am now at a crossroads with my whole exercise routine. I'm not ready to do it on my own, but I also have to do what's affordable for me and is not going to make me go more into debt than I currently am.

I will make no decision until My Ride to Conquer Cancer is over.

by Julia King on Sat, Sep 19, 2009 @ 11:08 AM

 Permanent Link   No Comments