I'm a real member now.

So I finished my trial week at the gym, and joined for real on Saturday. Since my last post, I went to a step aerobics class on Thursday, swam (in the salt water pool!) on Friday, and went to an "intro to spinning" class on Saturday.

I used to bike, but that spinning class kicked my butt. And it was only 1/2 hour. Maybe by the time I'm ready for a 6 AM workout again, I'll be in good enough shape to handle it.

One thing I don't think I mentioned in my first post was that I started reading The Beck Diet Solution. At first I thought I'd be following it to the letter, but now I think I'll take the best stuff (for me) out of the information and leave the rest. Here's what I liked:

1. The list of reasons to shed the excess weight, and the concept of writing those reasons down so you can look at them on a regular basis.

2. The idea that it's okay to be hungry, and to not panic if you are feeling the physical discomfort of hunger. It's good to ride it out sometimes - food is accessible. Don't eat out of fear and avoidance of hunger.

3. Having someone for encouragement and accountability. (So far, that's where this site comes in. I haven't asked anyone specific to be my buddy yet.)

Tonight I'm planning on multi-step again. I hope the roads are okay. It's awesome to have such a short commute to everywhere.