Fit At 50

With spring approaching I have noticed more walkers, bike riders, joggers in my neighborhood, with winter finally at it's end we all want to get outside and shake off our cabin fever, but being active year round is ideal for one's overall health and well being, especially in my case where I'm approaching the half century mark on my next birthday. And I have high blood pressure, and I am am a borderline type 2 diabetic, staying active is crucial for me to keep myself in good health. I would like to share some of the tips that I have learned to keep my weight and my blood sugar under control, in the event that anyone who is reading this blog, and finds themselves in similar circumstances, might benefit. First the disclaimers:

Before starting any exercise or fitness program be sure to consult your physician, especially if you have not been physically active for a long time.

If you need nutritional advice, consult with your physician, and ask to be referred to a Dietitian, or a Nutritionist.

I have been a physically active person most of my lift, weight lifting when I was in my late teens, cycling, walking, martial arts. So when my doctor informed me that my blood sugar was high when I was 46 I didn't pay to much attention, know one in my family was a diabetic, and in my ignorance I thought that only overweight, people who were your classic coach potato came down with diabetes. So I continued to eat like I was still in my 20's. When I  went for my annual check up a few days later there was a message on my answering machine from my doctor that he wanted me to come back for a follow up visit. When he walked into the exam room I could tell from the look on his face that he was not going to tell me good news. He rear me the "riot act", telling me that I needed to loose some weight, and reduce my blood sugar, because at this point I was a borderline type 2 diabetic. The news hit me like a ton of bricks, with three children at home, all preteens I new I had to change my lifestyle.

After getting the "good news" from my doctor I sat down at home and thought how I was going to get myself back in shape. To make things more of a challenge I had to stop doing karate after partially tearing my ACL, and a good deal of cartilage in my right knee, I also had a variety of joint aches and pains from years of weight lifting, so I had to focus on what I could do. I began a regular program of walking, working out with medicine balls. I do a lot of exercises that involve isometrics, I stay away from lifting barbells or dumbbells, these aggravate my joint ailments. I cut down on my carb intake, breakfast has always been my worst meal for that. I eat more salads. In 4 years I have dropped almost 40 pounds. It has not been easy and there are times when I want to go on a chocolate binge, but I stay on my diet.

You just have to figure out what works for you and stick to it, if I can loose all this weight anyone can, you can fine more information on exercises products and weight loss at Fit At 50