Dreaming of Size 4 Pants

To say that working out (ie anything that requires me to break a sweat) is my nemesis is the understatement of the year.  I loathe it.  There have been so many times that I have thought about heading out for a jog or quick trip to the gym and ended up breaking into a cold sweat, while visions of dry heaving into the bushes made me panic.  Like I said, I loathe working out.

But it's now officially the spring of 2010, which means that summer is just around the corner.  And every woman in America knows that "summer" is followed by the two most dreaded words in the English language: "swimsuit season".  Every woman knows that summers are the greatest time of the year, and the worst time of the year.  It's the time that we grill out, play bocce ball on the lawn, and spend time with our friends and loved ones.  It's also the time that we weep inside when our skinny friends (the one's who's bodies we secretly covet) decide to go boating at the lake or lay by the pool.  I am one of those who weeps inside...or sometimes out loud.

But I'm working hard to make this year not a summer that I spend hiding in the air conditioning in sweats and baggy clothes.  I want to take back what I used to have: a life.  One of my favorite activities is boating all weekend with friends.  I love to swim at the pool and get tan and just enjoy being outside in the hot sun.  This is the year that I am going to wear a swimsuit. It's been 5 years since I've enjoyed the freedom, so I'm a little nervous.  But I am taking the steps necessary to make it happen.  I have been cutting out the junk food from my diet since November, went vegetarian 6 weeks ago, and now have an amazing trainer that I'm excited to meet at the gym 3 days a week.  (I still panic a little at the thought of the gym, but am learning to love it).  It's about being healthy, not just being thin.

So people (especially you ladies out there), I write this post for two reasons.
1.  Stay with me and track my progress with me!  It helps me to stay motivated and keep focused.  I have some amazing friends here in Nashville that are such an encouragement and motivation.  They help me not give up and fight to do whatever it takes.
2.  If you find yourself wanting to hide in the corner at the thought of a gym or swimsuit, know that you're not alone.  You're fears are normal.  Now it's time to reclaim your body and your life.  You are in control and can defy gravity if you choose.  And remember that it's not just about being in shape, it's about being healthy.

Here's to getting healthier and dreaming of size 4 pants!