I have been fighting the battle of the bulge since I was in my 20's. I weighed 220 lbs when I graduated from high school and I maintained that weight, give or take a few pounds until age 35. Then my weight started creeping up.

The downside of weight gain in your 40's and 50's is higher blood pressure and glucose problems, not to mention decreased mobility etc.

Although I was working out...lifting weights and practicing martial arts...3rd degree blackbelt, it was not enough and I am not a dieter.

In early 2010 . I sustained a foot injury, and was forced to take a break from TaeKwon Do. I decided to visit the gym to fill the void. My goal was 120 visits to the gym in 2010. I have gone 119 times so far with four days remaining in the year, I will reach my goal tomorrow!

I use an elyptical trainer set at 50% resistance for 45 minutes. It took me awhile to be able to do that. I sweat like crazy every time. I plan to increase it to 60 minutes soon.

The result? I have only lost ten pounds, but my blood pressure is much better adn my clothes fit great! Granted, I weigh 260 lbs and I still have a belly, but I am limber and flexable. I am getting muscle tone.

My goal for 2011 is 200 workouts either at the gym, or long hikes or even some martial arts too.

My first quarter goal is another ten pounds. I will keep you posted on the air.

BEAR