I'm 40 years old. I weigh @475 (haven't gotten on a scale in forever) - the simple truth is that I may never be able to fix my body, repair the damage done. I could very easily have a heart attack tomorrow. My body is very messed up, as anyone who has read this blog is surely aware.
Constantly starting and ending diets and exercise programs, for whatever reason, is at best frustrating. It's likely doing more harm than good.
I need to find a simple, consistent routine. Routine gets a bad rap - but my routine, my bad habits, is what got me where I am. I think routine is the path out. A diet and exercise program that becomes routine isn't a diet and exercise program anymore - it's a life style change. Can you think of anyone more in need of a life style change than I?
This morning's Treadmill Revelations:
- Food is not a form of entertainment.
- Exercise is not a form of entertainment.
- I get as many endorphins from a half hour on the treadmill as a half hour lifting weights and the treadmill is simpler - just walk.
- Lifting weights is no more or less entertaining than the treadmill, see #2.
- The goal, right now, is weight loss. The diabetes, the congestive heart failure, the sleep apnea - all of these are related to the 300 extra pounds I'm carrying.
- When I weigh 200 pounds, I can care about finding entertaining exercise and general fitness. I'm a drowning man, worrying that my clothes are wet is a distraction.
- I'd rather never lose weight than continue to stop and start diets and workouts because of sickness, injury, frustration, depression, blah, blah, blah. Eating a salad and thinking about my next workout is better than eating a candy bar and wishing I could lose some weight.
- I'm sick and tired of the "I've just changed my diet and my body is revolting" aspect of dieting. Every time I start dieting or change my diet, my body decides it's time to camp on the couch, or camp in the bathroom! (As for the protein powder, well, it kicked off my gout. It shouldn't, but it did. There is some anecdotal evidence that I'm not the only one with this problem.)
3 comments:
consistency is key. It should read consistency is KING. I will admit that I will miss you on the weights. I can give you half a dozen reasons why lifting weights should be a solid part of a healthy lifestyle but I'd rather see you stick to a routine for 30-60 days before begging you to come back to pushing metal...
that being said, I WILL eventually beg you to come back to pushing metal. If health and fitness was easy, we'd all have it...
Honestly, if you're not having fun while moving (notice I didn't say exercising) then you're doing the wrong activity. I have a list of questions that could help you identify something that is more enjoyable to you.
Enjoyment = easier to stick with. Just sayin'
One of the things that helped me is that I know it is a "diet" it is trying to figure out what lifestyle changes I needed to make. A few years ago I had reached what I call my "critical mass" and knew I had to lose weight. I did but have been stuck at a certain point now for awhile BUT I know I am healthier and that I have made changes for a healthier life.
Personally, I agree with the above commenter in that I think that weights are instrumental in weight loss BUT having said that, I lost my first huge amount of weight without lifting weights and simply doing cardio. So do the cardio that you like. Some day consider going back to weights or try some type of strength class. I love kettlebell classes and do them consistently.
I look forward to hearing about your continued journey and more revelations!
Keep your head up Beast.
I listen to music and let the rain fall on my bare head.
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