[cuzg8tor]

I had a real bad boating mishap a few years back that put me on crutches for a couple of years. During that time I gained 80 pounds. January 1 of last year, determined to lose that fat, I bought a Giant Cypress model hybrid bike from Santos Bike Shop which is at 8900 S. Hwy 441 - about 12 miles north of the Villages between Belview and Ocala. I bought my bike there because when you do, they will service it (for free) as many times as you desire during the period that you own the bike. Now for the reason for my post.....

I love The Villages and the amenities we enjoy. During 2013 I ate right, starting taking supplements, cut out wheat products, went to our neighborhood pool for regular upper body exercise, and rode my Giant hybrid bike on the multi-modal trails for lower body and aerobic exercise. Result: I lost 40 pounds in 2013. I plan to lose the other 40 pounds in 2014. During the year Chris Fernandez of Santos Bike Shop and his folks tuned my bike 3 times for free ($105 value). I just got my bike back today after a tuneup and a battery replacement for my computer (tells me how far/how long I rode, average speed, etc.) on my bike. Cost: a whopping $3.17 -they charged me only for the battery. Each time I go in Santos Bike Shop I am given encouragement and tips on how to use my bike to improve my fitness. What nice folks!! Not to mention the hundreds of miles of clean and safe multimodal Village trails on which we can ride, walk, run, or skate to get in better shape and of course, the pool.

Too often we fail to appreciate that this is indeed the golden years and we have a lot to be thankful for in The Villages. Also, not all vendors in our area are crooked. All you have to do is to see one of those young soldiers (many with small kids) returning with no legs to know we have a lot to be thankful for. I thank God for every day he gives me with good health. Merry Christmas to all.

A changed diet, the bike and its computer and the pool have been the key to my success. Any nutrition tips or weight loss wisdom or fitness insight that has been successful for you will be appreciated.