it don't come easy

I had somebody comment on one of my past workout posts, saying that it sounded so easy. Which would be a lie if that was my intent. Because it isn't easy. It hasn't been easy. I can justify a thousand and one reasons why I shouldn't step foot in the gym because there are more pressing concerns. Or that my body hurst more than it used to 10 years ago, or that one donut won't hurt (or one more piece of fried chicken).

The reality is that the process of change is hard. It's supposed to be. Nature likes a status quo. Our bodies like the status quo, even though the end result could be life threatening. It's easier to justify skipping cardio today because ... well, just because.

The other obstacle is seeing the results of these changes. The cliche is true: it is easier to put it on than take it off. So when you're at it for a month and aren't at your goal yet, you start feeling discouraged and wondering if it's worth it to keep going.

But, changes are being made, and one day you look in the mirror, and realize that your body is improving - the weight is coming off, your posture gets better, your endurance is longer, and you get a lot more self confident in yourself. You find that food you liked no longer tastes as good as you thought it would, and you start rationalizing not how good that donut would taste, but about all the hard work you've put into yourself, and not have it ruined by a lousy donut (or fried chicken ... sigh).

I recommend that if you are starting a fitness program, take a photo of yourself (with your iPhone maybe), starting that first day. And then keep taking photos of yourself each day you work out. You may not notice the subtle changes on a day-to-day basis, but when you start comparing before and after photos after about a month or two of exercising, it will keep you motivated to keep going.

Over and out for now!

oh yeah, it's on

Actually, it's off! 10 pounds, to be exact, in the last month. Woohoo! Though I think my new exercise routines and training sessions have a lot to do with it, I think what really got me going on the weight loss trail was enrolling at http://www.dotfit.com/. It's a nutrition diary (UFC members get to use it for free, or you can sign up individually online), and I highly recommend it. There are several similar diaries online so choose one that best fits what you like, but most important, stick with it.

To use dotfit I had to input my current weight and body fat and then give a timeline for my goals. In my case, it was loose 30 pounds in 3 months. Then it gives you how many calories you need to consume per day in order to obtain that goal. The difference between your calories consumed (my limit is 1,850 per day) and calories burned (calculated at 3,500) is called a calorie deficit, and that indicates how much weight you are loosing.

By inputting on a daily basis a breakdown of everything you eat, you get a picture really quick of your eating habits, and in my case, a lack of portion control. It's been tough, especially being honest with oneself, but the progress graphs inspire you to keep going.

Give it a try!