But I go to the gym! Why am I still fat?

Believe it or not I am a regular at the gym. Ive been going for 10 years. So why did I put on 40 lbs? Its a matter of how much you exercise vs how much you eat. But we ALL know that!

I had countless sessions with trainers during that time. However I was never willing to step on a scale or discuss my weight. I only allowed them to work with me on my workout routine.

I would go to the gym, do my 20 minutes of cardio, and another 20 minutes of weights, maybe a yoga class here or there or a swim. I also walked about 2 miles whenever I went to the Wild Animal Park. But I always carried granola bars with me to ward off even a hint of hunger. So by the time I got home, I had pretty much undone the calorie expenditure of the exercise.

Over the years I actually LIKED going to the gym. That has proved to be the saving grace.

When I was finally ready to look at myself honestly and assess my assets and liabilities, I had a wealth of knowledge about exercise and workout routines. I was able to use that knowledge to set up a routine for myself while I was lying in bed with a broken ankle. It's amazing what can be done with a little creativity.! The experience made me appreciate what permanently disabled people experience every day. Many people are able to rise above their disabilities and become athletes. I took my inspiration from them as I fashioned my routines.

Now, Im happy to say that I have increased the intensity and the amount of time I spend at the gym. I do intervals for 25 minutes on the cardio machines. Im going to work up to 30 minutes. I have read that intervals really increase the effectiveness of the routine. Intervals are 1-2 minutes of intense exercise followed by a less strenuous speed for 2 minutes.

Im incorporating a lot of the exercises I learned during my physical therapy sessions for my broken ankle. I have just started swimming again. I really feel that I got some great exercise when I get home from swimming. I add that to my normal gym routine.

I have lost 20 pounds in 3 1/2 months. My ankle is completely healed and I no longer need physical therapy. I walk without a limp. I often go hours without thinking about my ankle.

I credit my recovery to a great orthopedic surgeon and my desire to recover completely. It is really about the physical therapy.