Step by step, Cachinnatees. Project Big Boy is still on track. I don't have a weight update because we changed scales this week. The new one measures weight and body fat. I'm not going to pretend like it's not an evil little harbinger of doom and depression, but at least I have a good enough perspective to know that scales vary and they only report numbers. (Although I have nicknamed it Satan...)
The good news is that my attempt to quit caffeine and soda is still on track. I had my first soda since quitting yesterday at Six Flags. I handled it well; I have no plans to drink it again any time soon. I'm a changed man.
Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to start any kind of regular exercise program. It's a bit frustrating. I have a hectic schedule. I'm more than 9-5 and totally at the mercy of when I can schedule meetings and appointments. I have a hard time slipping in snacks because I get caught up in projects and meetings, so by the time work is done, I'm starving and exhausted. I could really use some advice on both how to get motivated and how to maintain my energy.
Here are my exercise challenges and interests: I'm not much of a runner. I have short muscular legs that weren't made for running and a knee that's already been operated on twice. So low-impact is best. I can and do run, it's just never going to be a staple of my exercise plan. The only sports I ever played seriously are hockey and football. I suck at basketball, but I like it okay. I like to swim. I like weight training. I am a member of a gym near my work. A group of guys from my seminary play basketball together every Friday at 2:30 there. I am about the most flexible male that I know. Where do I go from here?
Also, Forky promised me a recipe for a smoothie to which I am looking forward. I would love to hear what the rest of you do for healthy snacks and meals. Keep the encouragement coming, I still need it! You're the best, Cachinnatees!
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9 Cachinnations
Short muscualar legs are good for pulling things...instead of driving your car to work, you should pull it...that's good excercise...and a great picture!!
Posted on 6/26/2006
I echo your work experience. I have a hard time getting in snacks and regular meals, and I too am far to exhausted to work out in the evenings. That said what I do, and what I recommend for you, is that you schedule your workout first things, that way you know it will happen. A morning workout may mean that you need to get up earlier than you ever thought you would, but even a 5am workout every day is better than no workout at all. 2 weeks and you'll have yourself a healthy habit. :)
As for what to do...I have ankle issues, so I typically walk and adjust my speed and incline to get a varying workout. The elliptical is great, if you enjoy that, but walking or swimming would be my choices if you enjoy them. I'd make the commitment to do the same thing for a while, then once you have the habit formed, switch it up and make it interesting. As long as you do anything, you'll make a difference.
For snacks, lots of fruit, cheese and reduced fat or whole wheat crackers (triscuits, wheat things, etc.)...you want things that you can prepare at home and bring ready to eat to work with you. It will take some extra time at home, but it's worth it as you won't run to the vending machine. Also, I keep no cash with me (to truly limit the impulse snacking) which for those "bad - I just need some chocolate - days" is a great help. I also keep granola bars in my bag. You can get yummy ones from Quaker (I think) that have less than 100 calories in a bar, but they taste great with chocolate, peanut butter, or whatever yummy happiness floats your boat.
Congrats again on the soda & caffeine free week. And hey, at Six Flags I probably would have had an Icee or a big Ice Cream cone, so the soda was probably the best option. You can only restrict yourself but so far...every once in a while you need to let yourself cheat.
You can dooooo it! :)
Posted on 6/26/2006
Like I said, back to the dancefloor. It's lots of fun, low-impact, and nothing works short, muscular legs like hours of plie's.
Posted on 6/26/2006
I know we've said it 20 times and people probably get tired of hearing it, but if there is a place to do it in your area then, Yoga. It is low impact, high in calories burned, fantastic for your heart, you feel like a million bucks all day after, (at least after the 2cond time for sure) and I is terrific for muscle toning. You don't build much bulk. I thought I would despise it but it has been very productive.
Also, there is nothing quite like a good swim early in the morning. I believe smimming is still rated the best and most effective calorie burning exorcise, right under or equal to cross-country skiing.
I echo the snack sentiment. Its hard to find time to do that when your schedule is so hectic. You should also see a nutritionist, they probably have those at your workout facility. They can help you balance your diet according to your metabolism. Some people do better with more carbs less protein, some visa versa.
Cherio
Posted on 6/26/2006
Hang in there, The Cachinnator. You can do it! Do you have little plastic baggies? Try to make a set time when you have "snack #1" and "snack #2".
Posted on 6/26/2006
Forky, I am going to try that myself.
Posted on 6/26/2006
Cach - Good job, it sounds like you are making steady progress, and have already gained some important ground that will continue to help you in the long run (not to harp on it too much, but the soda and caffeine thing deserves a big atta-boy, that's a tough one for many people).
Regarding snacks, a lot of good suggestions have already been made. I personally like yogurt, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables (like celery and carrots). Some of these might not be practical for your situation, but they work for me, and I've grown accustomed to them as an alternative to cookies, cakes, chips, crackers, etc.
Regarding the exercise, you mentioned that you are already a member of a gym near your work. Any chance a friend or co-worker could become a workout partner? I've had three different jobs where I found a person who had hours close to mine that was interested in making a stop by the gym on the way home part of a regular routine, and it was always very successful for the long term.
I'd have a day where I was feeling like "Sorry, man, I'm not going to make it today...", and my friend would always talk me into it, and without fail it was the most stressful and busy days where I felt the least like hitting the gym that I enjoyed it the most when I was finished. It's accountability, encouragement, and when you really start to see results, then it builds momentum.
If you're anything like me, it's the initial momentum of getting into the habit in the first place that is the hardest obstacle. Meaning, once you've forced yourself to do it for a week or so, and it starts to be part of your routine, you start to expect it, you start to look forward to it.
I like the suggestions folks here have about morning workouts as well. Once you start really working out hard, you'll feel more tired at bedtime, sleep more soundly, and hopefully be able to wake up earlier to fit in a little morning workout. Some people can multi-task during a workout, e.g. if you're on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, you could read or study something.
As you start working out and pushing yourself just remember this -- pain is just weakness leaving the body. :-)
Posted on 6/26/2006
Build Bathrooms, it's a great workout.
Posted on 6/26/2006
I checked to see if there was a Bikram Yoga studio in Waco (that's the kind we do), and there's not. No surprise. So Bikram's out unless you move to a bigger city.
Bikram is a style of yoga, started by this guy in India...Bikram. It's hot yoga, so the room is heated to 100-105 degrees and is very humid, like a sauna. So it helps you work deeper into the poses and also helps with detoxification. But there IS yoga that is not hot yoga. You should check something like that out. I really think you might like it, especially if you're more flexible than most guys. And you can do that with a video at home, anytime! (I know videos sound lame, but who cares.)
Also, I've never done this, but someone was telling me about Tai Chi the other day. That would be cool. Maybe Jerry knows where to learn Tai Chi? I remember him teaching a class on it once.
Posted on 6/27/2006