Tools for Accountability

I'm a late 40s guy who has some wear and tear on joints who is trying to lose weight and get in shape for health reasons. I've done this over the years by somewhat watching the diet but mostly by out-exercising the diet. My current age and condition no longer allow me to do this. My bloodwork put me on notice that I need to do something and my body is 'speaking' to me. All of this to say that the switch was flipped and I'm taking ownership of the issue so am seeking a pathway that works for me.

I'm the kind of person that even if I know what to do I will not do it unless someone is telling me exactly what to do. I have to have a coach of some sort and some external accountability helps. This is what I am doing:

Doctor visits - I met with my doctor who was going to read me the riot act but I beat him to the punch. We agreed that I will e-mail him weekly weight and blood pressure results every month and I will see him every other month in person to review progress. This is by my request.

Weight Watchers - I've used this a few times over the years but fell off of the wagon. The digital tools and program provide a framework to count calories, educate on eating better, and provide a sliding scale as I lose weight. It works as long as you stick to it.

Gym equipment - I bought a water rower as it is one of the few cardio-type exercises I can do without killing my knees. It also works your core, etc. so I'm a fan. I bought adjustable dumbbells. I bought a step bench which doubles as a seat/bench for dumbbell exercises. I bought a horse stall mat as a surface for working out and some foam cushions for elbows/knees as needed for comfort.

Apple Fitness+ - I already had an Apple Watch so I bought an Apple TV and subscribed to Apple One which provides their Fitness+ service. The technology works well together and integrates my work outs into Weight Watchers app.

Set Weekly Goals - These aren't weight loss goals. I'm more focused on doing what I'm supposed to do which I know will provide results. Those things are weekly weigh ins, weekly blood pressure readings, working out at least 3 times a week, and working in an extra activity (e.g. golf or walking). Since I know life gets in the way (and it has), if I cannot exercise I go into 'super Weight Watchers mode' where I make sure to make excellent decisions to make up for the lack of exercise.

Current exercise workout -
20 min rowing (machine) - plan to move this up to 30 min
10 min core (mat exercises)
10 min strength (dumbbells)
10 min stretching/cooldown

All of these are 'coached' by Fitness+ instructors except some days I will go 'free style' on the strength training and do the lifts I used to do when I was younger (bench press, tricept curl, bicept curl, standing rear delt raises, military press, squats, etc.).

Right now I am doing low weight and am taking it easy as I build up conditioning. I am not out to impress anyone and a 'win' for me is just doing it. It's more important for me to not do something stupid that would set me back. I'm going through all of the normal muscle soreness but am already starting to feel my muscles respond and tone up.

Anyway, I'm hoping the accountability I've set up with my doctor will assist me in keeping on track. Apple Fitness+ is working fine but I can't say that it's the greatest thing ever. I think for someone in my position and condition it is probably exactly what I need but at some point I will probably outgrow it.

If there are any other thoughts I'd love to hear them. Otherwise, please just send some good karma my way as I slay this beast.

Thanks for reading.