What advice would you give to future Fit Minded members?
Make time for you, your family will also benefit from this. Find something you like to do. If you don't like it, you won't continue after Fit Minded ends. If you love it, it will become a necessary part of your week. I would have never thought that I would get up and go to workout at 5:30 AM three times a week, but now I can't imagine not getting up for that workout. Try different things so your mind and body are challenged every day. You won't know if you like it if you don't try it. I am working on this myself, and I hope to find several types of activity to enjoy. Boy I never thought I would enjoy physicl activity! Learn to sweat!

What is the biggest change you have made since Fit Minded started?
I have made me a priority. While my body image is still not great, I do feel better about myself overall. I am physically active, I didn't do any physical activity before. I am participating in water workouts of some type at least 3 times a week.

How has Fit Minded changed you mind about physical activity?
Well I certainly see the importance of physical activity. I feel better both physically and mentally when I get to do my workout. My self esteem is also much better.

What were your goals when you started Fit Minded? Do you think you achieved them?
My goal was to just move a little more. I knew I was a big couch potato, and that I needed to change. I just wasn't so sure it would really happen. I surprised myself. Thanks to Diane and Abbey for all the help and encouragement I think I have turned the corner on getting more physically fit.

What a positive experience Fit Minded has been and still is!

Even from a distance, I receive so much support from the audio versions of the meetings. I have “attended” each meeting and walk away from the computer energized by each week’s wealth of information. I’ve gained so much awareness from these meetings, not just awareness of physical activity, but about so many areas in my life.

Two of the most important “Ah-ha’s” that I became aware of through my involvement in Fit Minded Book Club, are: 1. I learned that I do not have a time issue, but I do have a motivation issue. 2. I have a tendency to confuse being busy with being active.

The online resources provided by Fit Minded have proven to be extremely helpful. Although my husband and I are avid walkers, I (we) did let the weather dictate our walks. The article about winter outerwear has allowed me (us) to continue to walk outside (which we prefer over walking in the mall or in the skywalk system) in much colder temperatures. I knew dressing in layers was important, but the fiber content of those layers was the missing link for me. Going into a sporting goods store is too overwhelming when you don’t know specifically what you’re looking for. While I was layering, I was still sweating and getting very chilled. Layering with the proper clothing has made a huge difference.

Fit Minded has benefited me in so many ways these past few months and there is still so much room for improvement. I am so glad I decided to join Fit Minded; I look forward to continuing my journey as I work to increase my physical activity.

A Session 2 member who participates in the book club exclusively online recently gave us an update on her progress. Here’s what she had to say:

“I started a run/walk program the middle of September just after the book club started. I started with a 1 minute run/3 minute walk for 5 repetitions. I am now doing 2 minutes and 15 second run with a 3 minute walk for 7 repetitions. My daughter is a runner and she is encouraging me as we exercise together. As long as she will continue to coach me, I will continue because I love the opportunity to spend time with her. In addition, my co-worker and I listen to the book club meetings together during our lunch hours. This has helped me stay motivated because we can talk back and forth while you are also discussing. We also keep tabs on each others’ progress. I’ve lost some weight without having put much effort into changing my diet. However, I am becoming more conscious about what I eat and about my physical activity. I am wearing my pedometer faithfully. I sometimes get discouraged when my step count is not where I want it to be; but this triggers me to take some laps around the living room just to increase the numbers.”

She has been able to change her attitude about physical activity, access social support to become more active, and become more aware of her choices - all by participating in the book club online!

I have been battling my weight my whole life. That’s not to say that I’ve never been thin because I have but it’s usually been during a bad break-up or during some other emotional turmoil. I look great but I feel terrible, which sort of negates the feeling of being skinny.

I like to exercise, especially when I can do it outside with friends. I love taking long power walks through the parks by my house or working really hard with my trainer and accomplishing an extra few reps or a faster pace on the elliptical machine. However, when winter rolls around, you will find me holed up in front of the television or taking long naps while my small children sleep the afternoons away.

I love the feeling after a workout so much but it’s getting to the gym or more likely, just out of the house that is the tough part for me. I’m unfortunately, inconsistent at best.

I also struggle with eating the right things. Like most women, I am addicted to anything “comforting” whether it is carb-heavy, sweet, high calorie and so on. I know intellectually that I should be eating lean proteins, tons of vegetables and fruits and the “good stuff” in moderation, but I don’t.

I have known for some time that I need to “rewire” my brain. I need to make good choices and physical activity a priority and actually train myself to look at both as wonderful things to nurture my mind and body, instead of something that I dread. I just wasn’t sure how and where to go about doing this.

Dr. Huberty and I have a mutual friend so I have had the opportunity to spend time with her personally. We have discussed nutrition, activity, women’s issues and the balance of family on many occasions. When she invited me to join the Fit Minded Book Club, I jumped at the opportunity.

My initial book club meeting left me feeling even more excited and more empowered than I could imagine. Dr. Huberty told me after the meeting that she thought I was “ready” and I couldn’t have agreed more. I had already started reading the first book and was thrilled because it immediately spoke to me. Somehow seeing the concepts I struggle with in print defined the issue and makes them seem more conquerable.

My goals for Fit Minded are clear-cut and have been since I said “yes” to being a part the book club. I decided that I am not going to hold myself to the unreasonable standards that the media puts out for us. I am going to do things that nurture my body and mind so that I can be the best possible me. I am also going to focus less on pounds and inches lost and more on the loss of negative self-talk that keeps me from being the best I can be. I will develop healthy behaviors that I can sustain for the long-term and not beat myself up for little slip-ups along the way.

The members of this session’s Fit Minded Book Club are ready to dig in too. We have had only two meetings but most members were seemingly ready to share their stories, fears and accomplishments. It’s amazing to me what total strangers will share when they feel they have a community who has similar (or identical) obstacles to overcome.

After only two meetings, the Fit Minded Book Club has already given me reason to hope. I can’t imagine my life without the struggles of weight and health but I have a feeling it’ll be much more enjoyable when I am not living in a state of constant guilt about how I look, how much I exercise or what I eat.

I can honestly tell you that I am “ready” to find out!

I just thought I would check in with you and give you an update. I am very conscious of doing a daily planned activity besides walking and in the process, although I know this is not our focus, I have lost 22 pounds.

You have created somewhat of a monster. I feel so much better about myself because of this. I have alot more confidence and because of that, I am more willing to put myself out there and try new things. I also have alot more energy which is great as I am expecting another grandchild around August 25th. I will be quite busy with two and I am looking forward to it.

Colleen Smart
Omaha, Nebraska

Why did you join Fit Minded (formerly Women Bound to be Active)?
I was at the UNO Women’s Walk and saw your booth. I thought it sounded like what I needed to get back on track in an exercise regime. And then I realized books were used in conjunction with the program, and I get to meet other women and exercise. The fact that it was a research study was also intriguing to me.

What was one part of the Fit Minded program that was most beneficial to you?
Getting together with a variety of women of all ages and points of life to discuss books was great. And the fact that it was facilitated by Dr. Huberty to keep us on track was great. I really liked the environment.

What were your goals and do you feel like you achieved them?
Yes. My goals were to be in a group where I could connect with other women to get back on track in a physical activity routine. The pedometers were a great tool to monitor my progress. I completed the course, increased my physical activity and learned more about myself.

How do you think you've changed?
I’ve come to realize that, and it was so helpful with women my age, we don’t have to do it all and be everything to everyone. I can take care of myself first and we’re so much better for everyone around us that way. By nature, women are more verbal, and being in this group format was so much more beneficial. Everyone brought something different to the table. There was great conversation, a lot of thought put into comments. You really get to know what they’re feeling.

What is the biggest value of Fit Minded?
The support from the others, and guidance from Dr. Huberty as well as the friendship built. When you see a former member of the group you catch up right where you left off from the last time together.

What advice would you give to members who are participating or will be involved with Fit Minded?
You need to learn to open your heart and your mind. Learn to embrace who you are. Everyone is different, from different parts of time in life. Be happy with who you are. We all have something in life to give.

“Now I’m a person who has the tools, the support and the increased motivation to sustain activity.”

“I’m comfortable with who I have become as a physically active woman, knowing my health is improved and that I make the choice to be active.”


“I’m more active and motivated to get moving and back in shape.”

“Now I’m a healthy, happy, powerful woman.”

“I’m more energetic and enthusiastic, ready to take responsibility to be more active because it’s for me—and I feel empowered.”