So, here I am, back at it again.
Back on the fitness horse.
I have fallen. Far. Fifty pounds to be exact. Muscle mass and cardio gains, gone. Worst thing is, I was just eight pounds shy of my initial goal weight.
I got off track, and fell back into old habits. I will not dwell in the past, what’s done is done. It is what it is, I offer no excuses.
The important part is I haven’t thrown up my hands and given up. I don’t think I’ll ever do that.
I still have my gym membership, although it’s not a requirement to get back on track. And I’ll start this journey just like I have before.
- I’ll eat less.
- I’ll move more.
- I’ll make better food choices but I won’t deprive myself.
- I’ll track my food intake, calories, and serving sizes.
- I’ll track my fitness progress (steps, workouts, activity).
- I won’t push too hard too fast, I’ll listen to my body, and I’ll take a break when I need to.
- I’ll track my physical progress using a measuring tape, and the way my clothes look and feel, NOT by the digits on a scale.
- I won’t get comfortable, I will always push myself.
- I’ll avoid the potholes of self-doubt.
- And I won’t give up.
Que the Rocky theme song, or Survivor by Destiny’s Child if you prefer, and let the games begin. I can’t wait to start feeling better, physically and mentally.
I’m a tech geek so I’m trying out two new (to me) fitness apps to inspire me. They’re both pay apps, either monthly or annually. This week I used Aaptive for the first time. It provides “trainer-led, music-driven audio workouts.”
There are many types of workouts and trainers to choose from. The one I tried was a full body workout that took me through four groups of three different exercises in each group. So for example, you do sumo squats with a weight for thirty seconds, then hit the floor for push ups for thirty seconds, then back up for military presses with a pair of dumbbells for thirty seconds. Do one more round of those exercises, then transition to a new set of three exercises. You repeat this cycle two more times (with new exercises) for a total or group of four. Make sense?
Push ups, ab work, arm work with dumbbells, leg lifts, planks, squats, all exercises I am familiar with. I chose the weight that felt comfortable for me. I loved how simple it was, all I had to do was listen and follow along. I didn’t need to mess with my phone to look at videos or find the right playlist. I was able to focus. The music was motivating, without being distracting. I found myself calling the instructor names. Not nice ones either. And when I was done, I was sweating profusely and red in the face. These are all personal indicators that I’ve had a good workout.
The other app that I’ll try this week is called Pear. Maybe I’ll write extensive reviews of both apps when my free 30 day trials are up.
On the (fitness) road again,
Angela