Bea Loozer

I just came from an amazing Golden Goalies meeting. After the old business and routine activities were taken care of, we began a discussion of how to stay motivated to lose weight.

Some members stressed how motivating it is for them to weigh in each week and take the time to consider their progress.

And Betty brought up the topic of clothes. Others chimed in. When you realize your clothes are getting a bit tight it’s easier to get motivated to trim down before your pants become obscenely tight. Some advice: avoid buying pants with elastic waist; wear a belt. No point in wearing an elastic belt if you really want to lose weight.

Geri mentioned how it’s helpful to join exercise groups to keep you moving (she recommends Tumbleweed Park for their facility and classes).

Want to feel motivated? Make flight arrangements for the next family wedding. Members said even if nobody else will be able to tell that you lost five pounds, it’s still motivating. Besides, you will know.

Or stand next to someone skinny for your next group photo. In fact, Jeanne posted a family photo on her fridge so she would be motivated to no longer be the overweight sister.

But interspersed among these good points were heartfelt statements about the role of Golden Goalies. I was speechless as I listened to the words of these women who were far from speechless. Over and over I heard how Goalies were important as much for friendship as for fitness motivation. Members wanted us all to know that this is a community of friends. As Debbie said, when she moved here last year it was the Golden Goalies group that convinced her she has found a welcoming home in Sun Lakes.

Count on Golden Goalies for advice and sometimes, even role modeling. And remember that not everyone can marry someone fifteen years younger for fitness motivation.

Join us on Saturday mornings for support, motivation, information and friendship. Weigh-in is between 7:00-7:45 a.m. in the Mirror Room of Sun Lakes Country Club. The meeting starts after weigh-in next door in the Friendship Room. Contact Rita at 895-2559 for more information.