As one year ends and another begins, many of us feel inspired to set new goals. These New Year resolutions often aim to improve health, relationships or personal growth. Yet, statistics reveal that 80% of people abandon their resolutions by mid-February. For this reason, I have hesitated to make resolutions—until a pivotal moment in my life prompted change.
A year before retiring, I decided to address my declining health. Over the years, weight gain, lethargy and hormonal changes from menopause had crept into my life. Despite trying to “watch my diet,” I reached a point where my health markers were alarming: I was statistically obese, pre-diabetic and reliant on blood pressure and cholesterol medication.
On my doctor’s recommendation, I visited a weight-loss clinic, which revealed troubling results and zero hormones in my system. I began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and kicked off with a strict three-week “green diet,” similar to keto. Sticking to the plan was difficult, but in little more than a month, I dropped 10 pounds. That victory sparked hope and determination.
The keto diet worked well for me. Cutting out sugar and carbs, I started walking daily and gradually introduced light exercise. My physician prescribed the smallest dose of Ozempic; fortunately, it was covered by my insurance plan – which isn’t the case for too many people. I took it for six months, then stopped after I reached my initial goal weight.
Speaking of which, it’s time to stop demonizing these weight-loss drugs. They are a game changer and life saver for many. So many chronic health problems start with obesity. The health insurance industry must acknowledge and reward their success. A very recent study noted that for the first time in decades the obesity rate in the U.S. has ticked down. That’s not an accident.
So, while I was thrilled with the achievement, I soon faced a new challenge: maintaining progress. As someone who had never enjoyed exercise and has basically considered myself lazy, joining a gym seemed daunting. Yet, in early 2024, I took the plunge with Planet Fitness. The affordable membership and comfortable environment gave me the courage to step inside.
A trainer introduced me to basic weightlifting exercises and equipment, focusing on strength training. To my surprise, I loved it. What began as a tentative two-day-a-week routine quickly evolved into five or six gym visits weekly. I’m officially a gym rat.
Over the past two years, I’ve learned that health is a journey, not a destination. It requires commitment and a willingness to evolve. I am a work in progress and will be the rest of my life. My goals have shifted from weight loss to improving strength and bone health—especially important for aging women. Every day I work on gaining muscle and balance.
Weight training hasn’t made me bulky but has toned and defined my body and reduced my clothing size. And all those negative health markers are now gone. I have more energy and feel 20 years younger. While I wish I’d started in my 50s, I now see seniors in their 70s, 80s, and 90s thriving in the gym.
So, if getting fit and healthy is a goal for you in 2025, I highly recommend you do something just to get started. This was my path, but there many different paths to getting more fit and healthy. Talk to your physician. Watch workout videos to get new ideas, and change your life for the better.
If I can do it, you can too.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Cindy Allen 