Accountability

Waaay back -- seven months ago -- when I had a different blog I wrote about how I had joined Curves. I announced my membership publicly so that I could be held accountable for my workouts and the progress or lack of progress I was making.

But then I chickened out. (on the public part)

I hate scales and measuring tapes and body fat measurers (I don't own any of them). I think they should be outlawed and anyone found in possession of them should be sent to Siberia or some other obscure place. Once a month I would get a gentle reminder that it is "Measuring Day" from the computer when I checked in. Once a month I would look furtively at the workers to make sure they didn't see the reminder and I would jump on the machines pretending that the room with the scales didn't exist.

You can hide, but eventually someone finds you.

In my case my conscience found me. I got the reminder again last Friday and that little nagging voice in the back of my head said, "You know, Michelle, what's the point of coming, sweating and working horrendous callouses into your hands if you don't know what's happening with your body?" (That's a long sentence to say to myself, but I think I needed a stern talking to.)

I got up this morning with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. I almost didn't go. (I have changed my workout schedule from afternoons to mornings.) But I knew I had to. Thankfully, when I got there, only one person was there and she was finishing up her workout. (I hate being weighed and measured when there's a slight possibility that someone could walk by. It's never happened, but you never know when it could!) I swallowed my fear and said to the worker/owner (really fast), "Ineedtoweighandmeasure."

A blank look was returned.

(Talking to myself again: "Michelle, GET OVER IT!!!) Big breath, "Good morning Nancy, I need to weigh and measure today."

A very chipper Nancy: "WELL COME ON BACK!!"

And, I DID IT!! The news is good. Since May (the last time I had a measuring tape near me) I have lost a total of 10 3/4 inches. Since March I have lost a total of 9.5 pounds.

I am now back to the weight/size I was when I first moved back to Idaho 10 years ago. (All these long winters have been hard.)

I know I still have a long way to go. It would be nice to lose 30 or 40 more pounds and several more inches, but I'll take it in small steps. I still love going to Curves and don't regret giving up my gym membership. I started their Curves Smart program and that has been WONDERFUL!! I have my own personal trainer that I can swear at and it doesn't care!!!

I just thought I should let you know. Accountability is a good thing.