How AmeriCorps Can Help You Lose Weight

by Meghan Oakley · 2010-01-14 17:13:00 UTC
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It's that time of year again... The gym is packed, the leftover Christmas cookies are in the trash, and millions of Americans are endeavoring on the most common New Year's Resolution of them all: Lose weight.

Whenever I'm in this boat (which I am this year!), I always think back to a picture of me and what I have come to call my "AmeriBod." An AmeriBod is the petite, toned body that I came away with after 10 months of serving in the Western Region of AmeriCorps*NCCC, which included lots of physically-demanding projects and even mandatory physical training.

AmeriCorps*NCCC isn't the only program that you put you to the physical test. City Year is infamous for its public physical training sessions and lots of programs keep you outside and active--like the conservation corps programs or building for Habitat for Humanity.

This is not to say that you should join AmeriCorps just to shed pounds. (If that's all you want, I recommend daily exercise and healthy eating). However, it should be noted that there are a lot of AmeriCorps programs out there that give you a chance to serve in a very direct and physical way. Not only can it be an opportunity to get out from behind a desk, but it can also give you a great sense of accomplishment.

Unfortunately, my AmeriBod did not stick around for very long. (It's hard to match 8 hours of manual labor plus physical training when you are working a 9 to 5). But that is okay. I still look back at that time fondly--not just how I looked, but how good it felt to clear a trail, build a house, and play soccer with kids.

Photo attribution: eHow

Meghan Oakley
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