| Week of February 18, 2001 |
Weight:
240.50
Total Loss: 90.00 |
PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK
A walking pattern that I used in the beginning was to walk out my front door, go left 2 blocks, go right 2 blocks, go right 4 blocks (**), go right 2 blocks and go right 2 blocks and you're home - and you've walked a mile!! If that it too far to start, cut the 4 block stretch to two blocks to take a shortcut home. It really IS easy, and the variety of walking circuits is totally up to YOU. You CAN do it!!
Get movin' !!
2001.02.19 WEIGHT TRAINING ... Well, I have the weights. We have an Ab Cruncher. I have the Body for Life book. It is just a matter of getting started. I've been having a bit of a problem starting the weight training program - for reasons that are not clear. I want to rebuild lost muscle. The flab layer is getting thin enough that I should be able to see some results after about a month. So, today is the day.For today, I plan to read the BFL book (I also purchased a book covering a similar plan, from Men's Fitness). Then I will start. Perhaps it is apprehension regarding the rigors or pain of the process. But hey, you can cry until you're hurt. After reading the book, I'll post the regimen and weights to be used.
So, as Fred is always saying, "Bring on the Pain"!!.
2001.02.21 GETTING READY ... I was looking for a book that provided a plan of basic weight training, and I can say that Body for Life fits the bill. Bill Phillips describes his plan for efficient weight training and aerobics, coupled with an eating plan that is intended to maximize your metabolism (i.e. your ability to burn fat). You can easily read the body of the book in an evening - studying the appendices containing photos and descriptions of the exercises may take a little longer.He lays out an eating and exercise plan that is easy to comprehend. There is a small price for the simplicity - he calls out a list of "authorized" foods that will satisfy most everyone on a weight control plan, but would probably find some objections from "normal" eaters. His exercise plan focuses on different muscle groups, working each with an intensity that goes from a "5" to a "10".
One of the concepts that I admire about Mr. Phillips is that he promotes the concept of planning the exercise session, and recording notes as to how it went. Then, using the results of the previous workout, the plan is quickly updated, making adjustments in weights to adjust the intensity levels to achieve the exertion required for a "10" workout.
One of the more controversial aspects of the BFL plan, is the six (6) meal a day plan. Each consists of a "portion" of an authorized protein and carbohydrate, and a vegetable at least twice a day. The "portions" are about the size of your fist, the palm of your hand, a deck of cards, etc. Six smaller meals are said to keep your body metabolism at it's peak. The exercise serves to build muscle, which burns more energy (i.e. raises your basal metabolic rate) and thus leads to weight loss while you are building muscle.
As I said, the basic plan is simple. He suggests that if it is difficult to prepare 6 meals a day, you might substitute a protein/carbohydrate drink for the mid-morning and mid-afternoon and/or late evening "meals". And, oh by the way, he has a company that sells such a product. OK, ok ... but it is hard to argue with success. I'm sure the success stories are true - and once you get started on the program, I can understand how it would become self-reinforcing.
Since I haven't done weight training before, I'm still in the "planning" stage. I want to go through and understand each of the exercises and the muscle groups they are targeting. Then, I need to set up the planning sheets for my program. Mr. Phillips recommends weight training 3 days a week, aerobics 3 days a week, and a day of rest. (Coincidentally, there is a "free" day each week in the diet plan also). Given that I'm a bit wimpy in the muscle department, I may follow Fred's lead and start with two days/week.
I'm getting psyched!! Bring on the PAIN!!
NEXT ... JOGGING REVISITED ...Thank You for Visiting!!
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Author: VernTallman( VTallman@aol.com ) Home page: http://members.aol.com/vtallman/index.html