Wellness Journey - Marathon vs. Sprint :o)

As Beth posted back on 11/13/09, we went for our wellness health screenings through my work.  Unfortunately, my results were not quite as good as Beth's.  My cholesteral is high (although my ratio of good to bad is excellent), my glucose is high, and my body fat and mass index needs some serious work.

Today, I am happy to report that I have resumed my workout routine, and it is going well.  I have worked out 10 days straight now, and am back into the routine.  I do at least 10 minutes of weights, and at least 30 minutes of cardio (500 calories minimum). 

It amazes me how easy it is to put on weight, and how long and hard it is to take it off.  My starting point was 226 lbs, with a target of 220 when we go on vacation in a few weeks, and to get below 210 by April.  By July, my target is to be below 205.  From experience, anything at 200 or below is a little to lean for my body structure.  I would like to lose faster, but this needs to be a marathon approach versus a sprint.  Making it habit and routine is the key.

As a treat and incentive today, I went out and got an Ab Lounger Sport at Target.  It uses a jacknife approach to abdominal work, much better than the bench type situps I have been doing.  I will occassionally post updates, mostly because that helps keep me motiviated, you know, do what you say you are going to do :o)

Can You Feel The Burn?

No, this is not an entry about STD’s, not about falling and scraping your knees, not about playing with fire, not about getting stung by a bee, nor about getting “burned” by another or a situation.

No, this is an entry about the feeling you get after a good workout. I know that at times I struggle to make the time for my workouts (that 4:00 AM alarm is a real pisser :o). But during the workout, as you push for that last weight rep, or notch up the pace on the bike or treadmill, you get the endorphin rush of elation, and it is enough to bring you back again (kind of like making that long putt on the golf course, just enough to make you come back again).

I also find that as you go through the day, having the workout in the bag, helps you say no to that donut or tasty treat, and that you walk a little taller, with a hidden swagger in your step because you feel good and positive about the effort you are making.