2012: A New Me ... A New You?

As the food festival that is the holiday season is over and the New Year is just about to begin, I have decided to do something big — in pursuit of getting smaller.

I am making a change. Instead of just making my annual (usually short-lived) resolution to eat less/exercise more/lose weight, I am committing to it. I will make it happen. But I need some help.

So I signed up for a Drop 20-40 Pounds Weight Management program at in Grayslake. The class meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays starting Jan 2, 2012. It runs through March 5. The Fitness Pursuit, 1186 E. Washington, Grayslake, is across from the College of Lake County.

I love doing things with others, and I know January is a big time for lots of people to make weight-loss goals. I also know — I KNOW — what a huge struggle it can be to succeed. But I believe that working on it together can make it a lot more fun. So who is with me?

I am thrilled that my good friend Diana already signed up. There are still some spots remaining if anyone else wants to join.

Coaches Lauri Robinson and Kim Yessian will lead this class. There is also a similar class that meets Tuesday nights, led by  owner and coach Matt Petersen and coach Lauri Robinson. We will use a BodyBugg armband monitor to track calories burned and will keep a log of calorie intake. Simple math, I am told, is how to make this work. Eat less, and burn more calories.

 promises that it can help people meet their own personal goals, whether it is losing 100 pounds, improving race times, training for a triathlon or reducing chronic pain. They also offer lots of other programs, tailored to individual needs.

For me, I am hoping that this initial 10-week program will get me started down the path to a healthier weight. I am nervous but also very excited about this new journey. I will be posting regular articles about my progress in the hope that sharing my struggles and successes might help motivate others (or at the very least, provide a little entertainment).

For more information, read a recent Patch article , visit www.thefitnesspursuit.com or call 1-847-986-2727.