Diva Taunia is reading “Powerful Hunger”www.powerfulhunger.com
WIN THE BOOK! Three winners will be chosen this Friday, February 22 around noon, PST to win your choice of a hard copy or Kindle edition. Here’s how to be entered into the raffle to win:
1) “LIKE” the Powerful Hunger Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/powerfulhunger
2) Leave a comment below on this blog and let us know what type of exercise you’re doing right now!
Today marks the first of hopefully many guest bloggers posts here on my blog. I’ve got some amazing people within the community who have graciously offered their writing abilities, and the first guest post is by Dagny Kight, author of “Powerful Hunger.” Dagny Kight has maintained a loss of 170lbs since WLS in 2005. In 2011 she earned trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine to work with others who dreaded exercise as much as she did. And now…drumroll please….our first guest blogger post!
WLS Post-Ops—Bringing Exercise into Your New Life: Part 1 of 3 – by Dagny Kight
When I was growing up, there were few things I hated more than gym class. The uniforms, the calisthenics, timed drills, and the worst—teams. Either I would be one of the last chosen or I’d be assigned to a team that didn’t want to be stuck with me. I was physically awkward and would be red-faced and hyperventilating with minimal exertion. If I could do anything to avoid gym class, I’d try it. Even when I was in college, I managed to use a technicality to weasel my way out of a required one credit physical education class.
As an adult, I was extremely sedentary. Like everything associated with my weight, I knew the time would come when there would have to be big changes including in my activity level. But it can all seem so daunting! When you think about exercise in terms of a lot of jumping around or standing on a treadmill for an hour, it can fill you with dread!
We’ve all heard the usual admonitions. Get moving, get healthy, and feel great! Burn the calories, burn the fat! No pain, no gain!
*groan*
In my mind, “Biggest Loser” constitutes more of a deterrent as we see new recruits to the ranch throwing up, passing out, and sustaining injuries as they’re made to endure brutal trials by fire in the gym. Motivating? NO. Equipment or DVDs you might buy can also introduce intimidating expectations into your life. Exercise should never be considered an ordeal you have to suffer through! Nor should you feel like you have to get your butt kicked! You’re not doing penance or “paying the price” for your past; you’re building a new lifestyle.
Nearly eight years after surgery, I have found my own perspective on physical activity. I believe the best way for any of us to take control of our weight, our bodies, and our lives is by shutting out the noise, rejecting all the marketing hype and “advice,” and getting the basic factual information we need to make our own best decisions. From that base, start with what you can do, to advance toward what you need and want to do. Create your own Square One and move along at your own pace.
Putting in lots of time and sweating buckets are not what’s important. As you prepare to introduce regular exercise into your new post-op life, consider these objectives.
1. Focus on establishing exercise as a regular habit. Consistency is what will get you results, even if you start very slow. There’s no time limit so don’t worry about it!
2. Building a new habit into your life will contribute to the overall lifestyle change you are beginning. The more changes you introduce into your new life, the easier it will be to leave those bad habits behind.
3. Exercise is a powerful means of connecting with your physical presence and developing body awareness. Feeling your body respond to regular exercise will be a transformative experience. As you feel limitations falling away and gain a sense of body mastery, you’ll be more accepting of your body as well.
4. Losing a lot of weight takes a long time. You have a long process ahead. Introducing exercise into your regular routine will make the process feel more active and less passive. You’ll feel more invested in the changes your body is experiencing.
Since I became a trainer, I’m asked what’s the best exercise for getting in shape and losing weight. There’s only one answer. The “best” exercise is the one you love to do and look forward to doing regularly!
In Part 2 of this series, I will provide you with basic information about your metabolism and cardiovascular system. With this knowledge, you can identify your own Square One and determine the exercise plan that will allow you to tune into your changing body.
Please be sure to visit the website at www.powerfulhunger.com
I’m swingin’ kettlebells. Oh wait, I’ve already got a copy of the book.
i liked and shared
lately here on the east coast shoveling is a big excercise lol
but really i like speed walking on the treadmill and weights for toning but i need to get back to the yoga i really loved yoga
What a great post & generous giveaway. Right now I am only 2 weeks post-op so I am not doing much exercise except walking up & down stairs really. I look forward to putting your tips in action once surgeon gives me the ok.
I am a big fan of elliptical (not doing it right now) as I leave my phone at home for better burn! I also liked pole dancing – but tweaked my back. The challenge I have is finding how much I can challenge myself – I want to do so much so quickly.. and I tend to over do.. and try to move like I don’t still have a lot of weight to lose. Terri
I liked the page! Thanks! Sounds like a great book!
I’m doing some walking and tae bo! : )
That’s awesome. To stay fit, I mix up some Wii fit…cause winter SUCKS and some regular gym work. Sometimes some of The Firm and P90X. Works well. Helps me stay AWAY from my High School weight.
I am 10 months post op RNY. I work out 4 dayser week at minimum and love love love ZUMBA! I have a YMCA membership and have found it so much fun to try the many cardio classes offered! I’ve been swimming and am also currently in the process of the couch to 5k plan!
I’m excited to see the final book – congrats, Dagny!
I’ve been shoveling and walking when it’s not too icy. I love going to dance class, but have missed the last few due to work. I need to get back pronto for a number of reasons!
I am doing Zumba and starting p90x back up!
Right now my biggest workout rourine is runnjng around the house every night with my 2 and 3 year old girls!!! Trying to add some elliptical time in also.