Secrets of a Former Fat Girl by Lisa Delaney Read Free Book Online

this is all about building an exercise habit you can live with. It’s about changing your life for good, not just getting to some number on the scale. You are in this to become the kind of person for whom exercise is second nature. You’re not going to do it for three months, six months, a year, and then give it up.
    Even if you have dipped into more strenuous forms of exercise in the past, like I did before latching onto the gentler Jazzercise, it’s better to start with something that’s easy on your body, something you will more likely stay with and succeed at. Starting soft and slow will help you build that fitness habit every Former Fat Girl must have. And it will lay the physical groundwork for the more intense forms of fitness you may want to get into later. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, swimming, and stationary cycling are all low-impact exercises that give you a great workout but are easier on your body. You’ll still be burning calories and getting stronger, but you’re less likely to struggle or to overdo it and end up with an injury. I can tell you from personal experience how devastating it is to get all juiced up about an exercise program and then get smacked down by a sprained ankle, sore knee, or aching back. So-called overuse injuries—aches and pains from overdoing it—are some of the main reasons that women (and men) give up exercise altogether. All the more reason to take time to build up your strength and stamina.
    Dress for success.
    If you’re into it, go ahead and spring for a complete color-coordinated workout wardrobe. But if you’re like I was, the last thing you want to do is shop. Whatever you end up doing, though, make sure you invest some time and money in two key accessories: shoes and bras.
    Shoes were big for me, bunions and all, but a good pair of fitness shoes is essential even for women with sleek, perfect feet. Unless you’re involved in a zero-impact exercise, like swimming or yoga (which you do barefoot), the right shoes can make your entire workout easier on your body. Take the knees, for example. Achy knees are one of the plagues of beginning runners and walkers—especially women who take up the sport to try to lose weight. A good cushy-yet-supportive pair can help insulate your knees from some of the pounding. Many of the major shoe companies—New Balance, Saucony, Asics, and Rykä (which makes only women’s fitness shoes)—even offer walking and running models for “heavy” runners. You might want to start there if your sneakers tend to break down quickly. (Trust me, you’ll need them only in the beginning.)
    As for the bra issue, I recently read that the average cup size of the American woman is a D. Just another thing I’m way below average on: If they made a negative A, that would be me. But back in my bigger days, I had my share of breast tissue, so I can relate. Plus, I’ve talked with many women about the pain they feel in their chests, backs, and shoulders when they attempt even low-impact exercise like walking, and the frustration of finding a bra that will keep “the girls” tethered without feeling as if they’re in a straitjacket.
    The bouncing boob issue is another reason to start with a gentle, low-jiggle form of exercise. Even so, you’ll still need something to wear up top. The good news is that the fitness apparel industry is no longer ignoring women whose breasts are bigger than an eleven-year-old’s. You’ll get the best selection online (see the sidebar on Chapter 1 for details), but you’re better off trying on a few different styles to get a feel for what you like. Some major brands (such as Champion) offer sizes up to DD and are carried in major department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom. Innovations such as gel straps, contoured cups, and front closures can help you get a comfortable fit even for high-impact activities like