I used to be very active. I started swimming when I was four and began competing by the time I was five. Growing up, I often spent the entire summer at the pool: lessons in the morning, free swim in the afternoon, swim team practice in the evening.
In high school we often had two practices a day: two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon. In city college, I played water polo and joined the swim team. Once I got to the university, I wasn’t able to join the teams (some NCAA technicality) but I enrolled in swim fitness classes and swam two or three times a week.
Since I didn’t have reliable transportation, I usually caught the bus or walked everywhere I needed to go. I was athletic and had lots of energy.
Once I graduated college, I spent most of my time in the house and rarely ever exercised. I began living a sedentary life.
This year, I want to change that. No, no, it’s not a resolution, it’s a necessity.
For most of my life I have lived a relatively healthy lifestyle. And then suddenly I just stopped. Despite saying I wanted to work out and lose weight and be fit, I continued to do nothing to make those things happen. I made excuses: I only like swimming, I don’t like walking or running, I can’t afford a gym membership.
The time for excuses is over.
Starting this year, I’ve decided that I have to put my money where my mouth is. I’ve got someone willing to join me in my fitness quest and we’ve already made a plan for classes and activities to do together.
Baby steps right?
I think I’m on my way.