Fitness Update Month 2

Wow, it's been a month since I posted.

Well my weight is down to 262. I will admit several obstacles have gotten in the way of me working out as consistently in the last 30 days, but I am still moving forward.

I had a personal training session last Wednesday for the first time. I'm not sure what the exercises are called, but essentially I had to do all sorts of work with a medicine ball. It was a great workout, BUT, it has taken me nearly 4 days for my back to recover, I haven't had any pain until this point. It looks like I am dealing with one of two issues, my old Turkey Run post-prom injury is lurking and/or I worked muscles too hard that haven't been used in over a decade. Personally I think it is both. I hope to exercise tomorrow, we will see if I use my traditional routine or these new exercises. I know that I have to to strengthen my core, but I am not sure how do deal with the back issues. Any advice?

Fitness Update Week 3

Well, I have continued my journey to be 2/3 of a man. Things are going well, I did not get out friday, I decided to run around with my kids in the field next to my house instead. I will better manage my time from here out.

Week 3 - 6/16/08
My weight: 267
Today I broke a new record for me, I burned a total of 680 calories in my cardio workout! I am thrilled. I also did a complete circuit around the machines that I have determined to use to strengthen my core muscle groups, abdominals, upper legs and arms. Today I did three sets on the machine that works my calves for the first time, that was really tough, but I think it will pay off. Overall I am still very motivated, and pleased with my progress. I am hoping to be under 260 by the first week of July, we shall see.

When is 2/3 of a man a whole man?

This is very personal, some of you are I am sure disgusted at this, but I feel that I must log my progress to help in my personal accountability, so here we are...

As most of you are aware, I have struggled with my weight since I have been married. In the last year I have gained more, I thought I had topped out at about 267 about a month ago, but two weeks ago I stepped on the scale and tipped it at 275.

I can blame all sorts of things, my career mostly involves sitting at a desk typing away at the keyboard, my wife is a great cook, I just don't have time to worry about eating healthy, etc, etc... But ultimately like all of the other decisions in my life my weight and in turn my health are my responsibility. I take responsibility for my children and my career, but I have done this without watching out for my own long term welfare.

For some reason the Lord has seen fit to keep me "healthy" even at my high weight, I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes or anything like that. I have been able to keep up with my kids thus far. But alas the clock is ticking, I am 30, still young by most measures, I work with a guy who is 10 years my senior, is on 3 different medications, 1 for diabetes, 2 for heart and cholesterol problems. He has just now made the decision to loose weight. I never want to be in that position.

A good friend of mine, all of the "Brazil Youth" know him, Jon Jones, came to much the same realization that I have, but he did about 10 months ago, he tipped the scales at just over 300 lbs, he has since lost 100 lbs and is now involved in tri-athalons and various athletic activities. Well those of you who know Jon probably would never believe it, but it is true. My thought is, if he can do it, so can I!

So here goes, I will make an effort to log my progress at least once a week.

Week 1 - 6/1/08
My starting weight 275, the first night I used the treadmill for 30 minutes, my legs burned furiously after about 5, but I pushed through. I spoke to two folks who are familiar with fitness, they told me to stretch before exercising (I should have known) and that the burn would eventually subside. (I sure hope so.) I then took my time learning some of the resistance equipment, basically focusing on my abdominal muscles, chest and arms. Nights 2 and 3 were basically the same, except I switched to the elliptical machine and added a 10 minute bike ride at the end.

Week 2 - 6/8 /07
My weight 273 - I met some personal goals tonight, the burn is gone, I was able to work harder on the elliptical machine, and I broke 500 calories in 35 minutes of workout. This was a good night for me. I continued the rest of the routine without much change, still focusing on my abdominal's and upper body.

Now that I am actually "fit enough" to workout, I am working on making adjustments to my diet, more water, fiber, no raw sugar or "whites" that is rice, potatoes, white bread, etc... As I make adjustments I will log my progress, please comment, I am always looking for tips and advice.

One last note, my goal is to drop about 90 total lbs by Christmas, I am not sure I can do it, but I think I can and will work towards that goal.