Step Into Spring!

The calendar claims a new year begins on January 1, but the date should be changed to late March when spring begins and the world does indeed resemble something “new.” If we’re lucky, the snow has started to melt and the bitter cold is replaced by a cool breeze. Old Man Winter is notoriously stubborn, an ill-tempered guest who refuses to take the hint that it’s time to go, but go he must, and he'll take his snowstorms and bone chilling temperatures with him.

Unfortunately, some of us are unprepared for the change of season. We’re still in combat mode, stuck in the armor we acquired to protect ourselves from winter’s brutal blasts. After hanging up our winter coats, we may be horrified to notice that the cumbersome clothing concealed our physiques from potential admirers, but were also hidden from
ourselves.

All those days spent indoors, hibernating in front of the TV or computer screen, have left some of us fat and flabby, in no shape for the time of year when, we are told, “a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love.” Our thoughts may turn to love, but our bloated bodies may prevent us from turning those thoughts into action.

What to do? What to do?

Being neither a dietitian nor a fitness trainer, I won't recommend any diets or workout measures that are best discussed beforehand with a physician, but there are steps all of us can take that don't require professional guidance. These suggestions fall under the heading of common sense. They won't cost you a penny, and some of them may even save you a few.

If the IRS hasn't left us destitute, rising gas prices may finish the ransacking of our finances that Uncle Sam started. Some of us live in areas, both urban and rural, where travel of any sort is impossible without a car or at least access to public transportation. But for too many people, a car is a crutch that encourages laziness and a sedentary lifestyle. Do we really need to drive the two or three blocks to the convenience store to buy moisturizer?

Put away the car keys. Walk whenever and wherever you can. It’s good exercise, and it’s economical. There’s no tank to refill, less potential of being involved in a collision, and fewer unhealthy temptations. Those drive-thru windows at the fast food restaurants make it so easy to get a quick bite to eat. Passing the local McDonalds on foot may pose a temptation, as well, but you can start burning off the calories immediately rather than let the burger get comfy in your stomach while you’re stuck in traffic. By walking, you can reduce the number you see on your bathroom scale, and the money you save on gas can raise the number on your bank statement.

Walking has other advantages. How many times have you caught the eye of a handsome hunk behind the wheel of his car and lamented that you were separated by all that steel and glass? If you pass him on the street, you may actually have an opportunity to talk to him. A ship that would have otherwise passed in the night may soon be walking with you and holding your hand.

When you exercise, stay away from the mirror. It’s tempting to gaze at our reflections when inflicting torture on our bodies. It’s as if we think we'll actually see those pounds disappear and our flab being carved into rock. Results will come, but you'll only notice them with time, so ignore any narcissistic tendencies by putting away the mirror.

Consider doing those knee bends in front of a poster of your favorite hunk. The sight of a gorgeous stud with a well-toned body to die for can feed your insecurities if we compare his physical perfection with our own lack of same, but he can also be inspiring. Instead of measuring yourself against him, think of him as the beautiful boy you aspire to meet. Think of all that physical exertion as a form of lovemaking. You’re doing it for him, to win his admiration and love.

Is there a better motivator than that?

 Back to Alt. Lifestyles

View Readers' Responses
Find out what others thought about this article