I feel extremely sick right now. My throat is killing me, I have a nasty cough, and phlegm in my lungs and sinuses. At any rate, I was watching The Biggest Loser, and it's the season of "No Excuses". I'm sick, I've worked all day, I'm tired, I just want to stay in bed forever and never get up.... I'm not going to make an excuse, and will work out tonight after work. Tomorrow will be day 50 and I will also be taking my measurements. I am not expecting a high number, I didn't get as many work outs this month as I would have liked, and battling sickness doesn't help either. This was a stressful month, and I do know, after reading many articles in Men's Health on my Kindle Fire, that stress can cause someone to not lose as much weight or even gain weight.
I will post some new photos tomorrow, and be ready to see some results!
-Dennis
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Worst Day of Nutrition...
Not a good day for my nutrition, I will have to work out extra hard this week...
Dear Angelica,
Kick my butt please.
Thank you,
-Dennis
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Day 39 - Free Weights, Basketball, and Acquaintances
Today was a rather interesting day. I started the afternoon with lunch at Ziggy's Bar and Grill where I got a buffalo burger with a side of fruit. I was with my friend celebrating her birthday. We went to Sprinkles Cupcake and Crave Cupcake where we each bought one from each store. I know...that I shouldn't have cupcakes, but I thought it was a special one time occasion. Dinner rolled around and I had a grilled chicken breast, mushrooms, and onion stir fry w/ brown rice. Late that evening was when I decided to work out.
The gym was practically empty with the few 4-5 other members training. There was this one particular member who I've seen before, seemed like he didn't really have any set routines. He jumped from one exercise to the next, it seemed like only one set each exercise, and the entire gym, no kidding, had various weights/bars/swiss balls/mats/etc that he used all over the floor. I felt bad for the employee that was going to have to pick up after him.
Besides that, I did my workout. Bench Press with 30 lbs free weights, shoulder press with the 20 lbs free weights, triceps extension and bicep curls using the cables. Butterfly press with the cables, more triceps/biceps/shoulder work outs, leg press and hamstring extensions on the machines. With all of the exercises I did 3 Sets of 12. I also did crunches on the floor, crunches on the swiss ball, side crunches with the exercise ball. I did 2 sets of squats on the BOSU ball until my knees started to hurt. Overall, a good work out.
I then decided to shoot some hoops and when I got to the court, there were three other guys that were playing 21, and asked if i wanted to play. I knew my knees were still weak, but I let them know and they went easy on me for the most part. I loved it though. Playing basketball.....I was not good at all, and only made three baskets, but it was fun. In doing so I met people at the gym. One of which, I think is training with one of the other personal trainers, James, if I'm not mistaken.
All in all, it was a good day...besides the cupcakes, but I hope that I can keep this momentum going.
Thanks for reading!
-Dennis
The gym was practically empty with the few 4-5 other members training. There was this one particular member who I've seen before, seemed like he didn't really have any set routines. He jumped from one exercise to the next, it seemed like only one set each exercise, and the entire gym, no kidding, had various weights/bars/swiss balls/mats/etc that he used all over the floor. I felt bad for the employee that was going to have to pick up after him.
Besides that, I did my workout. Bench Press with 30 lbs free weights, shoulder press with the 20 lbs free weights, triceps extension and bicep curls using the cables. Butterfly press with the cables, more triceps/biceps/shoulder work outs, leg press and hamstring extensions on the machines. With all of the exercises I did 3 Sets of 12. I also did crunches on the floor, crunches on the swiss ball, side crunches with the exercise ball. I did 2 sets of squats on the BOSU ball until my knees started to hurt. Overall, a good work out.
I then decided to shoot some hoops and when I got to the court, there were three other guys that were playing 21, and asked if i wanted to play. I knew my knees were still weak, but I let them know and they went easy on me for the most part. I loved it though. Playing basketball.....I was not good at all, and only made three baskets, but it was fun. In doing so I met people at the gym. One of which, I think is training with one of the other personal trainers, James, if I'm not mistaken.
All in all, it was a good day...besides the cupcakes, but I hope that I can keep this momentum going.
Thanks for reading!
-Dennis
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Day 33 - The 100 Club, Knees, & Basketball
I reached a small stepping stone this weekend, and that is weighing under 200 lbs. It always feels so good to weigh one hundred and so and so. The training has become more and more beneficial, and I am feeling better, starting to see some physical results, as well as getting stronger, faster, and smaller.
I've noticed that I've gone up in weight on the bench press, from benching the bar, to now benching 75 lbs.
Tonight, after my weight training and cardio, I decided to take advantage of the empty basketball court and shoot some hoops. I didn't do so well, but I guess running for the ball is somewhat a form of exercise. I remember kids in the neighborhood where I grew up always playing street ball outside. I always wanted to play. When I did befriend them, I sucked...a lot. I wasn't good at all, I didn't understand the game, and I gave up. I stopped trying. Another part of my childhood was being involved in the YMCA Basketball. I was part of the "Lakers", and I was part of the team that was undefeated!....problem was, I was a bench warmer, and when I did play, I never got the ball. When I did get the ball, I always missed. The only time I really got to shoot the basketball were from the free throw line. I miss both shots, I got the rebound, fouled, and missed the first shot. I then made the second shot, but the damn ref counted it no good because I was passed the line...
Tonight, I made up for it. I shot from the free throw line, made 7-8 good shots, and it made me just want to practice it more and more. Although my knees are bad, I would like to be able to play one day, and be good at it too.
In regards to my knees, I finally seeked medical attention and went and saw my physician. I have discovered that I have thin cartilage, which is almost like bone to bone from my tibia to my patella (or knee cap). I also got an x-ray and will soon find out if I should worry. The doctor recommended me anti-inflammatory medicine and glucosamine.
Now off to bed...I have work in 4-5 hours...
-Dennis
I've noticed that I've gone up in weight on the bench press, from benching the bar, to now benching 75 lbs.
Tonight, after my weight training and cardio, I decided to take advantage of the empty basketball court and shoot some hoops. I didn't do so well, but I guess running for the ball is somewhat a form of exercise. I remember kids in the neighborhood where I grew up always playing street ball outside. I always wanted to play. When I did befriend them, I sucked...a lot. I wasn't good at all, I didn't understand the game, and I gave up. I stopped trying. Another part of my childhood was being involved in the YMCA Basketball. I was part of the "Lakers", and I was part of the team that was undefeated!....problem was, I was a bench warmer, and when I did play, I never got the ball. When I did get the ball, I always missed. The only time I really got to shoot the basketball were from the free throw line. I miss both shots, I got the rebound, fouled, and missed the first shot. I then made the second shot, but the damn ref counted it no good because I was passed the line...
Tonight, I made up for it. I shot from the free throw line, made 7-8 good shots, and it made me just want to practice it more and more. Although my knees are bad, I would like to be able to play one day, and be good at it too.
In regards to my knees, I finally seeked medical attention and went and saw my physician. I have discovered that I have thin cartilage, which is almost like bone to bone from my tibia to my patella (or knee cap). I also got an x-ray and will soon find out if I should worry. The doctor recommended me anti-inflammatory medicine and glucosamine.
Now off to bed...I have work in 4-5 hours...
-Dennis
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 25 - Nutrition is the Key
The weekend was a good weekend overall. I didn't work out on Saturday, so I worked out on Sunday instead. I did weight training today, worked out my pectorals, abs, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back. Nutrition wise, I had oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit for breakfast, a protein shake after the work out, and tried to eat every three hours when I could.
After reading some articles that Angelica sent me, I am starting to understand how much carbohydrates and amino acids are important in order for me to reach my goals. The carbohydrates provide two things for my body.
1. Energy to perform at maximum level. For example, if I do not eat before I work out, I will not be at 100%. Which is very important that I eat an hour before I work out. One training session I had with Angelica, I was running on empty. She had to get me a protein shake towards the end of the session. The carbohydrates is like gas for your body, to make sure it keeps running.
2. Repair/Rebuild - After a workout, you need carbohydrates in order to give you, once again, energy to rebuild your muscles.
Overall, it was a good weekend, but after today, I will be on a 7 day work week. I am hoping that all will be okay and I won't be as tired throughout the week.
After reading some articles that Angelica sent me, I am starting to understand how much carbohydrates and amino acids are important in order for me to reach my goals. The carbohydrates provide two things for my body.
1. Energy to perform at maximum level. For example, if I do not eat before I work out, I will not be at 100%. Which is very important that I eat an hour before I work out. One training session I had with Angelica, I was running on empty. She had to get me a protein shake towards the end of the session. The carbohydrates is like gas for your body, to make sure it keeps running.
2. Repair/Rebuild - After a workout, you need carbohydrates in order to give you, once again, energy to rebuild your muscles.
Overall, it was a good weekend, but after today, I will be on a 7 day work week. I am hoping that all will be okay and I won't be as tired throughout the week.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 22 - New Month, New Goals
Today, was a wonderful day. In two weeks, I've lost 1.5% body fat. I went from being unhealthy on the body fat chart to acceptable! I had a training session with Angelica today and during my session today, is that my legs are weak and it will take steps in order for it to get better. We did a work out on the hip abductor, which I have always seen a lot of women on the machine, doing so many reps so that they can burn the fat off of their hips, but I learned that with the correct posture, weight, and consistency, it would be possible to increase the strength and muscle at the same time as burning off the fat.
I was really proud of myself for doing 75lbs on the bench press today. I remember when I first started years ago, I could only lift the bar. I have come a long way from back then.
So we set out some goals today, and my target goal for this month is to lose 5% body fat. It's going to be a tough feat to accomplish, but I think with the right training and possibly the purchase of a bodybugg, it will help track what I eat, how much I'm burning, and what I'm doing throughout the day.
In regards to the gym in Rice Village, it is an amazing facility. It's one of the cleanest gyms I've ever been to in Houston. There is always towels ready for you when you are greeted at the door, and did I mention they have a basketball court and a racquetball court as well!
I was really proud of myself for doing 75lbs on the bench press today. I remember when I first started years ago, I could only lift the bar. I have come a long way from back then.
So we set out some goals today, and my target goal for this month is to lose 5% body fat. It's going to be a tough feat to accomplish, but I think with the right training and possibly the purchase of a bodybugg, it will help track what I eat, how much I'm burning, and what I'm doing throughout the day.
In regards to the gym in Rice Village, it is an amazing facility. It's one of the cleanest gyms I've ever been to in Houston. There is always towels ready for you when you are greeted at the door, and did I mention they have a basketball court and a racquetball court as well!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day 20 - Dreams & Goals
Today was not such a great day today with regards to my nutrition. This morning at 6AM, I was running late for work, didn't eat breakfast, I didn't eat lunch, I had no food in my body until after I got off of work at 4PM. That's 10 hours of time with no food for energy. Top it off, I went to Panera Bread, had 1/2 a chicken panini, chips, and a side salad. I then started to snack. Snacked on things when I don't quite know if I was hungry. On Thursday, I need to clean out my kitchen, get rid of anything that would not comply with my diet, and go to the grocery store for some healthier options.
On the bright side, I went to the gym at 10:30PM, I've never gone that late at night, and it's not as crowded as opposed to 4PM on a weekday. The pool was empty, few people working out in the free weights area, a few people working out in the cardio section, and a lot of guys playing basketball.
Speaking of basketball, I really miss playing it. I used to play basketball in the summer days of high school. I was never really good at it, but I tried. It just reminded me of always wanting to be good at it. I was never better than any of my other friends at that time, but it was a good work out when I did play. Now that I'm having these problems with my knees, I don't know if it'll ever be possible to even play. Switching your weight from side to side and quickly would probably not be good for my knees. I might as well work on my shot.
So I did cardio tonight, I was on the elliptical for 30 minutes, and then in the sauna for 15. It was very relaxing going into the sauna after my cardio, might as well sweat some more and sweat some toxins out of my system.
Tomorrow, I am going to do more cardio because I am doing weights on Thursday.
Dinner for One: Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Sauteed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1/2 lb Fresh Atlantic Salmon - $4.00
1 Lemon - $.50
1 bunch Cilantro - $.33
1 pkg Whole Mushrooms - $1.70
1 tbsp Mrs. Dash
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Total Cost: $6.53
Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the salmon. Heat oil in skillet. Sear the salmon, skin down, in the skillet until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Take a sheet pan and place a sheet of foil on it. Place the salmon on the sheet pan, skin side up, and cook in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky.
While the salmon is in the oven, clean the mushroom thoroughly. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps. With the same oil and skillet that was used earlier, toss the mushrooms in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sauteed until tender and serve with the salmon when it's done.
Chop some cilantro and slice some lemons for garnish.
Enjoy!
On the bright side, I went to the gym at 10:30PM, I've never gone that late at night, and it's not as crowded as opposed to 4PM on a weekday. The pool was empty, few people working out in the free weights area, a few people working out in the cardio section, and a lot of guys playing basketball.
Speaking of basketball, I really miss playing it. I used to play basketball in the summer days of high school. I was never really good at it, but I tried. It just reminded me of always wanting to be good at it. I was never better than any of my other friends at that time, but it was a good work out when I did play. Now that I'm having these problems with my knees, I don't know if it'll ever be possible to even play. Switching your weight from side to side and quickly would probably not be good for my knees. I might as well work on my shot.
So I did cardio tonight, I was on the elliptical for 30 minutes, and then in the sauna for 15. It was very relaxing going into the sauna after my cardio, might as well sweat some more and sweat some toxins out of my system.
Tomorrow, I am going to do more cardio because I am doing weights on Thursday.
Dinner for One: Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Sauteed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1/2 lb Fresh Atlantic Salmon - $4.00
1 Lemon - $.50
1 bunch Cilantro - $.33
1 pkg Whole Mushrooms - $1.70
1 tbsp Mrs. Dash
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Total Cost: $6.53
Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the salmon. Heat oil in skillet. Sear the salmon, skin down, in the skillet until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Take a sheet pan and place a sheet of foil on it. Place the salmon on the sheet pan, skin side up, and cook in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky.
While the salmon is in the oven, clean the mushroom thoroughly. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps. With the same oil and skillet that was used earlier, toss the mushrooms in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sauteed until tender and serve with the salmon when it's done.
Chop some cilantro and slice some lemons for garnish.
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Day 14 - McDonald's
It was quite a long day today. I had work all morning, and stayed for an hour meeting, and then had my training session with Angelica. We started my work out with leg work outs again. The goal is trying to strengthen my quads so that it can support my weak knees. We worked out all upper body as well and a goal that Angelica gave me is to do push-ups every day, adding one push-up a day. I also, played a small joke with Angelica, that I ate McDonald's right before the training session and she almost flipped out. Part of me wanted to get in super trouble so that she could kick my butt even harder. After the work out, I had a 50g protein shake, went home, had one beer [Shiner Bock Light Blonde], and am watching shows on tv with my roommate. I still need to get up and do Cardio!
Until next time,
-Dennis
Until next time,
-Dennis
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Day 13 - All That Jazz!
Today was an interesting day. It started off very well, I slept in later than normal, and I tried a new grab and go place to eat. I tried Tru Meals today for lunch, I had a Tuna and Apple Salad with Pita Bread and Carrots Sticks. The meal was medium size, had 27g of Protein, and had moderate calories and very low fat. Tru Meals had a lot more variety than My Fit Foods, it's a bit more expensive, but I must admit it does taste better.
I had my training session with Angelica today. She tried a couple different work outs to help support my knees. Since I have bad knees, and I think I might have a Runner's Knee, the exercises with the resistance bands will help tremendously. We were on the bench press again today, adding 5 more lbs to the bar. It was a good work out today. After the work out, we took [shirtless] before photos, which I will post shortly.
After the training session, later that evening, I went to a beginner's Jazz dancing lesson with my friend Brent. It was more intense than I thought it would be. We stretched and warmed up for 30 minutes, did a core work out for 5-10, and the rest of the time we were dancing, or rather following the instructors precise directions. I learned how to do a pirouette! It was a pretty good class, a bit fast pace than I wanted it to be, but nonetheless it was also a good work out.
At the end of the night, we had dinner at Ziggy's Bar and Grill in Montrose. It's a healthy restaurant, that had a lot of amazing items on it's menu. Brent got Spaghetti and Meatball with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Veggies. I got the Grilled Salmon, Carrots, and a healthy Macaroni and Cheese.
I will post photos soon.
Thanks for reading!
-Dennis
I had my training session with Angelica today. She tried a couple different work outs to help support my knees. Since I have bad knees, and I think I might have a Runner's Knee, the exercises with the resistance bands will help tremendously. We were on the bench press again today, adding 5 more lbs to the bar. It was a good work out today. After the work out, we took [shirtless] before photos, which I will post shortly.
After the training session, later that evening, I went to a beginner's Jazz dancing lesson with my friend Brent. It was more intense than I thought it would be. We stretched and warmed up for 30 minutes, did a core work out for 5-10, and the rest of the time we were dancing, or rather following the instructors precise directions. I learned how to do a pirouette! It was a pretty good class, a bit fast pace than I wanted it to be, but nonetheless it was also a good work out.
At the end of the night, we had dinner at Ziggy's Bar and Grill in Montrose. It's a healthy restaurant, that had a lot of amazing items on it's menu. Brent got Spaghetti and Meatball with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Veggies. I got the Grilled Salmon, Carrots, and a healthy Macaroni and Cheese.
I will post photos soon.
Thanks for reading!
-Dennis
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Day 12 - The Year of the Dragon
Today, was a very long day filled with running around town, driving to Huntsville, Texas, and full of festivities with the Chinese New Years today. I am part of a Chinese Dragon Dancing Troupe that perform all over Houston, and today was the busiest day of the year.
In regards to my diet today, it was not a very good day. I had a lousy breakfast, a not so great lunch, and a late night dinner. Overall, I could have done better. The one problem I have is my nutrition. I am not eating well enough and not often enough. I understand that food provides energy, but at times, I just don't feel like eating, and when I do, it hasn't been the best choices I've made.
Tomorrow, I have a training session with Angelica and then I am taking dancing lessons with my friend Brent later in the evening. I hope to get enough sleep tonight, and continue to do what I need to do to reach my goals.
In regards to my diet today, it was not a very good day. I had a lousy breakfast, a not so great lunch, and a late night dinner. Overall, I could have done better. The one problem I have is my nutrition. I am not eating well enough and not often enough. I understand that food provides energy, but at times, I just don't feel like eating, and when I do, it hasn't been the best choices I've made.
Tomorrow, I have a training session with Angelica and then I am taking dancing lessons with my friend Brent later in the evening. I hope to get enough sleep tonight, and continue to do what I need to do to reach my goals.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Day 10 - Personal Training Day
Today, I woke up bright and early so that I would make sure I had a very good breakfast for my work out with Angelica. I had fat free yogurt, a banana, V8 Fusion Juice, and a turkey and cheese sandwich with fat free mayo. I came to the gym and did some cardio on the ellipticals, and afterwards I thought I had my training at 9am, but it was 10am, so I did some more cardio and I went to the stationary bikes. I had some more time, so I also sat in the Sauna for just a little bit, and then started my training session.
So the training went very well, I got to go on the bench press today, which made me so excited. Unfortunately, I couldn't do the leg press because my knees just kept bothering me and popping. There has to be some way to strengthen my legs. I want to get buns of steel!
During the work out, there were two very strange men, who were rather large and muscular using the famous [Shake Weight]. It was hilarious. All I could hear while I was working out was *squeak squeak squeak squeak*, but according to Angelica, it's harder than it seems and does provide a good work out.
After almost 40-45 minutes into my workout, I started to get fatigued. Angelica got me a 50g protein shake which helped reboost my energy. She recommended that I go to My Fit Foods to get something to eat after the work out along with that protein shake I just had. After that great work out [and as I am typing, my arms feel like Jell-o] I went to My Fit Foods and try one of their meals out. I got a Chicken Spinach Wrap [320 Calories, 7g of Fat, and 16g of Protein] It was actually quite good! There was also some fresh fruit in the box too, and it was very affordable [$3.75] and I was quite satisfied!
Now, I am off to work, and then I'm going to go to the store so that I can purchase a basketball. After doing cardio this morning, I saw a couple of guys play basketball, and it brought back some high school memories of streetball in the neighborhood.
One last thing that really motivated me today was a Success Story that Angelica helped someone. 18 year old guy was 26% body fat [like me right now] got him down to 12% body fat. That's amazing! It really helped add fuel to my work out, and wanting to accomplish my own goals.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
-Dennis
So the training went very well, I got to go on the bench press today, which made me so excited. Unfortunately, I couldn't do the leg press because my knees just kept bothering me and popping. There has to be some way to strengthen my legs. I want to get buns of steel!
During the work out, there were two very strange men, who were rather large and muscular using the famous [Shake Weight]. It was hilarious. All I could hear while I was working out was *squeak squeak squeak squeak*, but according to Angelica, it's harder than it seems and does provide a good work out.
After almost 40-45 minutes into my workout, I started to get fatigued. Angelica got me a 50g protein shake which helped reboost my energy. She recommended that I go to My Fit Foods to get something to eat after the work out along with that protein shake I just had. After that great work out [and as I am typing, my arms feel like Jell-o] I went to My Fit Foods and try one of their meals out. I got a Chicken Spinach Wrap [320 Calories, 7g of Fat, and 16g of Protein] It was actually quite good! There was also some fresh fruit in the box too, and it was very affordable [$3.75] and I was quite satisfied!
Now, I am off to work, and then I'm going to go to the store so that I can purchase a basketball. After doing cardio this morning, I saw a couple of guys play basketball, and it brought back some high school memories of streetball in the neighborhood.
One last thing that really motivated me today was a Success Story that Angelica helped someone. 18 year old guy was 26% body fat [like me right now] got him down to 12% body fat. That's amazing! It really helped add fuel to my work out, and wanting to accomplish my own goals.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
-Dennis
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Welcome Back Readers (and unfortunately the weight too)
After almost two years, I have lost a significant amount of weight, and I have also gained some weight back as well. After taking a demanding job, thinking that I didn't have to work out as much or try as hard, I fell back into old routines and eating habits that weren't very good for me. The whole vegetarian diet didn't work out, as I was constantly becoming sick to my stomach. But now, it is time. Time to get back to the grind, time to get back into shape. To be healthy and to find myself again in this process.
Statistics say that more than 80% of Americans who've lost a significant amount of weight, will gain that weight back. When I saw that I weighed over 200lbs again, was when it really started to hit me. I spent so much time, sweat, and tears to lose the weight, why am I gaining it back? It was my excuses that got to me.
What I really was saying was:
So after much consideration, I decided to get a Personal Trainer again, this time, someone new, close by, and also Seth (my old personal trainer) has moved on to bigger and better things at A&M. I am now working out with Angelica at the 24 Hour Fitness in Rice Village.
I have told her my three goals that I have for this year and they are:
1. Do 1 pull-up.
2. Lose my gut.
3. Lose 30 lbs.
So far, I've had two sessions with her, and so far so good. The first session showed how out of shape I was, and my strength and cardio was not where it used to be a year ago. The second session showed my breaking point, where I got frustrated that I couldn't do the things I used to do. I had bad form, could only do less weights, and I even had to walk away for a second (with tears in my eyes). I felt like a failure, I felt like I let everyone down. After a minute, I used that anger, rage, and momentum, and did my best on the work outs.
The following day, I wasn't feeling very well. After work I ended up taking a nap, and woke up the next morning. Today, I had work this morning, and more work in the evening, so I couldn't work out again. Tomorrow, I am going to work out after work and make sure of it too.
I have also recently been taking the Group X Classes that 24 Hour Fitness offers. Last Monday, my friend Brent and I went to take a Boot Camp class, and let's just say, I felt like Jell-O afterwards. There were so many ladies and older women that were running laps around us, but that gives me so much more of a drive to get better, and one day I will be able to keep up with the other ladies.
One thing I need to focus on is my nutrition and making sure I eat every 3-4 hours. The past couple of days I would eat at 5:30am and the I wouldn't eat until 3:00pm. That's 7 1/2 hours of not eating.
So to everyone who may read this, I hope this blog will show you that this is not going to be easy, but if you have the right support system in place, the motivation, and the drive, anything is possible.
-Dennis
Statistics say that more than 80% of Americans who've lost a significant amount of weight, will gain that weight back. When I saw that I weighed over 200lbs again, was when it really started to hit me. I spent so much time, sweat, and tears to lose the weight, why am I gaining it back? It was my excuses that got to me.
"Because I'm too busy"
"Because I'm tired"
"Because I deserve to eat unhealthy, I lost X amount of weight already"
"I will work out tomorrow!"
What I really was saying was:
"Because I'm lazy"
So after much consideration, I decided to get a Personal Trainer again, this time, someone new, close by, and also Seth (my old personal trainer) has moved on to bigger and better things at A&M. I am now working out with Angelica at the 24 Hour Fitness in Rice Village.
I have told her my three goals that I have for this year and they are:
1. Do 1 pull-up.
2. Lose my gut.
3. Lose 30 lbs.
So far, I've had two sessions with her, and so far so good. The first session showed how out of shape I was, and my strength and cardio was not where it used to be a year ago. The second session showed my breaking point, where I got frustrated that I couldn't do the things I used to do. I had bad form, could only do less weights, and I even had to walk away for a second (with tears in my eyes). I felt like a failure, I felt like I let everyone down. After a minute, I used that anger, rage, and momentum, and did my best on the work outs.
The following day, I wasn't feeling very well. After work I ended up taking a nap, and woke up the next morning. Today, I had work this morning, and more work in the evening, so I couldn't work out again. Tomorrow, I am going to work out after work and make sure of it too.
I have also recently been taking the Group X Classes that 24 Hour Fitness offers. Last Monday, my friend Brent and I went to take a Boot Camp class, and let's just say, I felt like Jell-O afterwards. There were so many ladies and older women that were running laps around us, but that gives me so much more of a drive to get better, and one day I will be able to keep up with the other ladies.
One thing I need to focus on is my nutrition and making sure I eat every 3-4 hours. The past couple of days I would eat at 5:30am and the I wouldn't eat until 3:00pm. That's 7 1/2 hours of not eating.
So to everyone who may read this, I hope this blog will show you that this is not going to be easy, but if you have the right support system in place, the motivation, and the drive, anything is possible.
-Dennis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)