Times of the Islands Winter 2018/19

I have just turned 50 and have always been active
with hiking and running, but as you get older the weight
can start to creep on and it’s often harder for older folks
to shift it. But take heed, excess weight is not just a vanity
issue—it can lead to health problems such as strokes,
diabetes and heart issues.
I decided to tackle this dilemma on all fronts and not
just “crash diet” to lose a few pounds. I undertook some
serious research that led me into the realms of weight
training, boxing, yoga, nutrition and the understanding
of hormones and their role in balancing our bodies.
Before and after
I decided to set out all the things I needed to change,
including:
DIET: I decided make subtle changes to my eating habits.
Out went white bread, bad carbs, candy, processed foods,
and most dairy products, and in came more vegetables,
good fats, seeds and nuts. I cut down on my intake of
meats (especially red meat) and immediately felt better
for it.
GYM: I wanted to keep toned up as I lost weight so
enrolled in the Wrightfully Fit gym on Providenciales
(www.wrightfullyfit.com). This had the cross section of
exercises I was looking for, including free weights, cardio
machines and boxing punch bags. I gleaned plenty of
advice from owner John Wright for the road ahead.
YOGA: I wanted to increase my flexibility. This not only
decreases the chance of injury, but yoga is a great way to
de-stress and it can give an enormous sense of well-being
and calm. I found the best place for all types of yoga at
any level of ability to be the Retreat Yoga and Wellness
Studio (www.retreattc.com) at Ports of Call plaza.
SWIMMING: This is the one sport that “does it all.” If you
can never run, get to a gym or go to an exercise class,
then 20 minutes of swimming a few times a week will
make a huge difference! Better still, you don’t need to be
an expert swimmer and it’s free!
HORMONAL IMBALANCE: Most people are only not aware
that any hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on the
body. From thyroid issues to insulin production, how we
feel (and look) are often a direct result of our natural
hormone production.
One aspect of the regime involved a variety of exercises and weight
training at Wrightfully Fit Gym in Providenciales.
Working out in the gym
I have frequented gyms on and off most of my life, so I
do feel comfortable in them and the machines and equipment
are second nature to me. However, for a beginner
they can be very daunting places to walk into. I appreci-
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