275 — it's more than a Metro Detroit freeway to me: It's what I used to weigh.

It was more than 10 years ago, and it took a rigorous exercise routine that I incorporated into my daily lifestyle along with eating a more balanced diet that slowly melted the pounds away to a one-time consistent 180-185.

I swam. I biked. I ran. I exercised at least four times a week for several years. I've got the exercise journals to prove it.

Lately, though, with a few job changes and new daughter in my life, these past couple of years I haven't been as consistent, and with spending a lot of time helping get Hartland Patch off the ground and teaching, I've stepped away from the exercise almost completely since September.

Just yesterday, I was 211. Ugh, no wonder my pants aren't fitting as well.

It's not surprising. I've been battling my weight pretty much my whole life. By the third grade, I was "husky," but a high school growth spurt and involvement in tennis and running put me at about 180 until the dreaded freshman 15 hit in college. Unfortunately, that was followed by the sophomore 15, the junior 15 and finally the over-21, pizza, Pringles and beer 50.

I'm sharing my story because I hope it shows what's possible yet at the same time remind that there are ups and downs, so if you're headed in the wrong direction, you're not alone. But turning it around isn't as hard as you might think. Having a plan helps and I think even fitness fads or New Year's resolutions can be useful if only to help motivate us off that couch. Here's my strategy going forward:

• "I pledge to work out 30 minutes at least three times a week."
• "I will try running in a pair of minimalist running shoes in hopes of avoiding previous injuries."
• "I will join a Pilates-type class with my wife (through Hartland Community Education) because core strength and working out with a partner are helpful even though I might be the only guy."
• "I will get back to the gym."

So far — OK, we're just talking one day — I'm three out of four. (I need two more workouts). Still, I was at the Anytime Fitness in Hartland last night, and even though it was almost 11 p.m. on New Year's Day, there were five others joining me as I wore my favorite Christmas gift for the second time — my pair of the Vibram FiveFingers running shoes. (Yes, they are weird looking but so far surprisingly comfortable).

Anytime, 1812 N. Old US 23, and the community education classes aren't the only Hartland area options for fitness. There's a Snap Fitness, 11333 Highland Rd, which like Anytime offers a 24-hour gym along with opportunities for personal training. In addition, the Hartland School District offers membership or walk-in rates to a fitness center and access to a pool at the high school.

Hartland Karate, 9998 Highland Rd, also features cardio kickboxing and My Stronger Self Fitness Studio and Gym, 1361 S. Old US 23, offers classes and personalized training.

There are home-based options that range from treadmills and stationary bicycles to free weights and fitness video games like Zumba.

So, success doesn't have to be that far away. It just a matter of making sure you're driving in the right direction. For me, I hope that means putting 275 in the rear view mirror.