For a cogent discussion of the relationship between the two, see — surprise! — an interview with the glamorous Charlize Theron in the May issue of Elle magazine. She gained 35 pounds to play an exhausted new mother in “Tully,” and says “I had depression for the first time in my life shooting this film.” Isn’t… Continue reading Depression — that big black bear — and obesity
Category: Working out
Finally happened and sweet cherry-goat cheese-basil crostini
Well, at last. After six months or so of exercising 5 to 6 times a week, I went to the Y in a mood a few days ago. I was conscious of wanting an aerobic workout. Wanting as opposed to dreading or grudgingly slogging. And when I finished my 30 minutes on the open-stride elliptical,… Continue reading Finally happened and sweet cherry-goat cheese-basil crostini
Trying something new — yes, at your age — and venison Stroganoff
After I committed to spending five-six days a week at the Y at the end of last summer, people want to know if I feel just fabulous. No, but I don’t feel as bad, and at 72-1/2, that’s probably the same thing. My knees no longer hurt 24/7. I can hike briskly across a big… Continue reading Trying something new — yes, at your age — and venison Stroganoff
Why (inexpensive) workout clothes
Where do you get your workout clothes?” asked a friend who’s transformed her life with the loss of 45 pounds (so far). “Not your tutus, but the regular (normal) stuff.” I pick through the racks at thrift stores at least once a week. One of the bigger chains has started salvaging unsold workout duds from… Continue reading Why (inexpensive) workout clothes
Girls just want to have fun, #101daysagymrat
So on Day 101 at the Y I was 15 pounds lighter than 101 days previously, I co-taught a Silver Sneakers class and then went to a 60-minute kettle bell demonstration. All in my purple tutu with LED lights (3 speeds). Lessons learned: A tutu on big hips sticks straight out like a ruffle on… Continue reading Girls just want to have fun, #101daysagymrat
Day 70 of #101daysagymrat; 10 pounds in 10 weeks; me, too
Today is Day 70 of my intended 101 consecutive days at the YMCA. I’d allowed myself a day off every week (like Lent), and I’ve taken 4 of those in the 7 weeks (tornado warnings, illness and really rotten tired) so far. The shape of my body is slowly changing — I’ve lost a few… Continue reading Day 70 of #101daysagymrat; 10 pounds in 10 weeks; me, too
YMCA (hear the Village People roar)
“So how’s it going? Your hundred days at the gym or whatever?” It’s going. It’s #101daysagymrat and today is #27. I’ve done two spin classes and gone back in the pool for a deep-water aerobics session. I go to the Friday morning Silver Sneakers class with all the squats, and I hang around after church… Continue reading YMCA (hear the Village People roar)
On Being Arnold and Hilda’s Very Best Tomatoes
I hurt in places where I didn’t know I had places. Specifically, my triceps, my upper and lower abs. That’s from Pilates, and it actually feels kinda nice, when I shift in my seat, to be reminded that I made it all the way through a fairly brutal class yesterday.
The road not taken nearly often enough; build-a-breakfast
If you’ve never tried to get smaller or fitter, you don’t know what a challenge this is. Not a floating-in-the-Mediterranean-with-no-life-jackets challenge, but difficult. Not a drug or alcohol rehab challenge but difficult. The advantage I have over the re-habbers is that the harder I work, the better I feel. I don’t think that happens as… Continue reading The road not taken nearly often enough; build-a-breakfast
Commando in Wal-Mart; spatchcocking
Pride went-eth before the fall of my bloomers. Getting dressed for a Wal-Mart expedition, I decided to wear a sundress. I also decided to try smaller-sized underwear (almost 15 pounds gone at Weight Watchers). I never wear skirts and didn’t think that nothing would hold them up should the elastic roll floor-ward like a rubber band overstretched around a… Continue reading Commando in Wal-Mart; spatchcocking