Progress Report: Week 58

I've been a little on the lazy side the past two or three months. Not exercising. Gaining a few pounds. And guess what -- it makes you feel horrible! Some weak sciatica returning, more numbing of my foot/toe, back pain -- none of it major, but just enough to make me feel like crap. So a little over a week ago, I got back in the saddle, watching calories (already lost a pound!) and most importantly, exercising. Briskly walking for 30 mins several days a week, and yesterday I swam laps. I had not swam since early December, and let me tell you, I was exhausted last night! And starving still today! So that lets me know my metabolism is going. And sure enough, after just a week, my back/sciatica problems are already subsiding. Even the numbness is a little less numb. It is amazing how much physical activity helps, like I keep saying. I think it increases the blood flow to the lower back, which doesn't usually get a lot of it. Now I am ready to start strengthening my core and back muscles through exercise, yoga, etc. I will still put a hold on the super-strenuous aerobics I used to do -- this walking seems to be enough for now.