Healthies Member Spotlight: Ramona W.

I got the pedometer in January last year because I wanted the joining incentive my company was offering.  I thought the idea of walking for exercise was a good one, and I thought having a pedometer would provide some motivation for me. Little did I realize just how *much* motivation it would provide for a nerd like me who has some obsessive/compulsive tendencies. 

I started wearing the pedometer pretty much every day, but didn’t put any effort into increasing the number of steps that I walked. The first few months I averaged around 4,000 steps a day. I read on the Virgin Healthmiles website that 7000 steps a day equals ‘enough’ exercise, so I set a goal for myself of 7,500 steps a day.  Then a new fitness instructor started working at the on-site fitness center at work. She started a daily 15 minute exercise class, and I started going to that almost every day. 

After just a couple of months, I noticed a small but very satisfying change. I have a two year old grandson, who has two speeds—on and off. Visiting him is like getting a full body workout at the gym. At the end of a day with him, I would be utterly exhausted.  But, after just a couple of months of 7,500 steps a day and a 15 minute exercise class 4-5 days a week, I realized that I wasn’t quite so tired after spending a day with him.

Then my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In researching what kind of eating plan would be beneficial for him, I started making changes to our diet. I have found an eating plan that works for us, is healthy, and in conjunction with getting my steps and going to exercise class, I’m losing weight. It’s not real fast, but I know that I’m making life long changes (I’m not just trying to get into ‘that’ dress next week) so slow is okay.

While on vacation last year, the resort where we stayed offered a hike one day. In the past I wouldn’t have even considered it, but this time I signed up for it as soon as I learned about it. I was a little concerned about whether I would make it the entire way or not, but the leader assured me that I could turn around at any point that I chose. I made it all the way to the top and back. The leader told me afterward that less than 50% of the people he takes on that hike make it the whole way. Not too bad for a 52 year old woman who has only recently chosen to become more active!

Now my daily goal is 8,000 steps, and I have several ‘tricks’ that help me achieve that goal. 

• I take the long way around to go to the restroom or the printer at work: (approx 200 steps each trip).
• I usually take one walk to the other end of the building and back each day: (approx 600 steps).
• I park a little farther away from the building than I have to: (I haven’t looked to see how many steps that is).
• When I’m at the grocery store, even though I shop mostly the perimeter of the store, I walk every single aisle: (approx 2000 steps).
• When I’m waiting in line to check out at the grocery store, I walk in place: # of steps varies based on how long I have to wait. (On a related note, I often wonder if other people in line think I’m doing the “potty dance” when I’m walking in place). 
• I walk in place while watching television in the evening: (whatever it takes me at the end of my day to get to 8,000 steps).

Watching those HealthMiles accumulate is something I really like to see. Even if I don’t see results elsewhere in my body as quickly as I would like, I know when I look at the healthmiles I am doing good things for my body. I also like entering my data (weight, blood pressure, and % body fat) each month just to see those numbers slowly going down.

I get HealthMiles for loading my data, participating in challenges, and achieving certain goals, and the nerdy satisfaction of seeing the numbers. Like I said, a pedometer and the Virgin Health Miles website are great tools for a nerd with some obsessive/compulsive tendencies. 

 

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Comments

[Leanne McCormack]

I recognized that summit immediately - it's the Bump and Grind Trail in Rancho Mirage/Palm Desert. It's an awesome hike! I have climbed that trail more than a dozen times and it is never easy. Good for you - keep going.

[eliannaj]

I really appreciate how you elaborated on how you work a few hundred extra steps in at a time. That's how to do it. I take the bus to work most days and will walk to the next bus stop if I have an extra 10 minutes -- we're talking about walking a few blocks, but, like you, I'm adding up to a better fitness level.

[Rhonda]

Good job Ramona! You are an excellent example for me as I want instant results and big ones at that. Thank you for reminding me the satisfaction that small changes add up and it doesn't have to happen overnight to be effective.

[Beverly Alles]

I am so very proud of you, Ramona! Little steps daily for a BIG result in your health!! God knew what you needed!!