Weight is a tricky subject for many people. However, we live in a time that requires us to pay close attention to our health due to a disease that targets overweight individuals. Before COVID-19, diabetes and heart disease were some of the main hindrances to being overweight. While they were often associated with people in the obesity realm, they were at least controllable.

However, after COVID-19 happened, all bets were off. Over the past five months, I have noticed a new affliction appear within my body. My knees have started to ache. At first, I thought it was due to the bed we were sleeping in or an old injury. So, I purchased a new rail and a new treadmill last week. My knee feels better! They feel a lot better after working out. On the nights that I didn’t workout my knees felt a degree of pain that caused me issues throughout the day.

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/fitness/a26828/myths-about-knee-pain-and-exercise/

I think something was happening to my joints. I have gained about 40 extra pounds over the past year, and the weight has started to hinder my mobility. I didn’t know just how bad things were until I started working out again. It shocked me and scared me when I couldn’t even walk a lap the first time I got on my treadmill.

I used to swim, and when I wasn’t swimming, I would walk often. So, to get on a treadmill and not be able to walk a lap was terrifying. I continued working out, and now I am almost at a mile. I have been thinking a lot about goals and trying to figure out what mine should be. I do not have a number in mind, but I do have a couple of other things in mind.

I want to wear my favorite PJ bottoms, and I want to be able to walk two to three miles again every day. I would love to see my thighs get smaller and see my butt get slimmer. I am your typical hourglass shape, so it seems like most of my weight focus on two areas. I have never really had a lot of trouble when it comes to working out. Perhaps, this is why I freaked out about not being able to walk a lap.

We need to start listening to our bodies. Your body gives off indicators that something needs attention. In many ways, aches and pains are the engine lights that pop up inside us to warn us of upcoming issues. I used to ask my husband if he thought I was gaining weight or too much weight, and of course, he would say no. Inside I knew the answer, but I didn’t want to deal with the issue.

I welcomed his words of flattery to place a bandage on my pride. I would get the typical loving husband answer that went something like, You look beautiful no matter what, or whatever you do, keep the butt. It was all I needed to continue our foodie escapades and excuse for not working out. After my knees started hurting, there was no way around hiding from my demons.

Finally, it hit me that this new me was not me I wanted to be. I don’t want to be a prisoner to my body, so working out was the only option. I went out and got myself a pair of good exercising shoes and arm weights to go with my treadmill. I guess I learned a hard lesson the voice I needed to hear was the voice inside. Listen to your body, and take care of it before it’s too late.