In mid-Septermber (2012), I helped a friend move out of state, and we spent a day unloading a large storage pod delivered to her door. It was 95 degrees, I was 25 lbs. overweight, and the work was brutal. When I got home, I rested for two days and then headed for the gym.
6 weeks later, I had lost those 25 lbs. I could run my mile again on the treadmill, do 2 miles on a stationary bike and 2 miles on the Eliptical machine. I could also do an about an hour’s worth of weight lifting after that, and this routine (with variations went on 6-7 days a week.
I had little time to practice drums, but when I did… my hands were tight. My arms were stronger, but I was tired from the constant exercise. I had not worked my legs, but they were a little tired too.
When I was a teenager, I lifted weights, and even then, the same thing happened.
So for what it’s worth, let me just say a few things to keep this post short. If you need to lose weight fast, as I chose to, eat MUCH smaller portions, eliminate all breads, sugars, sodas, and cut WAYYY back on carbs and any fats.
Do high numbers of repetitions with the weights, not concerning yourself with building strength. I ran and then lifted, to get my results, but a friend recently suggested that I could have done more sooner by lifting first and then doing cardio exercises. I will be trying this shortly.
BUT… know that you may find yourself tired from it, and if you work you arms too much, you may find all of you will be stronger…. and tighter. I’ll take smaller arms with looser wrists any day.
So, some thoughts as you head for the gym. Stay with it, and you WILL get results. Just think carefully about the results you really want and need…
Hi David, It was fascinating reading your blog just now: We have both been going through this process of going to the gym, together, and I totally agree with every word you said: Like with everything, it’s a bit of a balancing act: I know that the gym knackers me, but psychologically and physically, it makes me feel a lot healthier… Now I compromise, and cycle and go to the (outdoor) gym every other day, and try not to get into the trap of convincing myself that because I’m exercising more, I can eat more chocolate! On the whole, this is working for me…
Hey David! Finally you see the light!! Swimming us always the best way to start exercising before one begins with running – even on the elliptical.Don’t damage your lower back and knee joints. Losing weight is always a goal but the real health benefits come from improving your cardiovascular system which could save your life one day as it improves thinking processes. The idea of losing weight is somewhat obsessive in our ‘thin is all” global tech culture. Besides life long benefits of improving physical health in so many ways – another key benefit is CONNECTING with yourself – your entire being. So many of us forget we are whole energy or spiritual beings. Most if the people walk around and think of having a brain with thoughts and having a separate body that have muscles that move us. Getting connected with your entire being they exercise us a great start to becoming “whole” again – or finding your energy balance. Being intelligent with yourself by knowing the integration of soul and somatics is a universal value that has been ignored in the west. Yoga is also a superb way of reconnecting with yourself and another platform to full realize your spiritual energy connect. Glad to see that you wrote about the benefits of keeping in touch with body / mind wholeness benefits of exercising.
What foods you eat should be next on the list as well as positive thinking that promotes those new (or maybe existing)neuronal pathways that keep those good vibes happening!!