Exercise helps her lose 100 pounds

I've always been on the heavy side, but never before did I weigh 217 pounds.

But I had a wake-up call. When I had my blood levels checked, my doctor said my sugar count had gone up in the pre-diabetic range. With severe diabetes in my family, he said I should start walking and watching my sugar and carbs.

The next day, on Feb. 1 last year, my husband, Elliott, and I rejoined the (Arthur M. Glick) JCC. We went right into the fitness center and started walking.

That first day, I did nine laps and I had to go rest for a while. I finished walking two miles. When I got home, I got sick and threw up. I had pushed myself too hard.

After a few months walking mostly indoors at the JCC, I started riding the recumbent bike. After that, I started on weight machines.

My friends also told me about a lifetime balance class at the YMCA, a 16-week course, once a week. Every week we learned something new about our eating habits. We had calorie counters so we could keep track every week of what we ate, at what time, the calories and fat grams. We turned them in each week to the trainers.

I still adhere to what I learned. I'm on a sugar-free diet, but once in a while I cheat. I stay away from fried things and watch fatty foods. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish, very little red meat.

I've lost about 100 pounds since January 2006. My blood sugar is down below 100 from 117, and my total cholesterol has gone down 40 points to 165. My body mass index is 19.5, which my doctor said is excellent.

I feel so much better. To be able to work out with other people who have the same goals is an incentive.

At age 65, I finally have some muscle tone. I'm able to be on my feet longer. I can go up and down the stairs at home without having to catch my breath.

Most of my clothes are size 6 -- I used to wear a 2X. That was fun, too, giving all my clothes away. Then halfway through, I had to buy new clothes again.

At first, after I exercised, I was tired. Now, I'm exhilarated. My walking pace has quickened, too.

I may not live any longer in years, but I'll be healthier during those years. I don't want to be old and decrepit.

taken from IndyStar.com