Ok, if you’re a regular reader of this site you may have noticed that I have pretty much dropped off the face of the earth the past few months (probably longer). I haven’t been exercising regularly, and my diet hasn’t been one to be proud of either.
I’ve been full of excuses as to why I haven’t been working out, and why I’ve been consuming a steady diet of fast food garbage. Among them:
- Family Health Issues: My wife has been having a ton of health issues the past 2 years. She’s been in and out of the hospital several times, and has had 2 surgeries for unrelated problems. She’s also now pregnant with our first child, and I’m taking on an extra load at home because of it. As a result I haven’t been focusing on myself as much. Yes, I know it’s an excuse.
- My Blogging & My Day Job: I work an 8-5 day job, and also blog at night at my personal finance blog. Focusing on all those things takes a lot of time and effort!
- No Motivation: I just haven’t been motivated to work out or eat healthy. I’ve been tired. I’ve been focused on other things, and I’ve been lazy.
I know I’ve just been making rationalizations for my own laziness, and it’s time for this all to change.
Re-starting My Workout Regimen
As of yesterday I’m restarting my workout and health eating regimen. After realizing that many of my clothes are no longer fitting me – I decided that it’s time that I take some of the weight off, and get back on track to living a healthy life. After all, with my first child on the way I want to be here for a long time – for him and for my future grandchildren!
My workout plan that I’ll be engaging in:
- Day 1: Upper Body Weights
- Day 2: High Intensity Interval Training
- Day 3: Lower Body Weights
- Day 4: High Intensity Interval Training
- Day 5: Upper Body Weights
- Day 6: High Intensity Interval Training
- Day 7: Day Off
So basically I’ll just repeat this pattern week in and week out until I reach my goal weight of around 200 lbs. I’m currently a little bit over 270, so I’ve got a long ways to go.
I’ve lost weight in the past using this same workout plan, and on average I was able to lose 10-15 pounds per month. Last time I did this plan for about 4 months and lost over 40 pounds. That was back in 2007. Here we are in 2010 and I’ve gained it all back and then some. Time to lose it and keep it off for good this time.
Update: I just bought the Xbox 360 Kinect sensor and Your Shape : Fitness Evolved workout video game as well, so I’ll e adding this to my workout regimen once it arrives.
I Started Last Night
I started my workout program last night with a upper body weight lifting routine. It was tough, and I could tell it’s been quite a while since I’ve worked out. I know I’ll be extra sore tomorrow.
Tonight I’ll be doing some running using interval training as discussed in yesterday’s post. Hopefully I don’t pass out, have a heart attack and die. We shall see!
This post is my way of keeping myself accountable, and putting an end to the excuses. It’s time to get moving!
Have you ever been to the point where you just get sick of it – and end the excuses? Are you still in the excuse making phase? Tell us your thoughts on beginning a weight loss plan, and what it takes to get started in the comments.
Pete –
A baby! That’s awesome. Congrats on that man, what a great gift from God. I found my first kid was the biggest motivator to stay in shape, especially because she was a girl. Interval training and lifting 6 days a week will take it off you quick. Take care of that pretty lady and keep us updated on the pregnancy.
Thanks Joe! Well it’s been three straight days of exercise so far, and my muscles aren’t used to all this work. I am SORE! But I’m back on the wagon and that feels good! Tonight – more running!
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Glad to have you back, and congrats on the impending baby. It’s now approaching the middle of May… Still on the workout wagon?
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I made it through the first week and a half with alternating weights days and running days. I’ve had a bump for the last week – just been crazy busy with birthdays, baby showers and more. I’m getting back on the wagon again this week. When you have a bump in the road, dust yourself off and keep going!
Hmm, it’s tough to get restarted once you drop off the bandwagon. The key is never to stop in the first place.
Easier said than done but if you dedicate a certain time for your training, no matter what, then you can’t miss it. It is also better to train only for 10 min than not at all.
That said, the easiest way not to miss training is to actually enjoy it. If you don’t like running on the treadmill, you will find it torture to run 45 min 4 times a week on it.
So go out there and find something you enjoy doing and keep at it.
I too understand the difficulty involved in kick-starting a fitness program when you’ve fallen off the program for a stretch. I didn’t really do anything physical for a long while when my wife got sick and passed away. I’m healing now emotionally, spiritually and physically and starting back into a fitness training program myself. I’d always promised myself I’d get into triathlon and this will be the year. Good luck with your goals. I look forward to hearing all your successes. Cheers!