I want to start a thread of discussion about getting in better physical shape. How about some ideas? Diets only work if you stick to them I know. Any ideas? I know I'm not the only one battling the bulge.
I listened to a person on the news the other evening who had lost 100 pounds and he made it sound so simple. He said some basic things like - if it comes through the window, it probably isn't good for me and if it wasn't considered food 100 years ago it probably isn't food today but rather processed something or other.
I also know that I MUST commit to exercise and not fit it in when my schedule allows it.
How about some ideas? Or some folks that will meet me at the gym each morning or a number of mornings and challenge each other? How about a support group with a weigh in and the winner each month gets a pizza (oops).
I realize I can't do this alone. Part of the Serenity Prayer goes like this - God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
There is a thin man in side of me that wants out? Any want to go on the journey with me? I might even challenge myself to be accountable on this blog page!
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I work behind a computer for hours on end, sit behind a desk grading or preparing handouts for hours on end, and stress out for most of the remaining time. Aside from the sedentary lifestyle, a back injury left me with greatly reduced flexibility, and I no longer am comfortable doing the exercises I used to do. Consequently, I've grown quite unhealthy. Once, I became terribly out of breath just walking up a small incline.
What to do? Well, I've rediscovered square dancing. After the first dance, I was out of breath and sweating profusely. Now, I can breath normally during exertion. I haven't lost much weight, but what I can use works so much better. I don't mind going to this activity, because I participate with many nice people, whose company I enjoy. The dance is a team effort - there's no competition or hard feelings, just the desire for all to finish together in one happy piece.
I'd say, find an enjoyable activity that you can consistently share with a group of nice people - something that meets once a week for a couple of hours, perhaps.
With regards to food, fill up all you want on salad, topped with pickles, mild banana peppers, and roasted red pepper Italian dressing. Remember the yummy desserts that God made for us: pears, apples, cherries, blueberries, etc. and eat them raw. Keep meat portions to the size of a small fist. Compensate for the reduced intake of meat and junk by eating huge helpings of vegetables. This works well, as long as you can reduce the stress that drives one to comfort food of the processed kind.
Excercise can be tricky to fit into a hectic schedule but little things can help. Park your car at the waaaaaaaaaaaay far end of the lot away from where you work. I am a dancer and that is always a good way to keep in shape. It doesn't matter how silly you look. Everyone looks silly. That's what makes it fun. Also it's a great group activity to look silly together. And very motivating once you don't look silly anymore and you actually look like you know what you are doing. If dancing isn't your thing, try riding abike with a buddy or going for a walk (although be sure to keep your ears covered, it's getting chilly out there and the wind in your ears can be pretty painful if it's cold out!). Or maybe if you have a stationary bike or treadymill, go on that for half an hour while watching a movie that you really get into. Then, don't let yourself watch any more of that movie until the next time you get on the excercise equipment. You'll be motivated to excicise because you want to see the rest of your film.
As for eating, you want lots of fruit and begetables. Maybe do a little research and figure out which ones you need the most. Figure out what parts of your body need the most help and eat the foods that help with that. Also, stay away from things like iceber lettuce and celery. I know everyone says they are good diet foods but really, they just fill you up and give you no nutrition. Stick with things that have avery vibrant color. Carrots, tomatoes, romaine, etc. Don't fill up on too much starch unless you are planning to do some serious excercise. And find someone who'll eat like you WITH you. God doesn't expect us to do anything truly difficult by ourselves right? Why should this be any different?
Last night I played basketball with the men of the church for a couple hours - it was a good sweat. I usually don't make it to the gym the next morning because I am sore - but for those counting - here I go! NO PAIN NO LOSS - lol... don't want to gain.
I was at Best Buy and they had WII Fits - lots of them. So naturally I bought one saying this would be a wise investment for me. I set myself up last night and the silly thing diagnosed me and told me I was OBESE :) So that is an incentive for me when a game system tells you are overweight. (And I am overweight) I did the Hula Hoop - that was good, but the step aerobics was the best.
You need to find an actvity that works for you - one that you really like. Square dancing - that sounds great. And the "treadmill and a movie" that sounds even better. Build up the muscle. It's been proven that you burn more fat when you have more muscle.
Thanks for all of your ideas.
Linda
Bottom line is that we need to burn more calories that we take in. Its pretty simple. We need both diet AND exercise. This gets tougher when we get older (right Ray?) :)
I HATE CARDIO. That being said, I have found a program that works for me. Its indoor cycling (RPM) and I like it because its fun and you are held accountable for a full hour. Its over the top on effort and you do it to kick'n loud music in a room full of people yelling and screaming and making it fun. (really!)
How good is it? Well, in a 60 min class I am burning right at 1000 calories. For me it also helps that I have a set time that I must be at the gym..... not just "when I have time"
If you belong to Golds, come give it a try, but I must warn you, it becomes addicting.
Brad - what time is the class you attend and what other times is the class offered?
There are two Cycling classes
"RPM" and "Cycle"
I try to stick to RPM as it has a set format, where the others are free form as to what ever the instructor wants to do.
RPM is Wed and 6:30 PM - Friday 8:30am and Sunday at 8:30am.
I ride Wed and Sunday without fail.
another class that is great is Body pump, you can check the schedules out here
http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/calendar.php?gymID=0673
you can check out the specific programs here http://www.lesmills.com/
LesMills does some great stuff, I would to see all the mount oakers in my RPM class before Church on Sunday mornings, it really gets you pumped for the day! Starting in Dec (hopefully) they will have a really cool instructor too ;)
Bibi and I purchased a Total Gym (Chuck Norris gadget) a few months back and we absolutely love it! Its a great, low impact machine that you can use in the comfort of your own home privately. Trust me when I say you get REAL results from it as well. It comes with a few really good instructional DVD's and work out routines you can follow.
The great thing about it is that its easy to stor so when you're done you just just slide it in a closet. I also like to run and ride my bike(Bibi hasn't gotten there yet) when the weather permits.
If you're interested in a "free trial" I would be willing to lend you our total gym for a few weeks and show you some of what we do to see if you would like to invest in this great machine.
They cost a nice bit of money ($1200) but you can get a used one off of Craigs list or do a 12 month interest free financing option through the company. Either way that's my 2 cents.
I am praying for you. That is the best thing I can do.
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