I was a slow and pudgy kid most of my life, in college I developed a social anxiety of eating in public so I lost a bunch of weight. After college I met my would-be husband and we both loved food and cooking, and I gained a ton of weight.
I can't say there was a catalyst to getting in shape, it's been little things here and there. I knew when we got engaged I wanted to be healthier for him and us, so I started working out and eating better then. It took years to really get to where I am now, with the most success last year. I kind of just add new fitness/health things here and there and see what sticks.
My parents were both very active. In fact, my Mom taught aerobics the Friday before I was born and had to call out the following Monday because she went into labor with me! An active lifestyle was instilled on me at a young age.
I played sports growing up and played on a club team in college and then got a little lazy. I got into great shape before my wedding and then got lazy again. In 2009 I decided I wanted to be healthy and fit and I joined the H&F winter challenge on this board (anyone remember that? someone -maybe Shelby?- even created a badge for the challenge on TN) then I kept at it afterwards. I did P90X then I fell in love with running in 2010 and now love running and wish I could run more!
ETA: I think it's funny that I used to hate running, but it was a necessary evil in training for field hockey and soccer. I used to beat all the girls and most of the boys in the mile, but it's been a REALLY long time since I ran a 6:54 mile.
Post by jillybean222 on Jan 2, 2013 13:21:34 GMT -5
I was an active child - playing soccer year round until my early teens and a 3-season-athlete in high school. I quit all organized activities for awhile after HS and started running longer distances in my senior year in college (I was always a shorter distance but faster runner b/c I was an offensive player in soccer and a sprinter on the track team - we did a lot of speed-based stuff but rarely ran more than 3-5 miles). I have pretty much been active ever since - running/exercise is my mental health break (I am a SAHM to 3 little ladies 5 and under so I don't get much "me" time - when I do, I use it to exercise).
Post by starburst604 on Jan 2, 2013 13:43:46 GMT -5
I was active as a kid and teenager with gymnastics and dance. My mom always struggled with her weight so I was pretty determined never to go down that road as I approached adulthood. I first recall joining a gym when I was about 19 and have gone with varying consistency since then, but I've always enjoyed being active. About 3 years ago I started working with a trainer and running races, both of those really propelled me into the best shape I've ever been in, and instilled an even stronger desire to be fit for life.
I always played sports up til college, played one every season so I got used to working out every day. In college I started running more because it was free and outside. I continued to go to the gym however Id say it became more a part of my life my last year of grad school when I was a full time student writing a thesis working three part time jobs and single and all my friends were getting married. I realized then that I needed it for my mental health just as much. Two years ago I started group fitness and found a really supportive gym that has pushed me to try new things
My mom always encouraged outside activities like skiing, walks, etc. and growing up I did ballet, tap and jazz from preschool thru college, which was usually 2 days a week, until high school when it was 4. I did dance in college, but stopped when I graduated (um… so expensive!), and never found anything to replace it. Luckily I'm naturally thin, so I am actually smaller now… but I was in no way healthy.
I started running a couple of years ago because my legs and feet would go NUMB (as in all day long). My doctor didn't seem to think it was a big deal (WTF), but it improved with 3-4 mile daily runs. Also, my cholesterol was slightly high (the doctor again didn't think it was anything to pay attention to, but it freaked me out). I had to stop running after about 4 months due to horrific knee pain (again - no money to get MRIs, etc). I can run now every so often with knee support, but my main form of exercise now if core power yoga, which I do daily. It's an intense workout (over regular yoga that is), and has stopped the numbness (thank god). I also happen to LOVE it, so I will actually go because I want to, not because I "have to". I've since toned up big time and am so much happier with my body than I've ever been. Occasionally I'll take a spin class, and go for hikes/runs. I'm doing a 5k in February!
I started my H&F ways during grad school. I did not adjust well and stress/weight gain/eating bad eventually resulted in GI issues. I changed how I ate and started to work out and DH-then BF wrote a weight routine for me and I fell in love with lifting. I started to drop tons of weight and then tried yoga and fell in love with yoga. It was also the first time in my life I ever tried to run.
I grew up playing sports and was very althetic through high school. In college I wasn't on a team and really didn't like the gym. Poor eating habits and lack of regular exercise caused me to put on about 30 lbs! Somehow I discovered my LOVE of running. I lost all the weight and found my athletic passion again - even if I'm just competing against myself.
I wasn't an athlete growing up, and I weighed more at my daughter's first birthday party than right after she was born. I tried to be more active, but nothing ever stuck. After having my son in April, I realized it was now or never if I ever wanted to get the weight off. I started c25k at 9 weeks postpartum, and haven't looked back.
I was always on sports teams growing up and always outside running, biking, and swimming. My parents encouraged us to try everything, and my dad was always out there with us throwing a ball or jumping in the water. He was truly a great dad! Did track in HS and crew in college. Since college, I've always been active with running (the last 20 years) and triathlons (the last 17 years). Somehow though, my body has never gotten the message, and I always lean towards the not-so-lean body type. Grrrr. Frustrating, but what's life without challenges, right?