Theresa’s Take – Take 11 “Nobody Exercises in this Neighborhood”

A couple of weeks ago I took advantage of a rare occurrence – great weather in Rochester in the month of May.  I put on my workout gear, laced up my sneakers and hit the pavement. I do a combination power walk/jog throughout my northeast neighborhood some evenings. Too often the gift of gab interferes with my workout, and I stop to chat with neighbors, friends and strangers. I give health and wellness advice – wanted or unwanted. Many times people stop me, to encourage me to keep up the good work.

On this sun shiny evening, I was getting it in. I had picked up some speed was finally in the fat burning zone. I jogged past a young man no more than 10 years of age. He yelled out to me, “Hey lady, are you on probation?” I was puzzled by this question, as I couldn’t think of why he would ask me such a thing. I gave myself a once-over to see if anything in my appearance seemed alarming or probation-ish.  Finally it hit me, the kid thought I was running from the police.

As I continued with my workout, I came across some friends of my late father. I stopped to chat again. As we were reminiscing, another man joined in the conversation, alerting everyone that I was the police. Despite my denial of a career in law enforcement he insistently stated, “Don’t be fooled by her looks. She is the police. I’m telling you, she is the police because don’t nobody exercise in this neighborhood!”

In 1971 Marvin Gaye released the song “What’s Going On.” This social commentary ballot inspired by the Vietnam War included the lyrics,

“Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying,

Brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of us dying,

We’ve got to find a way to bring some understanding here today.

Come on talk to me, so you can see what’s going on.”

Forty years later Americans cannot wave the flag of victory on our deadliest war ever, OBESITY. The ill effects of poor eating habits and lack of exercise have mothers still crying and brothers still dying. What’s going on in the streets Rochester that exercise has become so foreign that yours truly is thought to be on probation, and accused of being the police for simply power walking and jogging? If nobody is exercising in your neighborhood, Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson wannabes, will you?

Theresa’s Take – Take 10 | “It’s Not Always About You”

How many times have you heard sayings such as, “What’s in it for me?” or “What have you done for me lately?”  I even have “GIVEMEME” on my license plate. For me, it means give me only what I deserve. However, many people have interpreted it as a badge of selfishness.

Over the past few months I have not been feeling well. Exhaustion had me jacked up physically and mentally. I’d come to realize that I’ve been living in survival mode. For years, I’ve been working sixty plus hours a week to clean up some poor financial decisions and to finance my daughter’s college education. She graduated, but that Parent Plus College Loan has eternal life. I’m going to update my will and leave the outstanding balance to my ex-husband.

I went through a very bitter divorce, the loss of both of my parents, and the death my precious catVernonwithin three years.  I finally decided to stop looking for the man in the red car that hit my cat. I’m sure that he couldn’t have known that he killed a small part of me when he tookVernon’s life and kept going. It was an accident. Had he stopped, I would have tearfully accepted an apology. I know that he kept going because he was more worried about himself than a silly cat, or even the person that loved him most, me.

In my life’s journey I’ve always had a drive for excellence. I have high standards and I strive to be the best at everything I do at all times. It is not uncommon to see me grocery shopping in a dress and heels. I don’t go anywhere without my Mary Kay, including the Y. Recently my family members have shared with me that my unrealistic standards and drive for excellence has often left them feeling inadequate or unable to measure up. Because I was so focused on self-actualization, obtaining more education, earning more money and getting a better body, I didn’t acknowledge their pain. I just kept driving.

I’m so thankful that they loved me enough to tell me that I needed to change. Today I’m in a much better place spiritually, mentally and physically. I still have my goals, but they are much more considerate of others. Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson Wannabes, as they say, “do you” but please consider others while on the road.

Theresa’s Take – Take 9 | “Stuck”

Have you ever found yourself stuck? Webster Dictionary defines stuck as “baffled, stumped, to remain in a place, situation or environment, glued, blocked, jammed, to hold fast, and unable to proceed”.

Truth be told, I have been stuck a time or two – stuck in bad relationships, stuck in unsatisfying jobs, stuck financially, and stuck with fitness. However, I must admit that 99% of the time when I’ve found myself stuck, it was because of poor decision-making on my part. Just like the day I got my truck stuck in a snow bank. I had just taken the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics, and became impatient after waiting almost an hour in a parking lot traffic jam. I got the bright idea that I would drive over a large snow bank to bypass all the traffic. As pictured below, the snow bank proved to be brighter and bigger than me.

Your probably wondering why I’m smiling in this picture. It’s because I’m never stuck for long! You don’t have to be either. Within 10 minutes, a group of kind souls hitched my truck to theirs and pulled me back to a straight way. We had a good laugh, and they promised to display this mishap on YouTube.

Are you stuck with your fitness goals? Is that last five pounds holding fast to your glutes? Are the first 50 pounds blocking the vision of a thinner you? Do you have so many fat rolls, you can’t see your toes? Did you eat the whole pack of Oreos again? Have you done 10,000 sit ups, and still don’t have a 6-pack? Do avoid the word exercise? If you are unable to proceed, jammed on your fitness journey, let the YMCA be your hitch to better health and wellness. Group exercise classes and/or joint personal training sessions offer the support and encouragement you may need from others in a similar jam, to help you move forward.

Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson Wannabes, getting stuck is an occurrence, staying stuck is a choice. Call (585) 546-5500 or visit www.rochesterymca.org to find a Y near you.

Take 8 – It’s My Birthday

It’s my Birthday and this year I got just what I wanted! There I stood in the crowded room admiring its shiny white paint with silver and black trim. The design was so sleek, I was surprised it could hold so much. Seemed as though half of Rochester was out, searching for it. Truth be told, star-studded advertisements really work. As I waited patiently for my turn, I took note of the smiles and frowns of the customers before me. This was a clear indication that their numbers were good or not so good. None of us was lucky enough to get it free from Oprah. In sheer delight that I wasn’t getting a lemon this time, I was almost too afraid to climb on. I was told this baby could go from 0-200 in two seconds. God forbid that should happen, somebody please stop me.

Bet you thought it was a car. The only thing I wanted for my 43rd birthday was a scale to register 155 pounds. The aforementioned scenario was a Weight Watchers weigh-in. For those of you keeping track, that’s 80 pounds off. Never thought I would be rocking a size six like this!

If your birthday wish is a number on the scale, a smaller dress size, to fit into the Superman Roller Coaster seat, or better health and wellness, consider joining the Y. The YMCA of Greater Rochester has been voted a leader in health and fitness programs, and has helped hundreds – if not thousands – of people just like me reach their wellness goals.

Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson Wannabes, a wish is just a wish without action. So, what are you going to do? BTW, I’m having cake, ice cream and Zumba!

Theresa’s Take – Take Six

Yes, I went to see Tyler Perry’s new movie “Colored Girls.” In fact I can’t wait to buy it on DVD, so that I may watch it over and over again.  In spite of the negative publicity, I most appreciate the underlying theme of personal responsibility. The characters played by my girl Janet Jackson, and Phylicia Rashad consistently reminded the audience that each of us have some responsibility in our owe fate. Our choices equal our consequences.

I’ve been a “Colored Girl” for nearly 43 years, so I’ve had some experience with the issues Tyler Perry presented in the movie.  When is comes to obesity related diseases, such as type II diabetes and heart disease, Colored Girls have poorer outcomes. The Office of Minority Health reports that Colored Girls are the largest group of obese and overweight people than any other group. Why is that, you ask?  It is my belief that Colored Girls tend to take care of everybody and everything else, before we address our own well-being.  Secondly, we can wear excess weight well. I know colored girls size 4-34 who simply look good.  Prime examples in the media include Oprah, who can rock a size 8 or size 28 with pizzazz and grace. Jenifer Hudson is sporting that size 6 like nobody’s business, but was still turning heads when she was a size 16. Look at our local celebrity Lynette Adams, who has trimmed down right in front of the camera. Full size Lynette was just as lovely as little Lynette. I have clothes in my closet ranging in size from 6-20.  I’m going to donate those clothes size 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 this week.

In the past, I had all kinds of excuses for not taking better care of myself. I didn’t have enough time, not enough money, couldn’t muster up enough energy, and I didn’t want to mess up my hair. When I finally made my personal health a priority, I found that I was better able to handle other family responsibilities.

Colored Girls, it is a new year! I know that you are all busy. I’m busy too. However, we can accept the statistics as they are, and continue to lead the pack in obesity, or we can accept the responsibility to change. I’m asking you to make your health a priority and help me blow    those statistics away. Should you choose to do nothing, remember Janet Jackson’s words in the movie, “don’t be sorry” for the choices you make.

If you are short on time, make exercising a family event.  The YMCA has programs for all ages. You can bring Daddy, your teens, Nana (Silver Sneakers) and the newborn.  There is even babysitting available. If you are short on money, the YMCA has financial assistance for memberships and programs. If you are short on energy, start working out. You will see an increase in your energy level. As for hair, I’ve tried wigs, braids and weave. My Remi-Goddess Yaki sewn-in weave has held up the best for working out, my professional life, as well as church and social events.

Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson wannabes, until next time, let your choices equate to better health for you and yours.

Our Blog, in review.

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads This blog is doing awesome!.

Crunchy numbers

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has 296 steps to reach the top. This blog was viewed about 1,000 times in 2010. If those were steps, it would have climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa 3 times

In 2010, there were 7 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 13 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 1mb. That’s about a picture per month.

The busiest day of the year was October 27th with 84 views. The most popular post that day was Theresa’s Take – “Biography”.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were rochesterymca.org, facebook.com, mail.yahoo.com, twitter.com, and linkedin.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for theresa bowick, ymca blog theresa bowick, theresa lou bowick, ymca rochester blog, and theresa bowick ymca blog.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Theresa’s Take – “Biography” October 2010
2 comments

2

Theresa’s Take – “A YMCA Member’s Blog on Personal Training” October 2010
1 comment and 1 Like on WordPress.com,

3

Theresa’s Take – “Take 2” October 2010
2 comments and 1 Like on WordPress.com,

4

About October 2010

5

Theresa’s Take – “The Third Take” November 2010

Theresa’s Take – Take #5

Look at me, Look at me

 I am changing, trying every way I can,

I am Changing, I’ll be better than I am

I’ll make a vow and nothings gonna stop me now.

 

I’m feeling the lyrics to this song performed by Jenifer Hudson in Dream Girls. I’ve been doing personal training now for six weeks, one day, and two hours, but who’s counting? I’m really changing; looking good, too. People are asking me, “What are you doing? Have you lost more weight?” Even had a marriage proposal! I just smile real big and say, “Brian.” No, he doesn’t come in pill form, but if you leave a comment, I will let you in on the hook-up. The results I’m seeing are too good not to share.

 

Brain says that he has two types of Personal Training clients. The ones that come to him for a little help, he works with them for few sessions and off they go on their own. Then there are the Theresa types who need more than that. I want Brian by my side every session to provide guidance and support.

 

Well, last week he cut the umbilical cord and had me complete one session with him and one on my own. I didn’t like it one bit. Although he had given me a detailed written workout plan, I felt lost. Didn’t he say, “Personal Training is about relationships?” I wanted him there! Whose gonna smirk when my voice reaches deep baritone grunts during my last repetition of dips. Who’s gonna talk muscles to me, and remind me to stretch my Gastrocnemius at the end of reverse leg curls. That’s it, Brian’s gonna be a permanent part of my family budget: Mortgage, RGE, hair, Brian, food, gas, cell phone, credit cards, cable, etc…In this economy I must prioritize. BTW, the YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need, so getting that 6-pack may be more affordable than you think!

 

The serenity prayer speaks of acceptance, wisdom and courage. I’ve accepted the fact that at 5’7, I’m too short to be a Victoria’s Secret model. I’m wise enough to know that my 2-pack is a result of the last six weeks of core work. I have the courage to continue on this path of fitness knowing that I will reach all my goals. I’m already 1/3 of the way on the abs. Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson Wannabes, nothing’s gonna stop me now!

Theresa’s Take – “Take 4”

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and you are probably wondering what a Recovering Buffet Queen eats on National All You Can Eat Day. Keep in mind that buffet lovers think in volume, worst case scenarios and collateral damage. The absolute worst I could do on any given day would be would be to consume a Big Mac every hour, on the hour for 24 hours straight, equating to 312 Weight Watchers points, 12,960 calories, or a 4 pound gain of two all beef patties special sauce, lettuce, cheese on a sesame seed bun, with a super sized order of Gas-X on the side. Since I won’t even come close to eating that much, I’ll be ok. The beauty of Weight Watchers is that I can eat whatever what I want in moderation.

Thanksgiving is a day that I enjoy with my family and friends.  Dinner follows the Annual Turkey Bowl, where the men and boys in the family play football. The women and girls do the cooking and praying that dinner is not delayed by the usual trip the emergency room for one of my brothers who keeps forgetting that his body and mind has not come to a consensus on his current football abilities. We will serve the traditional food, plus all the family favorites, turkey & dressing, collard greens with smoked neck bones, ham, yams, chitterlings, macaroni & cheese, raccoon with sweet potatoes, potato salad, rice and gravy, jelly cake, lemon pound cake and sweet potato pie.  My nephew Germaine always wants fried chicken, my other nephew, Dontae has once again requested BBQ ribs, so while my daughter and you all are basting Turkeys in the kitchen, I will be outside grilling my BBQ ribs that taste so good you want to eat the bones.

Yes, I’m going to exercise. The YMCA will be open from 8am-12 noon, offering a variety of  classes. I’ve tried them all. Boot Camp was a little intimidating at first. Anja the Instructor sports black army boots, tattoos and a buzz cut.  She puts us “recruits” at ease with her big smile, followed by a kick-butt workout. She teaches this crawling through the jungle move called the inchworm.  Zumba is a whole lot of fun. I just love a workout that let’s you get your grove on. Girls bring your curling iron, because your curls will “zoom bye bye!” The jury is still out on Active Yoga. My legs were not meant to rest on the back of my elbows upside down. Who knew riding a bike with no destination could be so energizing until I tried Cycle Reebok.  Pilates is my all time favorite. The camaraderie of the dawn patrol is unreal.  This crowd comes to Pilates at 6:15am three times a week, and they are sane!

Ladies, Gents and Janet Jackson Wannabes, it is only one day. No matter how good, bad or downright dreadful you rate your caloric intake; it will be over in exactly 24 hours, giving you and me a fresh start. Instead of fretting about food, enjoy yourself and be thankful for who you are and what you have. Happy Thanksgiving!

Theresa’s Take – “The Third Take”

There I was standing in front of the mirror in the weight room, “Lift your arms straight up,” were Brian’s instructions as he was guiding me through an overhead dumbbell press. Suddenly, a wave of fear came over me, as I could not remember when I had last shaved my armpits. I was thinking to myself, “I’m going to be so ashamed when these arms reach full extension and an afro is staring back at me!”  I sighed with relief when I saw only peach fuzz. It’s funny that no matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we exercise and make better food choices just to benefit our health, we must admit that there is a bit of vanity in our actions.  In general, we desire to find pleasure in our reflection in the mirror.

This armpit scare was not my first odd encounter with the mirror. As most of you have gathered by now, I’ve spent over 2/3 of my life obese. During those years I didn’t spend much time looking in the mirror. I knew I was fat, my friends knew , in fact until I reached  age 30 my dear Grandmother  tried to convenience me  that It was just baby fat, and that I would someday magically loose the weight. Society had confirmed that there was something extra about my being with the repetitive alphabet encoded on my clothing. There were the XXX on my t-shirts, the DDD on my brassieres, and the Queen+ on my hosiery. Needless to say I needed no further validation from the mirror.

Once I began to lose weight, and build confidence with my appearance, I became more comfortable with the mirror. One day at work, I was checking out my reflection in the mirror, when I noticed my collar bone for the first time in many years. I’ve studied anatomy, so I know that there are 206 bones in the human body. Nevertheless I did a double take, because I had not seen any of my bones in quite some time. They were all covered in soul food-nourished flesh. I touched the bone, and did what any rational professional that just made a major discovery would do. I ran through out my workplace, alerting anyone within a two-mile radius that I now have visible bones. Weight Watchers would define this bone finding as a non-scale victory.

 My Grandmother is now 93 years old and has Alzheimer’s disease. The disease has stolen her short term memory, so she often doesn’t recognize the new thinner, fit Theresa.  You may find this hard to believe, but when I’m with her I yearn for my old reflection in the mirror, boneless and 75 pounds heavier, to simply share a moment with the woman who fed and nurtured me with love.

Until next time, Ladies, Gents, and Janet Jackson wannabes, if you are not satisfied with your reflection in the mirror, consider personal training at the YMCA.  Now is the time to make that change!

Theresa’s Take – “Take 2”

Brian says, “Personal training is about relationships.” I value the connection to my Personal Trainer. As with any healthy relationship, there comes a time when the folks involved just don’t agree. Last week, I was spitfire mad at Brian. He left me a voice message canceling my workout session and I instantly went into a one-sided tirade with my Blackberry serving as Brian. “What is he thinking?” I yelled.  “Doesn’t he know I have goals?  He should, and isn’t that the reason I’m subjecting myself to this personal torture?  Does he care that I’ve got body parts that are going to droop across the state line into Pennsylvania?  How could he do this to me!” 

When I finally spoke to him two days later, he sounded so happy on the phone. He didn’t even know I was mad at him (and women really don’t like that).  He expressed excitement about kicking my workout into high gear and apologized that my previous training sessions were cancelled because he had taken sick. Boy, did I want to crawl under a rock. I remembered my grandmother’s words, “Tooth and tongue fall out sometimes, but girl, don’t cut your nose off to spite your face.” I was so glad that my Blackberry got the brunt of my selfish tirade and not Brian.

 Some folks are unaware that the C in YMCA stands for Christian. The Y seeks to place Christian principles into practice through its programs for the community to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  Although Brian is the Lead Personal Trainer at the Carlson Metro YMCA with a degree in physical education and health in addition to many exercise-related certifications, his greatest credential to me is that he is a Christian (i.e. demonstrating joy and humility) and this week, and he gave my spirit quite the workout!

I’m reminded this week to appreciate the relationships that I have in my life, and to keep my dreams and goals in perspective. I don’t want to be known by what I achieved (i.e. fabulous abs). I only want people to know that the four chambers of my heart have enough room for someone other than me. Until next session Ladies, Gents, and Janet Jackson wannabes, Brian and I survived and so will you!