It has barely been 2 weeks since my last post but I see and feel improvements. For one, I don't have to push myself too hard to go exercise (though on nights when I sleep late, the next morning is a bit challenging) but I've still managed at least 20 minutes.
The improvements I see are that my body is getting firmer, my clothes are fitting better. More importantly, because I'm working out, I'm happier with the way my body feels, even if it sags a bit here and there.
Also, I'm reaching the optimum level of exercise where my mind can really focus when I'm exercising. I realised that I was pushing the jogging too hard (trying to run faster than I had stamina for) so have slowed down on that a bit, and discovered that when I walk fast or jog slowly, the body's functioning well enough for the mind to have 'free time' (i.e. no constant encouragement or paying attention to aches, or worrying about breath) and the mind focusses on whatever I choose. I've found answers to questions or issues that I was grappling with fairly easily when so engaged and am interested in seeing how far this goes.
Thanks to some athletic activity in the complex, I've learnt that I swim more than I thought, and walk/jog more than I thought. The walk/jog is important, because I decided that I was not going to push myself to speeds greater than 6kmph, and thought I was only doing 2.5km in 30 minutes but apparently I'm doing 3. Also, if I keep building stamina, I should be able to push this up to 4 and, eventually, maybe even 5.
The shorter term goal (4 days of exercise per week) is going ok so far, the 5km in 30 minutes by end April will probably not happen, and I'm not so sure I mind.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Benefits
A lady came to speak to us at office last week. She was talking about personal branding, but she also spoke a lot about herself. One of the thongs she said was that she hates exercise but loves the benefits of it. This week, I have exercised 4 days already and my body is already rewarding me. I've lost a little bit of weight but more importantly, I feel more toned. I'm writing this post so that I remember what my body Doris for me, with very little encouragement from me :)
I didn't exercise yesterday cause I have a bad cold but I want to today and I am forcing myself to remember how good it feels, and how rewarding my body is.
I didn't exercise yesterday cause I have a bad cold but I want to today and I am forcing myself to remember how good it feels, and how rewarding my body is.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Goal for 2012
So... I did Pilates, I stopped Pilates, I wallowed a bit (some personal shit) and now I'm following some of the motivational quotes without quite knowing it. For one, it's summer, so its easier to go out and do stuff and it's swimming season again (which I love!)
But I'm realising that every exercise session is a gift to myself, and it does help me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I'm also realising that I'm the type who likes to get it done in the morning, so it's out of the way (and there's no time for excuses) and that 30 minutes is the outer limit of my exercise tolerance. Now to work it into a meaningful schedule.
The goal for 2012 is to get to, and remain a size 12 (am now 14) though I'll continue to wear size 14 clothes. I might even be a 12 everywhere but at my stomach (cause that's the first to spread).
The shorter term goal (for April, if you will) is to move the jogging pace up, and be able to jog 5k in 30 minutes. It's only 3rd April, so it's completely doable. I've to pace myself though. After a year of reasonably regular exercise, it's interesting how easy it is to listen to my body.
I may not make the shorter term goal, so will also list the realistic goal - to exercise at least 4 times a week for all of April. I think I might manage this one, but it's only 3rd April :)
I do want to document again though, how good I feel inside when I go out and 'do'. I totally enjoy the swimming, the actual swim as well as the lazing around in the pool. I also actually enjoy the walking and jogging (with the urge to jog coming from inside me rather than the push of the mind). Also, I feel more positive about myself, because each day, even before I've had breakfast, I've done one thing right.
The legs are still ok in terms of muscle tone, but they were beginning to relax. The most relaxed area is the core (particularly abs) but I expect that with regular exercise that'll get fixed.
Also, as shameful as it is, my weight is now 65.5 kgs. This is shameful, because I worked so hard to come down from the 75 that I was early last year, came all the way down to 62 and then relaxed too much. I need to get myself down to 63 again and stick with the exercise routine.
My personal life is in a bit of a flux, and the way I cope is to eat nonsense. I have to find some form of 'junk' that satisfies cravings, but doesn't pile on the pounds as my current analgesic is bread. I think I might investigate chocolate.
But I'm realising that every exercise session is a gift to myself, and it does help me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I'm also realising that I'm the type who likes to get it done in the morning, so it's out of the way (and there's no time for excuses) and that 30 minutes is the outer limit of my exercise tolerance. Now to work it into a meaningful schedule.
The goal for 2012 is to get to, and remain a size 12 (am now 14) though I'll continue to wear size 14 clothes. I might even be a 12 everywhere but at my stomach (cause that's the first to spread).
The shorter term goal (for April, if you will) is to move the jogging pace up, and be able to jog 5k in 30 minutes. It's only 3rd April, so it's completely doable. I've to pace myself though. After a year of reasonably regular exercise, it's interesting how easy it is to listen to my body.
I may not make the shorter term goal, so will also list the realistic goal - to exercise at least 4 times a week for all of April. I think I might manage this one, but it's only 3rd April :)
I do want to document again though, how good I feel inside when I go out and 'do'. I totally enjoy the swimming, the actual swim as well as the lazing around in the pool. I also actually enjoy the walking and jogging (with the urge to jog coming from inside me rather than the push of the mind). Also, I feel more positive about myself, because each day, even before I've had breakfast, I've done one thing right.
The legs are still ok in terms of muscle tone, but they were beginning to relax. The most relaxed area is the core (particularly abs) but I expect that with regular exercise that'll get fixed.
Also, as shameful as it is, my weight is now 65.5 kgs. This is shameful, because I worked so hard to come down from the 75 that I was early last year, came all the way down to 62 and then relaxed too much. I need to get myself down to 63 again and stick with the exercise routine.
My personal life is in a bit of a flux, and the way I cope is to eat nonsense. I have to find some form of 'junk' that satisfies cravings, but doesn't pile on the pounds as my current analgesic is bread. I think I might investigate chocolate.
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