My pal Shannon loaned me this fitness program book that she used with a great deal of success, so I decided to read it and check it out. I actually have found it to be pretty inspiring and interesting so far, not to mention logical. The gist of the book is that the only way to get into good physical shape is to 1) set measured goals, which are written down in short-term and long-term form, 2) burn calories by exercising rather than starving calories by dieting, 3) building muscle which speeds up metabolism and burns fat even during inactivity.
I just need to work out regularly. That’s mostly where I’ve been going wrong. And I know my workouts aren’t as intense as they could be — I don’t “push” myself past my comfort zone enough. Which I should do because I know that the feeling it gives is very rewarding. I need the confidence and positive attitude to do the things I set out to do. I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but I think that a defeatist attitude has probably contributed a LOT to my slacking off on exercise and eating too many sweets.
Anyway, I wrote down my goals last night. They are best when written as positive, present-tense statements. I wrote them on these little cards that I got at Paper Source originally for part of the wedding invite. I took the cards and taped them to a few places where I spend time at home: my desk, my bedroom mirror, my alarm clock. GOD it’s cheesy… but even thinking that is kinda defeatist… so I won’t. It’s good to remind yourself of your goals and keep them in view.
Here is an example of what they look like:
1. I use weight training to give my arms and shoulders definition and build muscle.
2. I get up at 6:30am twice a week to go to the gym before work.
3. I eat five small healthy meals and day and stay hydrated all day.
4. I go to my pilates or yoga classes every Monday and Wednesday after work.
5. I am going lose one to two pounds of body fat per week until I reach my goal of 15 pounds lost in three months.
This type of thing works for any kind of goal, so I’m told. Like “I am saving money by bringing my lunch to work.” Or “I read one book every two weeks.” Or “I am saving five hundred dollars a month so that I can _______.” I guess the trick is to actually get them on paper and keep them in view. The exposure or repetition gets them ingrained into your subconscious, and they can become just a part of your routine, rather than something you have trouble doing.
Sorry for the dopey personal post, but seriously you guys, I am kinda the heaviest I’ve ever been right now and I don’t like that at all. It’s going to change, starting yesterday.
no, this was a very inspiring post… i’m currently trying to go through similar change, with body image and self image… thanks.
Awesome! And I am so glad to see your LJ is back.
Make sure your goals, if you write them, are positive statements. Rather than “I am not going to…” say what you will do, instead. Good luck to you. 🙂
Many years ago I had a doctor that gave me this advice about loosing weight. He suggested (no he insisted) that I get involved in some type of competitive sports. This was hard for me to follow because all of the outdoor stuff I liked was decidedly non-competitive and my friends at the time were decidedly sedate.
But his idea made a lot of sense. Most of the problem of loosing weight by diet or exercise is that your constantly aware of your effort. By playing some type of sports, you rarely think about the labor part of it because you get caught up in the activity. Of course, this only works if the sport involves constant activity. Standing in the outfield probably won’t do it.
The drawback is that you must enlist the participation of others in your quest. Not that it wouldn’t be good for them too.
Just a thought and dopey personal posts are the best ones.
I totally agree. I find that I work way harder and fully get out of my “comfort zone” when I am trying to keep up with other people or lean something new. You get so focused on the moves or game that it’s easy to push yourself. A more conscious activity. Most of the really, truly, athletically fit people I know are that way due to the fact that they are absolute *nuts* about soccer, bmx biking, basketball, tae kwon-do or whatever.
I love the idea of team sports. You know what a huge baseball fan I am, which naturally means I … wish I could play baseball. But I truly suck at things like team sports, what team would have me? So it is a good idea, but I will have to find a league not as concerned about things like winning games 😉 .
Individual sports are more up my alley. Who knows, maybe I should run Bay to Breakers this year! Now THERE’S a goal. And I have five months to get in shape.
No wait, four months.