Just
Walk The Walk.
It's Simple…
Richa
Jha
-
On the 1st of the month, you weigh yourself and resolve to lose
four kilos, starting tomorrow. First, the modus operandi. You could
start brisk walks for 45 minutes a day at your neighbourhood park;
go swimming regularly at the local club; enrol yourself in the 'Executive
Fitness Programme' (whatever that means) at the nearby gymnasium;
or crash diet. After having weighed the options, you decide in favour
of the first, and perhaps the least strenuous one. You're reminded
of your previous attempts at it, but this time, you know you are
serious.
-
Over the next three days, you give your mind time to register your
resolve. “Not today, from tomorrow, without fail”. At bedtime, you
imagine yourself speeding past the other walkers. Tomorrow is a
new day, and a new beginning of a lifelong commitment to a fit and
healthy life.
-
5th morning: you wake up with a start at eight to see the brightest
day in the year. “It's no use, too late, a walk in this sun will
be enervating” you reason. “Tomorrow”, you decide, “I must wake
up at 6, sharp”.
-
On the 6th morning, the loud alarm wakes you up, but you are too
startled to give it a context. The last time you used an alarm clock
was during your A Levels examinations. Your hands grope around for
the gadget and turn it off. You still haven't opened your eyes.
When you do actually wake up, it is too late. The Hubby will advise
you to step out in your jogging shoes even at that hour, “better
late than never”, he says, but you don't want to come back with
a tan, do you? “Besides”, you declare, “the park closes down at
10am”. You (not he) are the authority on parks, the timings, and
on every thing to do with a fitness regimen.
-
That evening, you forget to set the alarm again. These are teething
troubles, you'll soon get over them.
- The 8th morning is a tragedy, of sorts. You wake up with the alarm,
but you stay on in bed just for those five minutes longer, to ensure
every part of your body is up and ready to go for the kill. When
you finally do wake up, it's too late. “How could this have happened?”
Never mind, you have the rest of the day to figure that. But time
to get cracking. Enough is enough.
-
On the 9th morning, the temptation to sleep in is strong, but a
steely resolve is an unflinching one. You change into your shoes,
and GO! You don't want to overstrain on the very first day-20 minutes
look good. At the end of which, you are panting, perspiring, but
already feeling so much lighter!
-
That same evening, you buy yourself the proper attire. To gain the
most out of these walks, your mind should perceive that you are
serious. Track-suit, track pants, and a new pair of shoes.
-
On the 10th, you target a good 30 minutes, but by the twentieth
minute, your head starts reeling, and you give up. “It's alright,
go slow, if I plan to do it every single day of my life from now
on, I ought to give my body some time to acclimatise”.
-
By the 12th morning, you feel like a new person. The bathroom scales
don't say much, but it's only been four days.
-
That evening, for the first time in several months, you devour half
a pound of chocolate truffle without feeling guilty. Hah! Now you
needn't bother. The Hubby reminds you of the consequences all the
same, you remind him of your regular exercise regimen.
-
By the 15th, you see marginal improvements in your pace. But it's
getting a tad monotonous. How about some music for company?
-
On the 16th evening, you buy yourself a discman.
-
The next morning is a natural break from the drill. It's Friday,
and you've earned yourself a sleep-in till mid morning. That evening,
you attend a late night party, so next morning is out.
-
On the 19th, you resume your walks. You wonder if people at the
park noticed your absence. After all, you are a confirmed fitness
freak now.
-
On the 21st, you wake up with a sore throat and aching joints. This
viral is in the air. You're down and out for the next few days,
but this time, thanks to your sincere attempts at the park, you
notice how you recuperate faster than usual.
-
Fighting fit on the 24th, but it's Friday again. You have to stick
by your personal policies. Lunch, dine, and make merry, without
counting calories!
-
Horror of horrors! The next four mornings see incessant downpour.
It's wet and gloomy, time for bhajis, piyajis, and pakodas. But
don't despair, what's a few days subtracted from a lifetime of committed
walks?
-
On the 29th, the sun is up, but it has caught you unprepared. Wasn't
there a deluge last night?
-
The 30th is the monthly stock-taking day. You are ready to pat yourself
for the progress made, and for the resolve honoured. “I feel good,
I have been regular. Ummn, let's see, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9ssss. That's
it? There must be a mistake somewhere!”. Incredulous, you weigh
yourself, and faint.
-
On the 1st of the next month, you resolve to lose 6 kilos, starting
tomorrow!
