I must tell you that I am having a wonderful time with this “life changing journey.” This wellness challenge was the “spark” that I needed to get my “Get Healthy Zeal and Fire started.” Sometimes you say to yourself, “I’ll start soon, or I’ll start over Monday.”

life changing journey

Denise Qualls-Allen (3rd row from the top in the middle) and the Durham Orange County Medical Society Team beginning their life changing journey.

Then what happens, you start and then stop or you began that yo-yo dieting regime. I told myself that anything that you do more than 30 days becomes a habit. Well I want this new habit or new way of thinking. The fact is, I need/needed it! My goal, is to “move it” everyday. Whether I walk at lunch or after dinner, workout to a Pinterest exercise, visit one of the centers or attend a Zumba class with my favorite Zumba instructor Veronica, I MUST do something everyday! Yes, it’s nice to know that I can earn the point for logging an exercise for that, but I’m thinking bigger, I’m feeling that sense of wanting to be healthy by making healthier choices everyday!

The UNC Wellness Center challenges me to try new things: Fitness clinics and group classes: Muscle Conditioning (BTW, never used the Kettlebell in my life; It was awesome!), Bosu & TRX, (OH my, so worth it! Embrace the burn!), strength training – are all wonderful! Between the Fitness Instructors, my coaches and Matt (my substitute coach) they are all supportive and encouraging! The lectures are so valuable: Nutrition 101 – Portion control is the key!  As I mentioned to Jamy at the UNC Wellness Center: I’m already a winner, why, I’m down a couple of pounds, I’m feeling better and I’m making these life changes. My “New York frame of mind” likes a challenge and I’m not a quitter. I’m in this Wellness challenge for life!”

I see now that I was really fooling myself by saying, “I’m okay, I do a Zumba class here and there during the week and walk a little during lunch, or I get my walking in with my volunteer work on the weekends,” without changing my eating habits. Somehow that just wasn’t enough because the pounds were still packing on. This challenge is teaching me exactly what i need to do to be well. How it’s really the combination of things that will help me to lose the weight, keep it off, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Also, my teammates are wonderful and supportive. We encourage one another and support each other face to face and via email!! Go team Durham Orange County Medical Society! Really congrats and kudos to all teams for taking the challenge to be “a better you.”

And did I mention, that I have my own “bring along buddy?” My daughter has been assisting me with this challenge by attending the work-outs at the wellness centers. On the days that I can’t get to the gym, we walk the Lake (Lynn Lake) near my home (nice way to help her as well).

I thank WCHL and the UNC Wellness Center for that push and the motivation to get going uphill… No turning back now!

 

— Denise Qualls-Allen of the Durham Orange County Medical Society Team