So, survived the weekend. Drank lots of wine, but did not kill the liver. That counts as a win I believe! Oh, I may not have told you.. I was in the Clare Valley on the weekend enjoying the products of this important wine growing area.
So, over the weekend I did not do much in the way of weight training (try none) and only a small amount of walking. I did however, walk up and down the long steep driveway to where we were staying several times to ensure that our friends dog got exercised (about ten minutes each way, either all up hill, or all downhill)
But, on the plus side, I did not drink a lot of beer. I also can say, that as of this morning, I am still over 106kgs in weight, so I did not lose much weight over the weekend, despite not eating as much as I normally would...
Oh, and did I mention? Virgin Blue Airlines still do not impress me.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
taking stock
So... It has been a few days. I say that everytime these days, don’t I? So, what is new?
Well, first, I am back up to 107kgs. I think it is mostly muscle, not fat. I cannot say for sure, seeing as I do not have the relevent testing equipment. But, what I can say, is that my jeans are tighter around my legs, my gut seems to be shrinking, but is certainly not growing, and generally I look like my muscles on my trunk are starting to become more prominent. Certainly, the muscles on my arms and legs are becoming more pronounced, so something is happening.
My stomach feels more muscular. It feels like the muscle is closer to the surface, and firmer than it was before, but, is it really? Only time will tell, when I can start to see my six pack showing through, and when I can start to see my ribs showing through, rather than being buried under a layer of fat as they are now.
Also, I have started to use my new dumb bells. Granted, 20kg dumb bells are not a big deal, not like lifting 100kgs in a bench press is. But, for someone who is still getting back into the reshaping thing, 20kgs on each arm, is a significant deal. I certainly do not think I am going to stick with this weight into next year, but I do think it is a sure sign of progress, and a pleasing improvement on the past.
I am also noticing some of my shirts are getting tight across the shoulders and chest, not to mention my arms. These are places that normally I do not have clothes that fit tightly, so this must be a good thing, indicating that parts of me are growing. And these are parts that do not have large amounts of fat on them, so something must be happening the way I want it.
So, all round, it seems to be an improvement on many levels. I have also been walking most days, improving my cardio fitness levels. Hopefully by the time it is warm enough to spend time shirtless, my body has improved enough that I am not embarrassed to show it off.
Well, first, I am back up to 107kgs. I think it is mostly muscle, not fat. I cannot say for sure, seeing as I do not have the relevent testing equipment. But, what I can say, is that my jeans are tighter around my legs, my gut seems to be shrinking, but is certainly not growing, and generally I look like my muscles on my trunk are starting to become more prominent. Certainly, the muscles on my arms and legs are becoming more pronounced, so something is happening.
My stomach feels more muscular. It feels like the muscle is closer to the surface, and firmer than it was before, but, is it really? Only time will tell, when I can start to see my six pack showing through, and when I can start to see my ribs showing through, rather than being buried under a layer of fat as they are now.
Also, I have started to use my new dumb bells. Granted, 20kg dumb bells are not a big deal, not like lifting 100kgs in a bench press is. But, for someone who is still getting back into the reshaping thing, 20kgs on each arm, is a significant deal. I certainly do not think I am going to stick with this weight into next year, but I do think it is a sure sign of progress, and a pleasing improvement on the past.
I am also noticing some of my shirts are getting tight across the shoulders and chest, not to mention my arms. These are places that normally I do not have clothes that fit tightly, so this must be a good thing, indicating that parts of me are growing. And these are parts that do not have large amounts of fat on them, so something must be happening the way I want it.
So, all round, it seems to be an improvement on many levels. I have also been walking most days, improving my cardio fitness levels. Hopefully by the time it is warm enough to spend time shirtless, my body has improved enough that I am not embarrassed to show it off.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The dumb bells!!! They are here!!!
YAY!!! New dumb bells!!!!
20kg exercises here I come!!! I am also having my first beer since the weekend.. Tastes very good, but I feel I deserve it after carrying the dumb bells from the bus stop home...
Not a lot to say today, but my hands hurt from carrying the bags I put the dumb bells in!!!
20kg exercises here I come!!! I am also having my first beer since the weekend.. Tastes very good, but I feel I deserve it after carrying the dumb bells from the bus stop home...
Not a lot to say today, but my hands hurt from carrying the bags I put the dumb bells in!!!
Monday, September 07, 2009
over 106kgs!! WOOT!
Hmm... I am trying honest, but I keep failing to put up new posts. I do all my thinking about what I want to discuss while I am walking home very often, then when I get home, I am too buggered to do anything about the posts. Today though, I only walked a small part of the way home, thanks to the well timed electrical storm and attached downpour. Well timed, as in just as I was trying to walk home!!!
Ok, first up. Last week, I did everything I wanted to do in terms of rebuilding my bod, except one thing that I did try to do but circumstances worked against me. I walked home every day, I did my exercises each morning. I tried to buy the next size up dumb bells, but would you believe, for the second time in a row that I went there, the store did not have that size dumb bells. WTF??? Four of the weights on either side, but none of the one I want? Stock ordering FAIL!!!
The next thing I wanted to talk about? Beer, or rather, the need for me to stop drinking lots of it.
I have been going through about a six pack every two days, at least, sometimes more beer. But, if I am trying to reduce my gut and find the six pack hiding underneath the fat, I need to watch the carb intake. Dropping the beer intake is probably going to make a bigger difference than almost anything I can think of... But I do not want to!!! But I know that dropping the beer will make a big difference, so do it I will!!!!
Ok, first up. Last week, I did everything I wanted to do in terms of rebuilding my bod, except one thing that I did try to do but circumstances worked against me. I walked home every day, I did my exercises each morning. I tried to buy the next size up dumb bells, but would you believe, for the second time in a row that I went there, the store did not have that size dumb bells. WTF??? Four of the weights on either side, but none of the one I want? Stock ordering FAIL!!!
The next thing I wanted to talk about? Beer, or rather, the need for me to stop drinking lots of it.
I have been going through about a six pack every two days, at least, sometimes more beer. But, if I am trying to reduce my gut and find the six pack hiding underneath the fat, I need to watch the carb intake. Dropping the beer intake is probably going to make a bigger difference than almost anything I can think of... But I do not want to!!! But I know that dropping the beer will make a big difference, so do it I will!!!!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
106kgs..
Hmm.. I have got to start posting more regularly than every ten days. Seriously, if I am doing this to keep motivated and on the right track, I need to do it more often...
That said, I weighed myself today, and I am definitely not losing weight anymore. I am believing this is a good thing. I would like to believe I am building muscle. But, having not worked out with weights for the best part of a week, I have to confess, that seems unlikely. Especially considering how hard it felt today. But, I did do lots of walking on the weekend with my parents, so at least my cardio fitness should be good, so in theory, I should not have been putting on fat. But then, Ann Elks had a theory too, and we know how good that was!!! (monty python reference!)
So, having finally got the backroom reorganised after The Gorgeous One decided to move chairs around, making working out impractical, I have started back on weights again. I fully expect my shoulders chest and arms to complain tomorrow. But I do not care. I want to have a beautiful, beach body, so I have to deal with a bit of pain now and then.
Having said that, I have still been walking home from work most days. Not everyday, but most. Usually four a week, which exceeds my 3 times a week requirement.And I can tell the flab around my gut is starting to move. It all feels firmer, and tauter. Sure, I can still see flab, but it is still shrinking. This is a very good thing...
I still wish there was a pill, which made it all go away faster, but the only legal weightloss pill that works also has some rather nasty side effects, so I will skip that thanks!!!
That said, I weighed myself today, and I am definitely not losing weight anymore. I am believing this is a good thing. I would like to believe I am building muscle. But, having not worked out with weights for the best part of a week, I have to confess, that seems unlikely. Especially considering how hard it felt today. But, I did do lots of walking on the weekend with my parents, so at least my cardio fitness should be good, so in theory, I should not have been putting on fat. But then, Ann Elks had a theory too, and we know how good that was!!! (monty python reference!)
So, having finally got the backroom reorganised after The Gorgeous One decided to move chairs around, making working out impractical, I have started back on weights again. I fully expect my shoulders chest and arms to complain tomorrow. But I do not care. I want to have a beautiful, beach body, so I have to deal with a bit of pain now and then.
Having said that, I have still been walking home from work most days. Not everyday, but most. Usually four a week, which exceeds my 3 times a week requirement.And I can tell the flab around my gut is starting to move. It all feels firmer, and tauter. Sure, I can still see flab, but it is still shrinking. This is a very good thing...
I still wish there was a pill, which made it all go away faster, but the only legal weightloss pill that works also has some rather nasty side effects, so I will skip that thanks!!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
A discovery
I think I made a discovery today. I am not sure, but I think so. If so, it explains a lot.
On the weekend, I tend not to eat as much. The Gorgeous One is not a big breakfast eater. More to the point, he is not a big morning person! So, he does not understand the need for me to have a big breakfast, pretty much straight after working out... So, by the time he is ready to eat, I am climbing the walls...
The nett result of this, is that by the next day, I am a bit on the weak side when I do my exercises. This morning I found doing things I have done fine on Friday, were a battle. It really seemed like I was working out really hard, when it was not difficult the previous time...
so... My assumption is that I am low on energy/resources come monday morning, so I need to eat more on Sunday to make sure I can do my exercises on monday..
On the weekend, I tend not to eat as much. The Gorgeous One is not a big breakfast eater. More to the point, he is not a big morning person! So, he does not understand the need for me to have a big breakfast, pretty much straight after working out... So, by the time he is ready to eat, I am climbing the walls...
The nett result of this, is that by the next day, I am a bit on the weak side when I do my exercises. This morning I found doing things I have done fine on Friday, were a battle. It really seemed like I was working out really hard, when it was not difficult the previous time...
so... My assumption is that I am low on energy/resources come monday morning, so I need to eat more on Sunday to make sure I can do my exercises on monday..
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The parents have arrived!!
Sorry for ignoring you all for so long. What, did I hear? What? Is there anyone here?
Anyway... After that little silliness...
I did not get to buy the dumbbells this week.. My parents decided to land this weekend. The Gorgeous One and I spent most of yesterday cleaning the house, with help from The Other B. Then today, we spent all afternoon with my parents. But, now, I am exhausted, and will soon be turning in
However, what about the progress I heard you say? Well, the scales seem to be saying I am growing again. Not much, but still, growing. And my gut is definitely shrinking. And my parents even noticed that I am slimmer, which is a good thing, seeing as the last time I saw them, I was at my fattest. Not to mention, that when I told them I had lost about 5kgs, they were shocked. Then again, before I visited them, I had only just restarted the exercise, and I was a fatty.... I had dropped more earlier, but the weights are starting to show their effects on my body. I can see some muscles again. Not many, mind, but enough that I can say I have them again..
Now to get that 20 kg dumb bell pair sometime!
Anyway... After that little silliness...
I did not get to buy the dumbbells this week.. My parents decided to land this weekend. The Gorgeous One and I spent most of yesterday cleaning the house, with help from The Other B. Then today, we spent all afternoon with my parents. But, now, I am exhausted, and will soon be turning in
However, what about the progress I heard you say? Well, the scales seem to be saying I am growing again. Not much, but still, growing. And my gut is definitely shrinking. And my parents even noticed that I am slimmer, which is a good thing, seeing as the last time I saw them, I was at my fattest. Not to mention, that when I told them I had lost about 5kgs, they were shocked. Then again, before I visited them, I had only just restarted the exercise, and I was a fatty.... I had dropped more earlier, but the weights are starting to show their effects on my body. I can see some muscles again. Not many, mind, but enough that I can say I have them again..
Now to get that 20 kg dumb bell pair sometime!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
frustrations
Hmm.. So, what is new today? Well, I have been doing lots of walking, which is always good. I have also been doing my weights, also good. I tried to buy a new pair of dumb bells, which did not go so good... Seems my local exercise equipment shop has every dumb bell known to man, except in the size I want. But, they do say, they will have them next friday, so I guess that gives me more time to make sure I can afford them easily.
But, I am still feeling fat. And I am still losing weight, not gaining weight, even as I gain muscle. But, that funny event with the scales, was just that, a funny event. Gaining one kg overnight, then losing it the next, well, we all know what that was, don’t we? One big hunk of t bone steak working its way through my system..
So, anyway.. just thought I would post here, to indicate it is still going, I am still working on rebuilding the bod, aiming for that summer bod..
But, I am still feeling fat. And I am still losing weight, not gaining weight, even as I gain muscle. But, that funny event with the scales, was just that, a funny event. Gaining one kg overnight, then losing it the next, well, we all know what that was, don’t we? One big hunk of t bone steak working its way through my system..
So, anyway.. just thought I would post here, to indicate it is still going, I am still working on rebuilding the bod, aiming for that summer bod..
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Its progress Jim...
Hmm..
Trying to regularly do this, sometimes it is not so easy is it? I mean, I get up, I work out, have breakfast, shower and head off to work. I come home after work, and make dinner, and sometimes I think about posting here. Most of the time, I forget to do so. But, I need to do it. I need to hold myself up honestly and say “yes, I did what I planned” or “No, I did not get there” The whole point of these posts atm, is to hold myself accountable, and exposing myself to ridicule, if I do not follow through with what I plan.
I can safely say, this week I have been working hard, and getting results. My gut is shrinking, as is my weight, which is perhaps not quite what I was expecting. But, my muscles are also expanding, which is what I wanted. I can honestly say, I am seeing results.
My belt is now consistently back in a hole further in, than what it used to be. My legs are getting bigger, and my shoulders are filling out my shirts better again. I just need to keep at it, and keep working to achieve the results I want. Buying a bigger set of dumb bells is the plans for this week end, as a part of achieving this, seeing as I am now up to the heaviest dumb bells I have at present. And I need to keep eating the right foods, to keep growing the right body parts, and not growing the wrong things...
Trying to regularly do this, sometimes it is not so easy is it? I mean, I get up, I work out, have breakfast, shower and head off to work. I come home after work, and make dinner, and sometimes I think about posting here. Most of the time, I forget to do so. But, I need to do it. I need to hold myself up honestly and say “yes, I did what I planned” or “No, I did not get there” The whole point of these posts atm, is to hold myself accountable, and exposing myself to ridicule, if I do not follow through with what I plan.
I can safely say, this week I have been working hard, and getting results. My gut is shrinking, as is my weight, which is perhaps not quite what I was expecting. But, my muscles are also expanding, which is what I wanted. I can honestly say, I am seeing results.
My belt is now consistently back in a hole further in, than what it used to be. My legs are getting bigger, and my shoulders are filling out my shirts better again. I just need to keep at it, and keep working to achieve the results I want. Buying a bigger set of dumb bells is the plans for this week end, as a part of achieving this, seeing as I am now up to the heaviest dumb bells I have at present. And I need to keep eating the right foods, to keep growing the right body parts, and not growing the wrong things...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Progress?
Ok, so I am getting back on track. Today I did my full leg workout, making use of the heaviest dumb bells I have atm. This is a good thing! I am not at the point where I need to rush out and buy the heavier dumbbells, but it is starting to get close. I also walked most of the way home tonight. Not all the way, but then, we did stop for the ribs special tonight... Ribs... belch
Wednesday, I expect I am going to be using the biggest dumbbells on several of my upper body exercises as well. This will also be A Good Thing!! Tomorrow it is just abs day. Which is painful enough, but not as bad as leg day. Tomorrow my legs will be killing me, but, the results WILL be worth it. I have decided they will, therefore they will. That is how it goes does it not?
Sadly not, which is why I am putting myself through this constant pain, to get the body I desire. And, it is working, though of course, never as fast as we want..This morning, when I weighed myself, I had dropped 2 kgs. Now, while that may not be entirely the result I am aiming for, I can guarantee that I have lost fat, which is a very good thing. Now I just need to make sure that I do not loose anymore weight while I am trying to build up. I am upping my food intake, while trying not to increase my carbs too much. I am working on trying to increase the protein intake, to encourage the building of muscle, rather than the building of fat deposits. Hopefully, by not increasing my carb intake, it will encourage my body to continue the fat utilisation/relocation/absorbtion, and all will be good. We can but hope!!!
Wednesday, I expect I am going to be using the biggest dumbbells on several of my upper body exercises as well. This will also be A Good Thing!! Tomorrow it is just abs day. Which is painful enough, but not as bad as leg day. Tomorrow my legs will be killing me, but, the results WILL be worth it. I have decided they will, therefore they will. That is how it goes does it not?
Sadly not, which is why I am putting myself through this constant pain, to get the body I desire. And, it is working, though of course, never as fast as we want..This morning, when I weighed myself, I had dropped 2 kgs. Now, while that may not be entirely the result I am aiming for, I can guarantee that I have lost fat, which is a very good thing. Now I just need to make sure that I do not loose anymore weight while I am trying to build up. I am upping my food intake, while trying not to increase my carbs too much. I am working on trying to increase the protein intake, to encourage the building of muscle, rather than the building of fat deposits. Hopefully, by not increasing my carb intake, it will encourage my body to continue the fat utilisation/relocation/absorbtion, and all will be good. We can but hope!!!
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Oops
Hmm.. Well, that was rather effective, wasn’t it? I had a rather big night on Saturday, then take the rest of the week to get back up to speed. I did manage to do my 3 walks home minimum this week (4) and 3.5 last week (One was only part way), so things are not totally lost, and I have worked out 3 times in the mornings, but I am only now starting to get back up to speed... Note to self, remember such things can totally stuff up plans!!!
Anyway, other than self inflicted steps backwards, life on the whole is good. I had been feeling like the exercise kick is getting results, even if I cannot really see them yet. I have noticed that my waist line is starting to shrink back into shape again. I can tell partly because I am starting to need to go back in one hole in my belt. Not all the time, but often enough that I can tell it is working. Also, a couple of my tshirts are starting to feel tight around the shoulders again, as they should. When they are tight around the shoulders and have room around my gut I will be really happy!!!
So, plans for next week? At some point, I need to lash out and spend some money on a new set of dumbbells (as I mentioned in my last post. I am starting to integrate my current heaviest pair into my workouts, so once they start to not be a stretch, I will need to look at going up a weight again. I really do not fancy spending the money, but, if I want to change the way I look, build more muscle and improve my fitness, I am going to need to spend money. Considering that they do not wear out in a hurry, I think I can justify the expense...So long as I use them of course!!!!
Anyway, other than self inflicted steps backwards, life on the whole is good. I had been feeling like the exercise kick is getting results, even if I cannot really see them yet. I have noticed that my waist line is starting to shrink back into shape again. I can tell partly because I am starting to need to go back in one hole in my belt. Not all the time, but often enough that I can tell it is working. Also, a couple of my tshirts are starting to feel tight around the shoulders again, as they should. When they are tight around the shoulders and have room around my gut I will be really happy!!!
So, plans for next week? At some point, I need to lash out and spend some money on a new set of dumbbells (as I mentioned in my last post. I am starting to integrate my current heaviest pair into my workouts, so once they start to not be a stretch, I will need to look at going up a weight again. I really do not fancy spending the money, but, if I want to change the way I look, build more muscle and improve my fitness, I am going to need to spend money. Considering that they do not wear out in a hurry, I think I can justify the expense...So long as I use them of course!!!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A quickie after a yummy dinner out that did not fit the plan!
After this morning’s workout, I am proud to announce I am about to start using my heaviest dumb bells. This is a BIG DEAL! For two reasons. First of all, the fact that I am going up in weights means that my workouts are having an effect. Secondly, it also means I am going to have to consider buying a new pair of dumb bells. Which I have to say, is not fun. The bigger the dumbbells, the more expensive. The next ones are going to hurt the bank balance.
But seriously, have you ever thought about how much money we spend on looking good? I have to say, the money I have spent trying to look good over my life is quite obscene! What with gym memberships in the past, hair cuts, clothes that I think look good, skin care and hair care products, and the like, you really sometimes wonder what is the point? I mean, surely I have better things to do with my money? Having said that, the money I spend is nothing compared to the money some people spend. The idea of regular facials for example. Who really has the money for that? And regular professional hair colouring? Mind you, I am never really going to need to worry about covering grey hair. Mine is going to all fall out before then!
Now, having said that, I do think my workout/reshaping program is worthwhile, and good value for money. I also suspect that the next dumbbells I buy will probably be the last ones I buy for quite a while. I was thinking about this while working out this morning. I want to see what I look like when I get comfortable using this next set of dumbbells, which I have yet to buy. I have this feeling, when I have been using them for a few weeks, and am using them in most of my exercises, I will be starting to have the sort of body I want to have. If that is the case, I probably wont be rushing out to get a bigger pair anytime soon...
Time will tell!!!
But seriously, have you ever thought about how much money we spend on looking good? I have to say, the money I have spent trying to look good over my life is quite obscene! What with gym memberships in the past, hair cuts, clothes that I think look good, skin care and hair care products, and the like, you really sometimes wonder what is the point? I mean, surely I have better things to do with my money? Having said that, the money I spend is nothing compared to the money some people spend. The idea of regular facials for example. Who really has the money for that? And regular professional hair colouring? Mind you, I am never really going to need to worry about covering grey hair. Mine is going to all fall out before then!
Now, having said that, I do think my workout/reshaping program is worthwhile, and good value for money. I also suspect that the next dumbbells I buy will probably be the last ones I buy for quite a while. I was thinking about this while working out this morning. I want to see what I look like when I get comfortable using this next set of dumbbells, which I have yet to buy. I have this feeling, when I have been using them for a few weeks, and am using them in most of my exercises, I will be starting to have the sort of body I want to have. If that is the case, I probably wont be rushing out to get a bigger pair anytime soon...
Time will tell!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Another cold walk home
Well, another day, another walk home. I pushed myself walking home tonight. I am not sure if it was just because it was cold, or because I just wanted to get home, or what, but I got home the fastest I have walked in ages.
I also did my abs this morning, so I have been a good boy today.
Walking home tonight, I realised that my belt is going to need to go in another hole now. This is a good thing. My pants were hanging low as I walked. Not rapper homeboy low, but low enough to make you realise your shape is changing. Thankfully, my butt is too big and round to let them fall far, but it still feels odd and not entirely pleasant when they are loose at the top, but fitting me elsewhere just fine. But, this is a good thing.
On another topic...
My Dr is suspicious I am suffering from low testosterone. I had a blood test that came up fairly low. I had to have another one last week. I am still waiting for results. If it turns out low again, I expect we will be discussing supplementation. I am kind of hoping that will turn out I need extra. It will make my work in changing my shape much easier. Steroids here I come? Maybe!!!
I also did my abs this morning, so I have been a good boy today.
Walking home tonight, I realised that my belt is going to need to go in another hole now. This is a good thing. My pants were hanging low as I walked. Not rapper homeboy low, but low enough to make you realise your shape is changing. Thankfully, my butt is too big and round to let them fall far, but it still feels odd and not entirely pleasant when they are loose at the top, but fitting me elsewhere just fine. But, this is a good thing.
On another topic...
My Dr is suspicious I am suffering from low testosterone. I had a blood test that came up fairly low. I had to have another one last week. I am still waiting for results. If it turns out low again, I expect we will be discussing supplementation. I am kind of hoping that will turn out I need extra. It will make my work in changing my shape much easier. Steroids here I come? Maybe!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, cold out!
Ok, so day 2, what news? Well, I did manage to walk home. All the way... This is a good thing. I also did a leg workout before work. I think my legs will hate me tomorrow ;-)
But seriously, the old no pain no gain thing does carry some truth. If you do not overwork muscles to exhaustion, you will not get them growing as fast as you can. The trick is the work to exhaustion, then stop. Allow them to recover, then rinse, lather, and repeat....
So, will it work? Will my body respond to the reshaping?
Stay tuned!!
But seriously, the old no pain no gain thing does carry some truth. If you do not overwork muscles to exhaustion, you will not get them growing as fast as you can. The trick is the work to exhaustion, then stop. Allow them to recover, then rinse, lather, and repeat....
So, will it work? Will my body respond to the reshaping?
Stay tuned!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
More body thoughts..
Two posts in one day... Aren’t you all lucky? Actually, more likely, I am just working out things in my head, and I need to put then in writing to make sure it all happens, and make sure I commit to them. If you tell the world you are going to do something, and you don’t, you end up looking like a goose, which I know I do not like doing, not that I can speak for anyone else..
Well, today, when I went up to the shops, there was someone selling bathroom scales for $20!!! Needless to say, I bought some.. The results were not pretty. 107.5 kgs. That is almost the heaviest I have ever been, and the heaviest was earlier this year, when I topped out at about 112kgs. Needless to say, this is something I plan to fix.
First thing of course, was upping the exercise. I have taken steps to start on that, as discussed earlier. The next thing is to get serious about the diet. No more carb laden morning tea breaks (sob!). Less beer (ouch!) Less carb laden meals generally. Suddenly I feel like Garfield the cat (“I never met a calorie I did not like”) Seriously, what is it about us loving the stuff we should not be eating, if we are serious about controlling our weights? It is enough to make you turn to drink (he says, swilling some beer!)
Just so you understand where I am coming from, by the way. I am one of those tall guys who never had to worry about their weight, except if they wanted to increase it. I was 70kgs when I was 20. (I am 2 metres tall!) It took about 5 years to get up to 90kgs, with lots of exercise, and eating, trying to lose my natural very skinny look, and gain some bulk and muscle, and generally not look like I could blow over in the wind.
Fast forward 20 years, and I am now almost 110kgs. The weight itself would not be a problem, if it was not for the fact that most, if not all, of the last 15 kgs is fat. So, now I need to work on converting the fat to muscle, and muscle in the right places. Does the fact that my shoulders and arms are telling me tonight they feel used and abused indicate that I am making progress? I hope so! I would so hate to be doing all this work, only to find out that none of it is working..But, as I have learnt previously when trying to change my body shape, do the work, and the results will come. It is just that the results always take so long to happen. Will I stay motivated long enough to get the results I want, that is the $64 question!!
Well, today, when I went up to the shops, there was someone selling bathroom scales for $20!!! Needless to say, I bought some.. The results were not pretty. 107.5 kgs. That is almost the heaviest I have ever been, and the heaviest was earlier this year, when I topped out at about 112kgs. Needless to say, this is something I plan to fix.
First thing of course, was upping the exercise. I have taken steps to start on that, as discussed earlier. The next thing is to get serious about the diet. No more carb laden morning tea breaks (sob!). Less beer (ouch!) Less carb laden meals generally. Suddenly I feel like Garfield the cat (“I never met a calorie I did not like”) Seriously, what is it about us loving the stuff we should not be eating, if we are serious about controlling our weights? It is enough to make you turn to drink (he says, swilling some beer!)
Just so you understand where I am coming from, by the way. I am one of those tall guys who never had to worry about their weight, except if they wanted to increase it. I was 70kgs when I was 20. (I am 2 metres tall!) It took about 5 years to get up to 90kgs, with lots of exercise, and eating, trying to lose my natural very skinny look, and gain some bulk and muscle, and generally not look like I could blow over in the wind.
Fast forward 20 years, and I am now almost 110kgs. The weight itself would not be a problem, if it was not for the fact that most, if not all, of the last 15 kgs is fat. So, now I need to work on converting the fat to muscle, and muscle in the right places. Does the fact that my shoulders and arms are telling me tonight they feel used and abused indicate that I am making progress? I hope so! I would so hate to be doing all this work, only to find out that none of it is working..But, as I have learnt previously when trying to change my body shape, do the work, and the results will come. It is just that the results always take so long to happen. Will I stay motivated long enough to get the results I want, that is the $64 question!!
Me? FAT?????
Ok,new blog post time. Some hard facts time, too. I am out of shape. Significantly. Out of shape as in fat. Ok, not fat as in “get thee to Jenny Craig you are about to have a heart attack” fat, but more “I have never seen you this fat before” fat.
Needless to say, I am not terribly happy about this state of affairs. I have started working on doing something about it, but these things take time. I have decided tho, I do want to be seriously in shape by the time summer comes around. By in shape, I mean, run round shirtless showing off shape. Buff. Happy with the way I look, drawing looks from people checking me out, instead of just being the anonymous overweight guy walking round that I currently am. Last summer, I was starting to approach this shape before I stopped working out, and to be honest, I do miss the attention. Being as tall as me does tend to make one eye catching anyway, this tall and in shape? Eye catching assured!!!
So, what am I doing about it? Well, in accordance with my blog title, I have decided enough is enough, life is not a rehearsal. I have started back on the weights in the morning about a month ago. That is starting to get some results. I have also started to walk home from work on an irregular basis. That has to improve. Not irregularly. I need to walk home at least 3 times a week. I accept that sometimes it is not possible, or practical to walk home, but I have now made a goal. Walk home 3 times a week minimum.
So, that covers step 1 and 2. (Step 1, admit the problem, step 2 work out what you are going to do) Step 3, the doing it and step 4 sticking to it are going to be harder. After all, we all know people who have started a weightloss/body reshaping program who quit it within 2-3 months, or less. Hell, I have been guilty of it too, many times. But, I do have everything (well, pretty much) I need to get into this seriously. I have a bench, free weights and time to do it most days. I just need to work to keep the motivation going. So, that is where this blog comes in.
I am going to try to make an effort again blogging. I am going to outline what steps I have done, what steps I am working on, or towards, as I move to my goal of a “beach body”. Hopefully, a bit of public humiliation, or the threat of it, will help me to keep the motivation up, as I work to get my body into a shape I am happy with. If I stop blogging on this, and you notice, post some feedback and I will receive it, and hopefully I will be motivated to get back into it, either the blog or the working out, whichever I have stopped doing!!! (Or both even!)
Needless to say, I am not terribly happy about this state of affairs. I have started working on doing something about it, but these things take time. I have decided tho, I do want to be seriously in shape by the time summer comes around. By in shape, I mean, run round shirtless showing off shape. Buff. Happy with the way I look, drawing looks from people checking me out, instead of just being the anonymous overweight guy walking round that I currently am. Last summer, I was starting to approach this shape before I stopped working out, and to be honest, I do miss the attention. Being as tall as me does tend to make one eye catching anyway, this tall and in shape? Eye catching assured!!!
So, what am I doing about it? Well, in accordance with my blog title, I have decided enough is enough, life is not a rehearsal. I have started back on the weights in the morning about a month ago. That is starting to get some results. I have also started to walk home from work on an irregular basis. That has to improve. Not irregularly. I need to walk home at least 3 times a week. I accept that sometimes it is not possible, or practical to walk home, but I have now made a goal. Walk home 3 times a week minimum.
So, that covers step 1 and 2. (Step 1, admit the problem, step 2 work out what you are going to do) Step 3, the doing it and step 4 sticking to it are going to be harder. After all, we all know people who have started a weightloss/body reshaping program who quit it within 2-3 months, or less. Hell, I have been guilty of it too, many times. But, I do have everything (well, pretty much) I need to get into this seriously. I have a bench, free weights and time to do it most days. I just need to work to keep the motivation going. So, that is where this blog comes in.
I am going to try to make an effort again blogging. I am going to outline what steps I have done, what steps I am working on, or towards, as I move to my goal of a “beach body”. Hopefully, a bit of public humiliation, or the threat of it, will help me to keep the motivation up, as I work to get my body into a shape I am happy with. If I stop blogging on this, and you notice, post some feedback and I will receive it, and hopefully I will be motivated to get back into it, either the blog or the working out, whichever I have stopped doing!!! (Or both even!)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Scandals...
Ever wondered what it is with the "right" side of the political spectrum and scandals? I mean, really, no one does a good sex scandal like the rightist polical parties do... Currently we are watching a bunch of them in the USA. Sandford is a pretty good one. But he is not the only one atm, there is also Ensign, and others... And that is before we get to all the gay ones. Other countries also tend to have the politcal sex scandals on the right side (Profumo anyone?)
I wonder if it has anything to do with the concept of liberty they supposedly subscribe to. All those personal freedoms they claim to aspire to. But, then, when you add a political theory supposedly about personal freedoms, and add in the current obsession for courting the religious groups. Suddenly you have a group that believes in personal freedoms, trying to reconcile with a group who is all about personal morality. You just know it is not going to work. And sure enough, all that happens is people try to hide what they are doing, but then of course, these sort of things always have a habit of showing themselves and coming out into the open... And, when they come out into the open from politicians claiming to be upright moral types, you just know it is going to get ugly, messy, or just plain farcical. Or, all of the above!!
I wonder if it has anything to do with the concept of liberty they supposedly subscribe to. All those personal freedoms they claim to aspire to. But, then, when you add a political theory supposedly about personal freedoms, and add in the current obsession for courting the religious groups. Suddenly you have a group that believes in personal freedoms, trying to reconcile with a group who is all about personal morality. You just know it is not going to work. And sure enough, all that happens is people try to hide what they are doing, but then of course, these sort of things always have a habit of showing themselves and coming out into the open... And, when they come out into the open from politicians claiming to be upright moral types, you just know it is going to get ugly, messy, or just plain farcical. Or, all of the above!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Random thoughts
Hmm... It has been a while since I last posted here hasn't it?? The last time, we were still watching that crazy thing called the American Elections, watching breathlessly as we hoped that hope might actually triumph over a tired old jaundiced view of the world, that seemed to offer more of the same. We were wondering what the world was coming to, as the dreaded GFC continued to wend its way through the financial centres of the world, wreaking havoc on the importance that people felt they had, and generally making good old fashioned virtues like thrift, and living within your means, suddenly become sensible again, and debt suddenly becoming this toxic thing that no one wanted to touch with a 20 foot pole, or even a 30 foot Litvak ;-)
These days.. Well, some of those things have changed. We now have the unlikely situation of a coloured man elected to the role of the "Leader of the Free World" as some people still breathlessly refer to the US President. We have a Govt in Australia that seems to be doing its best to back pedal on all its good green policies. We have sports stars getting caught up in sex scandals again. We still have a GFC wreaking havoc in the world....
Hmm.. OK, maybe somethings have not changed that much..
So, what can we do?? Well, to be honest, one of the reasons I have not posted much here, is sometimes I wonder, what can we do? I mean, I am just one voice, not a particularly well known one, just one more crying out in the wilderness for something to change, for people to learn to treat each other with a bit of respect a basic human decency. For the media organisations of the world to realise that reporting is about more than just jumping on the latset band wagon and flogging it till it falls over dead like the proverbial horse, then move onto the next thing. And for Governments to realise that governing is about more than just winning the news cycle, that we elect them to do something for us as a nation (hopefully) or at least, to try to make a difference in the world for good or bad (and depending on which side of the political fence you sit, my good may be your bad). And for sport stars to realise, that just because they are adored by millions, given more money than they deserve, simply because they do something well most of us struggle to even do at all, and usually look good doing it, does not give then the right to treat other people as if they were trash, just because they can. Yes, women (and more than a few men) are going to throw themselves at you, but that does not give you the right to treat them as if they were trash, then hand them over to your mates for them to do the same. When that sort of thing happens, there is no way that anyone can honestly say that consent was obtained by all those involved. It does not matter if consent was obtained by one or 2, when you are dealing with a group situation tag teaming on one woman, every man needs to make sure that woman gives consent to them. I still do not understand why some people do not get this...
These days.. Well, some of those things have changed. We now have the unlikely situation of a coloured man elected to the role of the "Leader of the Free World" as some people still breathlessly refer to the US President. We have a Govt in Australia that seems to be doing its best to back pedal on all its good green policies. We have sports stars getting caught up in sex scandals again. We still have a GFC wreaking havoc in the world....
Hmm.. OK, maybe somethings have not changed that much..
So, what can we do?? Well, to be honest, one of the reasons I have not posted much here, is sometimes I wonder, what can we do? I mean, I am just one voice, not a particularly well known one, just one more crying out in the wilderness for something to change, for people to learn to treat each other with a bit of respect a basic human decency. For the media organisations of the world to realise that reporting is about more than just jumping on the latset band wagon and flogging it till it falls over dead like the proverbial horse, then move onto the next thing. And for Governments to realise that governing is about more than just winning the news cycle, that we elect them to do something for us as a nation (hopefully) or at least, to try to make a difference in the world for good or bad (and depending on which side of the political fence you sit, my good may be your bad). And for sport stars to realise, that just because they are adored by millions, given more money than they deserve, simply because they do something well most of us struggle to even do at all, and usually look good doing it, does not give then the right to treat other people as if they were trash, just because they can. Yes, women (and more than a few men) are going to throw themselves at you, but that does not give you the right to treat them as if they were trash, then hand them over to your mates for them to do the same. When that sort of thing happens, there is no way that anyone can honestly say that consent was obtained by all those involved. It does not matter if consent was obtained by one or 2, when you are dealing with a group situation tag teaming on one woman, every man needs to make sure that woman gives consent to them. I still do not understand why some people do not get this...
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