Photos of Patricia were taken at The Spa at Ravella, in Lake Las Vegas, 2011.

At 56 years old, I am healthier now  than I was when I was thirty-five.  Once I made the decision to try to keep age-related ailments (osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) at bay, the next step was finding out how to achieve my goals. Believe me, if I can do it --- Ms. I-Hate-Exercise, I-Love-Food --- you can, too. Most everyone in my entire Italian-American family loves to cook and loves to eat. And a number of us suffer from all sorts of ailments as a result of being overweight. When I saw what the health setbacks were for older family members due to smoking, overeating, and lack of exercise, I decided it was time for me to get my act together before it was too late. I've committed myself to a lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise, and I hope that commitment pays off in my continued health and doctor's amazement that I'm not on any medications as of yet. (Fingers crossed.)

Weight lifting is a vital part of any fitness routine for women, not just cardio.

I admit I had help at the beginning. I hired a personal trainer to assist me in my dietary changes and on pretty much everything else that involved fitness,including how to find my way to the local gym.

Now I know many will say, "I can't afford a personal trainer." I agree that the price of this kind of service sounds high at first, until you compare it to how much heart surgery and monthly doses of blood pressure medication and insulin shots will cost down the line, if we don't get off our bums and start moving them a bit. And you only need hire on with one for a few short sessions, just to get you motivated in the right direction. I learned how to do all the exercises you see me doing in these photos from training classes. Me--in training classes --- a gal who never stepped inside a gym until she was well over forty. Nope, I preferred to step into a Carvel or a pizzeria. (Yum.)

Hold this "Plank" position for 30 seconds at a time as you move your pelvis up and then straighten it out to tighten your ab muscles.

With patience and expertise, my first personal trainer showed me how to change my diet and what else I would need to do to reach my fitness objectives. The hardest part was working through my body and mind’s initial resistance to exercise. That’s where the trainer really helped. Working out with my first personal trainer. Simon, was fun --- like having a caring friend and a coach all rolled up into one. He showed up every time, on time, and persistently put me through exercises even as we chatted and joked.  (You can see Simon's website at  http://livefitgym.com. Didn't hurt that he's fun to look at, too.)

This exercise strengthens shoulders, back & helps prevent "old lady osteoporosis."

One day, about two months after I'd started, I realized I'd achieved some very positive changes, not only in my physical well-being, but in my mental attitude. I eventually started to enjoy going to the gym (can you believe that?)  and it's become such an ingrained part of my routine now, that I have no problems getting there on my own. I never thought I would say that.  When I want to re-energize my routine, I'll still occasionally use a trainer to give me a fresh idea and to really challenge me. ('High five' to Ann Marie Singh and Justin Oliver--- best trainers at Fairfax Health Club. Check out Justin's band site, too. Yes, he's another cutie, but I didn't pick them like that on purpose, I swear.)

This exercise is for balance, coordination and strengthening quads and gluts. (Back of your thighs and your bottom.)  A) Stand in front of a bench. Lift up onto bench...

B) ...with first one leg then the next, while also lifting bar up and down. It's actually fun. You can pretend you're dancing in Pippin.

I know it sounds hard to believe, but for me, training sessions are a treat --- it's like a day out shopping, getting my nails done, or having lunch with my friends. (All of which cost far more than one session with a trainer, by the way.)  I think feeling healthy and strong is another method of empowerment for women. Exercise is something we do strictly for ourselves alone and we deserve it. We deserve to take time for ourselves, we deserve to exercise. Exercise is not a punishment, it's a reward. It keeps our bodies agile and our minds sharp. It reminds us that we don't exist only to take care of the people who are important to us. It's says to us that we are more than what we do for a living or what we do for others. We should be on our own lists of what's important, too.

To help encourage you and get you started, go to my online magazine, Harlots' Sauce Radio, where I'll have an exercise and/or diet tip brought to you from the best fitness personnel I know. (Shout out to George Louris, our health columnist.)

Don't feel like going there? Below are some quick tips, and if you like what you read, please go over and read our Health and Fitness Column at HS Radio e-magazine:

 TIPS for Health

 #1

 Keep your goals realistic and attainable, because every small success brings you closer to a giant one. For some professional help, try
this online programme,at http://www.gamercize.net/ It has been  receiving good reviews from users. (There is a  fee involved, so you'll need to check pricing on their site.) 

TIP # 2

 
Eating a little bit of protein at every meal, keeps us from feeling hungry and helps build muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat. So, if you don't eat breakfast, you are sabotaging your diet. Start each day with breakfast and add some low-fat cheese, cereal, or other protein to it. (Cereal is a protein, did you know that? I didn't.)
 

TIP # 3

If like me, you're used to cooking with olive oil and putting it on salads, remember that olive oil is 140 calories per tablespoon. Substitute half the olive oil oil you use in cooking with chicken broth. Use only one tablespoon on your salads. You'll be surprised how far one tablespoon goes.

TIP #4

Did you 'cheat' this week? Don't try to make up for it by eating less the next day. Just do an extra workout instead. Eating less will only backfire on you, because as you get hungry and frustrated, you'll 'cheat' again, for sure.

TIP # 5

Adding weights to your workout will help build muscle, which in turn will help melt away fat all the faster. Many women leave out this crucial step in a weight control and fitness programme.
 
TIP #6

A sustained, steady walk for a longer period of time burns more fat than a short run. A run forces the body to burn the  carbohydrates from your last meal, while a long walk burns stored fat. So, go for a walk with your dog, or your husband. (I didn't mean to put them in that order, necessarily.)

TIP #7

If you're still not convinced that you be visiting your local gym regularly, here are TWO more very compelling reasons why you should go. If you click here to see what they are, I PROMISE you will not regret it.

All photos of Patricia on this Fitness Page were taken in August 2011 at The Spa at the Ravella Resort in Lake Las Vegas