So it begins

Yes, a new year has started, and if it is anything like the last one, it should be quite a ride...

I personaly hate new years' resolutions. It's the whole fad thing - If "everyone" is doing something, that is more motivation for me to not do that thing. I have noticed, however, that it is this time of year that I tend to start my workout programs. I don't know if it is a subconscious acquiescence to the resolution bandwagon or because I get so completely disgusted with myself I am not sure. The last time was right after I moved up here. I had just gotten out of the Navy after being on medical hold and convalescent leave and had consequently gained huge amounts of weight. the job I had at the time offered free memberships to the MAC, so I started my membership and hit the gym in January, 2004. My initial weight in put me at 298. Working on my own with fluctuating motivation got me down to 236 by May when I got weighed in at MEPS for the Navy Reserves.

I maintained that weight for a decent amount of time, then started dating Hillerie, maintained more as we both were actively working out, and then over the last year or so started going down hill. By the time I left her I was back in the 290's. I hit the gym pretty heavily for a few months and got myself back down to 280, and that is where I have been for the last couple months, as those who have been reading my blog know.

Well, again, I am sick of myself. I now have a membership at Aspen, which I was initially leary of but turns out to be a very nice gym. They offer free classes to members and I plan on getting in to them. At some point I will be taking advantage of a personal trainer but at this moment it is not financially feasable. One thing that I really like is they offer Tae Kwon Do classes twice a week which I can participate in as much as I want for $20 a month. I have been wanting to take martial arts for years now, but between procrastination and finding a class I would be able to attend regularly I have been putting it off. The style I would really like to learn is Tai Chi, but the only class for this I have been able to find is during the day at the YMCA, so that won't be happening for a while.

Anyway, I spoke with the manager at Aspen last night and have set an initial personal goal of 240 by the end of April. At 10 pounds a month this should be quite attainable. I will be having by BMI evaluated tonight and will see what is in store for me!

Weight Update continued

I need some way to balance weight maintenance and everyday life - and by that I mean the workout portion. Eating right is in itself a daily test.
Hillerie and I watched some episodes on the Discovery Channel about some of the worlds heaviest people. It's easy to sit back and shake my head, thinking how could they let themselves get this way?
Then I hear them talk about how eating makes them feel, what the tastes do for them and I realize - that could be me! It could be me because the way they are describing their interaction with food is exactly the same way I feel!
So I have to be careful of that 1000lb person I could become...

Weight Update

Ok. Weight update. Last Monday I weighed in at 285. Today I am at 280. No crash diet, no radical anything. Just watching what I eat and working out more.
I like being active, but it is a constant struggle because I like activities that lend themselves to little physical activity.
Before Hillerie and I became an item, I worked out all the time because, honestly, I didn't have a whole lot else to fill my time with. So, what happened when we became serious I was able to focus more of my attention on the relationship and family. Unfortunately, I don't know how to moderate - it's all or nothing - so my workouts not only slowed, they nearly went away altogether. What little I did only served to instigate depression when it wouldn't do anything but give me a false sense of security.
With my metabolism, I can't afford a false sense of anything. It takes constant attention to keep my weight under control.
(will be continued)