I Finally Got My Lazy Ass off the Couch
I’ve never had healthy habits, but until recently they never seemed to be a problem; when I was younger I took for granted how active my job really was. I was surprised to find when I got my first post-college “real” (desk) job how the calories started to pile on. For a while now I’ve been talking about wanting to join a gym, but I haven’t really had the time or motivation. Fortunately, my new job has an excellent on-site gym. I figured since the rest of my life is changing, I may as well change my unhealthy habits too. Maybe it will help alleviate some of the stress that comes with all the transition.
So last week I made an appointment with one of the personal trainers for a customized fitness program. I was apprehensive, with visions of some muscle bound dude with veins popping out of his neck telling me to drink raw eggs and sprinkle protein powder on all my food. Thankfully, instead I got a totally normal, down-to-earth guy who really understood my needs. He didn’t scoff as I revealed my sedentary past few years.
I’m not expecting any overnight miracles, I’d just like to feel better, have more energy and lose some weight along the way. I told him I was committed to 5 days a week, and had made some changes to my diet. Nothing drastic, but no more eating restaurant food unless it’s a social gathering, and zero fast food or take-out. When I prepare all my own meals I’m able to plan healthier options. I’m not exactly subsisting on broccoli and alfalfa sprouts, but I’m controlling portions, not making anything fried and adding more fruits and vegetables where I can. (Which reminds me, why the hell can’t I find wheat bread of the non-cardboard variety in the grocery store without high fructose corn syrup? What is that crap doing in my bread?) I made cupcakes for Alana when she came home this weekend, but they were carrot cupcakes with wheat flour and applesauce instead of sugar. They pretty much tasted exactly like regular carrot cake except had far fewer calories and made for a decent breakfast with some fruit and orange juice. I’ve been staying away from beer too.
I was relieved to hear I didn’t need any crazy fitness regimen, all I need is consistency and to keep not eating garbage. The exercise plan is simple, I do cardio all 5 days a week, and strength training for 3 of those days. I can use whatever machines (treadmill, bike, elliptical) for cardio I want, so long as I stay within my target heart rate for 30 minutes (45 if I feel like it on the off days from strength training.) I use 3 different machines for strength training, one for my legs, one for my arms, and one for my back and abs. I feel like I’ve exercised when I’m done, but I don’t feel exhausted, the routine is completely manageable. I don’t have to increase my repetitions on the machines as I get more fit either, I can just adjust the weight. Another bonus is since I have a treadmill at home, I can at least do the cardio if I can’t get to the office, which is what I did today and yesterday since I was in a different building doing Agile training all day.
While I haven’t felt any immediate effects, I was surprised to find I’ve actually been looking forward to the work out. I made a side goal to lose two pounds every week. Unfortunately this involves looking at the scale which I’ve been too terrified to do for three years. Two pounds doesn’t sound like much, but if I lost two every week for a year that’s just over 100 freaking pounds! It feels pretty good to know I’m actually doing something instead of just complaining. Oh also, I’ve kicked caffeine, and let me tell you two days of Agile training without it was rough.
Lastly, I’m in the market for a heart monitor watch. (The machines at the gym have accurate heart monitors but the one on my home treadmill is all over the place) Unfortunately it looks as though you have to spend about $100 to get one that isn’t a piece of crap and doesn’t have a chest strap. Anyone have any recommendations? I’ve been thinking about this Mio Motiva, but I’d like to find some more user reviews, and actually handle one in person. I also like that this one will keep track of calorie intake and calories burned and check them against a daily target.
You are a shining example for me and I aspire to reach the fitness heights that you are bound to achieve.
Seriously, though, this is great. Keep it up and I hope it stays going well. I don’t know how you kicked the caffeine, though. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do that.
Thanks for the words of encouragement