Why aren’t I losing more weight?

I am nearing the one-year anniversary of my journey to exercise more and lose weight. I started my exercise regimen last summer after coming to the realization that at forty-one years old, I was not in good health. I did not sleep well, I was anxious, could not walk or exercise for long periods of time without feeling exhausted, and a daily nap was an absolute necessity.

One year into my workout regimen

One year later, I am in better shape than I have been in since my twenties. I even bought a two-piece bathing suit this summer. I dropped eighteen pounds, which puts me at only fifteen pounds heavier than I was when I got married in 1991. I am feeling pretty good about my accomplishments, but the journey was not an easy one. I altered my exercise plan considerably after the first few months; I realized that I was not making much progress. My first exercise regimen consisted of exercising by myself, three times a week lifting weights and concentrating on specific body areas, such as “arms and shoulders” one day, “back and biceps” another day, and the third day of lifting weights consisted of a "legs" routine. I would also ride the stationary bike for at least thirty minutes two times a week.

Same workout routine as I did in my twenties

This routine worked for me when I was in my twenties, so I assumed it would work again in my forties. I was making progress, but not as quickly as I would have liked. After all, I was working really hard and had only lost five pounds. So, I decided to join in an aerobics class and loved it so much that I haven't stopped since. That was six months ago.

The schedule varies every day and can include different routines such as a step-class with one-pound weights, an exercise ball or dancing with a weight bar. After thirty or forty minutes of cardio, we usually move on to light weights with high repetitions. Afterwards, there is a lot of Pilate's and stretching. And the music is fun and fuels the excitement. What a difference a few months make. After six months of aerobics only two or three times a week, I have lost fifteen pounds and several inches off my waist. I have a shape that reminds me of my college years. Without sounding too conceited, I actually look good. My husband jokes that I look “stealth”. I am not sure what that means, but I think it is a compliment.

(By the way - this is not me. When choosing a picture, I thought this looked like a good example of someone in one of my aerobics classes.)

I am so excited with my new level of fitness that my enthusiasm actually feeds off itself – making me more motivated to go to more classes. But as I write this, my knee is throbbing from a step class today that pushed me to the limit a little too much. I am going to take the day off tomorrow and put ice on my knee.

Weight lifting still works

I still like the idea of working out with weights in the gym at my own pace, but attending an aerobics class helps me to push myself further and harder than I could on my own. If I miss a class, the next time I show up the other ladies politely say “We missed you on Monday.” I enjoy my new friends and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable. I can’t believe what great shape I am in for an old mom!

I have to remember that my new lifestyle is not something that I should rush into. I plan on taking it slow so I don’t get any injuries which could curtail my future workouts.

Results of twelve months of healthy living and exercising

The results of nearly twelve months of exercising (three times a week) are more than I had expected. I am much happier; I am a much better mother to my children, a better wife to my husband, and I have enough energy to volunteer, which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I have completely stopped drinking alcohol and I sleep extremely well at night. My mental attitude is better. I have rid my life of all negative influences, including people that do not have their hearts and minds in the right place. Case in point - as Dr. Phil says, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." All the people in my life that are negative and destructive were politely and quietly evaded. No point in having contact with people who are detrimental to my healthy lifestyle.

This video helped me to understand six months into my journey why I was not making the progress I wanted. I hope it helps anyone else that might be asking himself or herself the same question I did: “Why aren’t I losing more weight”.

Take a listen to this video that points out various reasons why people do not lose weight.