The Low Cost of Weight Loss

YAY!  I’m down nearly 20 pounds since Election Day!  In the aftermath of the electoral process, following a good look in the mirror, I stepped on the scale.  Well, if I couldn’t control the economy, I reasoned, I could at least control my own weight.  Something had to be done.

I joined my local Curves for Women last June, during the “30 days for $30″ fitness study.  I lost 4 pounds, then gained it back during a particularly stressful autumn.  (That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.)  The monthly withdrawal from my account is around $36,  or about $1.20 per day.  Shocking!  “Couldn’t you just walk in your neighborhood for fitness?” you ask.  “Surely there must be less costly workouts.” 

Nah, not for me.  I realized that when I use (really work) the hydraulic circuit machines properly, there’s nothing better for me.  I enjoy walking, but not on my area’s crooked  sidewalks, and not with the weight loss success I’ve found now.  Sure, I bought a bike, helmet and lock a few years ago, but haven’t used them much.  And while the males in the family like for Mom to tag along on hikes and geocaches, it’s not a regular, total workout.

See, the value of something is different than its cost.  I get more in 30 minutes in a room full of other sweaty huffy-puffy women than in an hour and a half hiking dusty hills in the middle of summer with my three stinky guys.  In addition to my own personal workout, I’ve received advice on parenting from a professional, warnings on OTC meds from a pharmacist, and spiritual support from the pastor’s wife.  Plus, I’m two pants sizes smaller already, thank you very much.

I won’t rationalize the daily $1.20 by saying I’ll save that much off my food bill, or that it’s so close I’ll save that much in gas somehow.  Heck, I could eat $1.20 worth of celery sticks and fat free ranch dressing while sitting on my butt watching “The Biggest Loser.”  No, this is $1.20 that I choose to spend on my health and well-being, in a way that I know works best for me.  Twenty pounds is quite an accomplishment for this old gal.  And worth $1.20 each day.

This process has brought a new dimension to my lifestyle.  My eating patterns are different; my family’s eating patterns are the same, just a little healthier.  I’m up and at ‘em earlier in the day — my location opens at 6 a.m., and I’m there shortly after that, usually, these days.  It used to take me two hours and four cups of coffee to wake up; now it’s about half an hour of news and weather with one cup now, and one or two more cups doing chores later on.  I don’t crash in front of the TV at 7:30 p.m. anymore, and I’m crossing off my to-do lists more quickly.  It’s a bargain for me.

Fitness membership: $1.20/day.  Reduction in grocery budget: $10/week.  Five inches off my thighs: priceless.