Tina’s Exercise Journey

I didn’t really get into exercise properly till a year post op. After my retreat I really started to discover what exercise I enjoyed and what brought me joy. 

I realised that getting in nature was good for my body and my mental health so that became my focus. I regularly did walks around the North Island. I did the Auckland Half Marathon and Hobbiton Half. Both of those were to push my body and celebrate how much easier it was to move my body. I hiked the Pinnacles, Mt Pirongia, and have a goal to hike the Tongariro Crossing in a few weeks. I love having new goals to keep me motivated. I regularly take part in the walk and talks with Tailor clinics as it combines networking with others who “get it” and moving my body in nature. A highlight this year was joining everyone for the 12km Possum Night Walk in Taupo. 

Year 2 post surgery I also started park runs. I did the couch to 5km to start. I was so impressed with my body as I hadn’t  run since I was a child. I love going to different park runs when we are away for the weekend and love that my hubby (also a WLS patient) is joining me on Saturday morning now too. 

I have a busy job as a school Principal and running is a time efficient excercise that fits in my life well. I can go out for 30 mins and do a great workout with excellent aerobic activity for free. 

Reformer Pilates also was an excercise that I have added in my routine 2 years post op. I had no core strength after being overweight for so long so it really helps with that. I attended Studio Pilates for a few months but then the ongoing cost became a lot so I purchased an affordable at home reformer and do at home workouts regularly. 

One thing I had thought after surgery was that motivation would come naturally but I have learnt that discipline is the key. I am not always motivated to go for a run but I am disciplined to move my body regularly. 

3 years post op next week and I have maintained my weight for the last 2 years. 

My tip would be find like minded people, or groups to join and you will continue to try new things and find ways to move your body that work for you.

-Tina