Steve v5.0

Posts Tagged ‘Fitness’

During the past few years (since v4.6), I’ve worked at improving my efficiency at creating a deficit in that ol’ equation of mine.  Maintaining a caloric deficit requires some thought, and creating a habit of consistently making the right choices without getting bogged down with the details and losing momentum due to tedium has a guy like me tool shopping.

I used to love tools- electronic, software, power, hand, mechanic’s, carpenter’s, you name it and I’d try to fill my garage with it.  I’d keep them for a while, maybe even use one or two, before my wife sold it to the neighbors.  I just don’t have much anymore, but I have maintained the fascination with how, if there’s a problem, there’s probably a tool designed to fix it.  I marvel at how many tools there are available that are specifically designed to make me less pudgy.  It’s remarkable.  I’ve stayed away from the gimmicky ones and raised an eyebrow at the others.  I just don’t want to become dependent on a THING to help me lose weight and when it comes right down to it, I really don’t need a “thing” to keep food out of my mouth or get me up off my butt- though duct tape and a thumbtack might just do the trick (Duct Tape ‘n’ Tack Weight Loss Program are a registered trademark of Steve v4.9, and available for purchase in the Comments section).

Anyway, I guess I do use various tools in my efforts to lose weight that may not be necessary, but do help keep me motivated and interested in the whole process.  My toolbox includes a blender, a food scale, a bicycle, gym membership, an Ipod, and various software and sundry websites.  Lately I’ve been exploring apps for my Motorola Droid that are designed to help me track my intake and activity.  It’s been quite interesting- figuring out what works best for me and what my wife should sell to the neighbors.

In coming posts I’ll review some of my favorites as I lean-out my toolbox.

 

So, I’m doing a little research in regard to yoga and I must say that I find it rather compelling.

I don’t know how many of those of you out there who may be sporting similar physiques and history as I and are into this, but if you are, you absolutely rock. This activity does not look easy in the slightest. Difficult doesn’t put me off in the slightest, and if I can make myself into some kind of silly-straw after a few weeks/millenia of practice, I’ll be absolutely stoked.

I plan on doing a short routine in the morning before I hit the weights tomorrow- just to see if it will help limber me up. I’m thinking mostly stretching-type stuff, no radical contortions just yet.

Rock on.

Related articles by Zemanta

• These Celebs Stay Toned and Tranquil With Yoga (fitsugar.com)
• Strike a Yoga Pose: Dolphin Plank (fitsugar.com)
• Tone Your Thighs With Yoga (fitsugar.com)

 

OK, I admit it.  I’m spoiled.  The gym I go to is usually empty during my workout.  I’m there six mornings each week and I could count on a clumsy butcher’s hand how many people I have to share the room with.  I’ve mentioned this a few times and it has been suggested by a reader or two that I somehow repel those who would ordinarily be working out… but I have to wonder.  I’m not saying that I’m not naturally repellent but it appears to me that gym population tends to be more cyclical than anything else.

January to mid-February is like some kind of county fair thing going on in there.  We’re like livestock- bumping into each other as we move from station to station.  By March I’m alone again.  It’s packed again for the first two weeks in June as (I’m guessing) people prep for swimsuit and (I’m wildly guessing because of the types of people working out) wedding season.  A few people come in on Saturdays but typically it’s just me (and one or two others, maybe) again until January.

Am I trying to impress anybody by pointing out what a die-hard gym rat I am?  I really don’t think people are all that impressed by hearing about a big fat guy going to the gym all the time.  Hmm, what’s the word that comes to mind?  Oh yeah, I think its “meh“.

Anyway, the purpose of this journal has always been to provide a reminder to me of all I’ve had to do to get myself back to a healthy weight again; to chronicle what’s motivated me, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and to really pay attention to all aspects of the entire experience.  Why?  Mainly to ensure I don’t ever have to repeat it.

So what is it about today’s entry that is going to help me keep it going?  The notion that exercise isn’t a cyclical event.  That exercise shouldn’t be a reaction to any particular tradition or day on a calendar, and it shouldn’t just be preparation for periodic events.  Exercise should be a part of daily life- and that means every day.

So, to the throng I expect to see at the gym in January, I kinda hope you keep on going- but I hear the gym up on the hill is a lot nicer than the place I go (and it’s usually pretty empty too).