Fitness Update

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Shortly after New Years I made a post about my New Years resolution. It was that very unique resolution of losing some weight and getting in better shape.  Okay, well, maybe it wasn’t all that unique but it was an important resolution for me.  I have a very sedimentary job and am not nearly as active as I would like.  I have two herniated discs in my back that limits my activity and keeps me in a constant state of pain (anywhere from mild ache to a more severe sharp pain).  I am about 30 pounds overweight, I started the year at 220 lbs and my ideal weight is about 190 lbs (I am 6′ 6″ so 220 is not that bad but still more than I want).  In addition to losing some of the fat, I want to be in better cardio shape and strengthen my body to better deal with my back.  I want to avoid surgery for as long as possible and strengthening my muscles will help to take some of the pressure off my lower back.

How I’m going to reach my resolution to loose weight

My plan of attack was to count calories, ride my bike 3 days a week and do some strength training two days a week.  I took me a little while to get my bike out of the garage, get it in riding shape again and get my new bike rack installed but I am happy to report that a month into the new year, I have stuck to my plan and have lost 4 pounds so far.  Here are some more details for those who are interested:

Counting Calories

I am using a web site and iphone app called MyFitnessPal to track my calorie intake each day and stay at or under my alloted 2150 calories a day.  There were only 2 days this month where I went over and I tried to make up for it the next day.  You can see my profile and friend me if you use the same tool at MyFitnessPal

Bike Riding

I hadn’t ridden my bike in 7 years and it was a bit out of shape.  I took it to the local bike shop and got a tune-up.  I also bought a new bike for my wife and a bike rack so we could ride together and transport the bikes.  All this took me two weeks so I didn’t start riding until the third week of January.  In the last two weeks we have had nothing but snow and rain but I stuck to my commitment and rode 3 times in both weeks for 30 minutes on my lunch break.

Strength Training

I bought some dumbbells, an exercise ball and worked out an exercise schedule for Tuesday and Thursday (my non-biking days).  Last week was the first week where I actually did it but I am pretty happy with the routine I have worked out.  I am not crazy about the weights I bought, not enough weights in the set but it will work for now.

I realize that I won’t be able to keep up the pace of 1 pound per week but I do think I can reach my goal of 190 lbs by the end of the year and maintain it.  So, what about you?

Did you make any New Years Resolutions and have you stuck to them?