Be more active!

"Lose weight" is such an over-used phrase that it feels like it has lost it's meaning. America is the most obese country in the world--or at least it looks like it sometimes. The point is, everyone wants to lose weight, but not everyone follows through.

However, I don't need to lose weight, I just don't want to be the one panting when I go on a run with my dog. According to AARP's online BMI calculator, my BMI is 21.2 and completely within the normal healthy range. (Note: Don't take the results of this online test too seriously.) However, my workout-a-holic sister who regularly treadmills 4-5 miles at a time would argue that I am unhealthy even though I am slim.

I'll agree.

Case in point: 2006-2009 saw a lot of what I'll call "Sedentary Liz." Best case scenario: My ideal day would consist of morning yoga and afternoon kayaking with perhaps an evening bike ride thrown in there for good measure. (Obviously, in the best-case scenario I'd also be a millionaire with no need to hold a job.) Revised best case scenario: I'd love for yoga, kayaking and riding a bike to be a part of my normal routine.

Being "more active" means that I have to get off my butt and get out into the world. Exercise is not the activity, merely the by-product of whatever fun thing I'm doing. (I'd also like to "tighten it up.") Here we go!

46%

According to research done at the University of Scranton, only 46% of people keep their New Year's Resolutions. And it should come as no surprise that some version of "lose weight" is at the top of everyone's list.

Well, duh, people are lazy. They are also well-meaning and full of good intentions, but when the going gets tough, the tough get a cookie.


I forgot about making New Year's Resolutions until somewhere around January 2nd or 3rd. Meh. I can't even remember what my resolutions were from last year, but I'm guessing that I didn't keep them.

So, this year I decided to make resolutions that I have a chance of keeping. In order to do so, I decided that I had to set goals that were realistic for me. I don't like to work out and fitness buffs who wake up early to go to the gym before work baffle me, while women with Madonna arms intimidate me.

Step 1. Phrase my goals in friendly, attainable language.

Resolution #1. Be more active.
Resolution #2. Be more thankful for what you already have.

Step 2. Enlist someone to hold me accountable.

Enter, Cameron.