Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Last Day Of The Initial Process


When I said that I wanted to focus on getting healthier, I meant it.  That is why I started after Thanksgiving instead of making it just another New Year's resolution.  Well, today is my 90th day of the program.  3 months worth of work and the effort is paying off.  I'll post the end results either tomorrow or Thursday.  But, since I am talking about days, I'm changing the game plan and calling these Tuesday posts Fit Tuesdays as Fat Tuesday can sound like it's going in the wrong direction (and to avoid possible legal action from a certain alcoholic beverage enterprise.)

Why the leg muscle photo?  I'm more and more impressed with how quickly my legs have responded.  Leg cramps were always a problem for me when working out.  I would spend days recovering from my first workout.  A lot of this difference I believe comes from the workout plan and what I have for breakfast each morning as they are the main adjustments that I've made.

What I can tell you before looking at numbers tomorrow is that I'm more balanced, stronger and self-aware than I have ever been.  What surprises me is that it really didn't take that much work.  Taking back control of your life, your present and your future begins with a step.  That step may be unsteady but it is going in a direction.  Future steps will be more sure and resolute and less painful but you can't quit.  Stopping mid-step throws your balance off, allows you to stumble and can ultimately fall.  But even then... fall in the right direction and keep going even if you have to crawl.  A future you awaits you if you just meet them part way.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Surfing The Ocean Blue


I've had this band on my brain for the last week. This 1989 hit single by Hershey, Pennsylvania's The Ocean Blue really brings me back.  The band just has a sound that is hard to describe... hence the reason that they were absorbed under the alternative college rock description at the time.  Just listen to the breathy vocals and that great guitar solo.  Love their stuff.

The reason they are on my mind is that they are releasing a new album.  They have even previewed a few tracks here and there including another song that just sticks in my head:  "Sad Night, Where Is The Morning."  Enjoy it.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Healthy Food Doesn't Have To Taste Healthy




So, today is the start of my last 2 weeks of my 3 month (90 day) attempt to reclaim my life.  Sounds dramatic that way, doesn't it.  The results are great.  I'm down nearly 20 pounds, stronger and more alert.  It's weird having to buy new clothes in sizes that I'm unused to.  But, what have I really changed?  Very little.

One of the excuses people have about the journey toward fitness and staying healthy is:  "It's too hard for me to change my lifestyle."  Ok, that isn't an excuse people admit.  The excuses they do use are:  "I don't have the time to exercise."  "I don't have the money for... (insert gym membership, healthier food or workout equipment.)"  "I don't like the taste of... (insert fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals or lean meats.)"  Another one that they don't say is:  "I don't have the willpower to do something consistently."  Yet, they find time check their Facebook account.  They have the money for junk and fast food.  And, as for taste... healthy food doesn't have to taste bad.

I could ramble on a bit here.  (Actually, I did and then I decided to hold onto it for further posts.)  But, healthy things don't have to taste bad.  Shakeology is a great example.  The video above explains it pretty darn well.  I have even cut back on some of the vitamins I take every morning and, at my house, it's what's for breakfast. You can find out more here.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

My Friend The Resistance Band


I've decided to take Tuesdays and post specifically about fitness.  Let's call it Fat Tuesday, shall we?  Anyhow, today I wanted to focus on my new friend the resistance band.  I have tons of weights and other great tools in the house to get healthy but for those of you just starting... start right here.  Ok, your eating habits are important too but, when used properly, you can work biceps, triceps, shoulders, delts, quads and even gluts.

A small investment and it takes up very little space.  If you are looking for exercises to start with... there are tons.  Feel free to ask.  But... don't you think tripping over this rather than a dumbell would hurt less?

Friday, February 08, 2013

Numbers are numbers


I have mentioned my dislike for numbers before.  Let's take two for a moment: weight and BMI.  If a man loses 2 pounds of fat but gains 2 pounds of muscle, he sees a zero on the scale.  In that man's head, his body didn't do anything because the numbers are the same.  It makes it a bit easier for someone to quit the journey.  My issue with BMI comes from weight lifters.  You could have a low body fat percentage but because your body contains so much muscle weight, you would be considered fat due to how much you weigh and how tall you are.  Then there is mathematics.  So, I tend to not want to qualify or quantify my success numerically.  Well, until yesterday.

As you can see, I weighed in about 4 times starting in May.  The numbers on the far right are weight.  From a high of 222, I am now down 18 pounds.  Blood pressure is to the left next to the date and that is looking better as well.  There are even hydration percentage and BMI numbers in there somewhere.  Having too many numbers can be confusing.  It is good to feel great but, now, when someone asks, I can tell them something other than how many pant sizes dropped or belt loops I've had to adjust.