Time to Work Out

Summer has officially ended for us. Unlike many, summer is the time when we (both of us) store up our fat, due to good food and drink. Thank God that time has ended. Now we have to get back into working out, slimming down, and eating healthy.

I don't like this whole getting out of shape (fat) thing. What is it with middle age?! I put on a pair of pants last Friday and could barely button them. When I -- finally -- did, my belly was all scrunched up like someone squeezed it with their hands. I was so mad that I threw the pants out. I got on the scale. How can this be? I have not gained weight but my clothes don't fit!!! Mike tells me he read that our bodies change shape as we age. Crap.

So, we've been hitting the exercise room and trying to watch our food intake. I wandered over to Self Magazine and found a good exercise plan. First I am supposed to pick a plan:

Step 1: Pick your plan

Sign up and choose one of the four goals below, then follow the customized exercise and eating guide for only four weeks. And, hey, once you've achieved your first goal, try a second one.

Drop 8 pounds this month

If you're feeling softer, rounder, jigglier or more padded than you'd like, consider this your no-fail, all-fun slim-down plan. Need to lose more? Simply stick with the get-lean routine longer.

Tone without cardio

Not a fan of cardio but want to look and feel firmer and fitter? On this 100 percent no-treadmill workout program, you can sculpt sexy curves in all the right places without logging a single snooze-inducing hour on any cardio contraption.

Finally lose the baby weight

Whether your babe's still in the bassinet or already running around the backyard, these fast, flexible, kidproof sweat sessions will help put you on track to your pre-baby-making shape by October 1.

Run 3 miles with ease

Envy the lean legs of your friendly (and sexy) neighborhood joggers? Hone your own while slashing your workout time in half. Running burns more than twice as many calories as walking!

None of these are precisely what I want, but  am going with "Drop 8 pounds this month."

Next, I will begin Step 2: completing an exercise log and food diary. Today will be my first entry for each.

Wish me luck!