Change by Choice

Back to basics: I've joined a gym. Yep, I signed up yesterday at Bowling Green Athletic Club. This place is exactly what I've been wanting for so long. The club hours are outstanding, they have lots of equipment and it's right in the middle of town between the Kung Fu school and my office. 

5 years ago, I looked in the mirror and was horrified to realize that I had become "white, wide and weak." I had spent the previous 6 years hunch over a keyboard in a dark corner of my basement creating a small web development company. The only exercise I would get would be going upstairs to use the lavatory or to get more coffee. I was "white" because I never went outside. I was "wide" because I put on weight. I was "week" because I was not using my muscles. I changed it then, I will change it again. 

I made a change back then that not only changed my entire appearance, it also improved my productivity. It seems odd that taking 2-3 hours off in the middle of the day would actually increase productivity, but it did. There are many reasons why but basically, getting into shape through running outdoors and weight training improved my mind as well as my body. It also gave me time to think through challenges and also provided incentive to get stuff done so I could go to the gym. 

I am much more busy now as a publisher than I was back then, but I've known for a while that I need to lose weight and improve my overall health. 5 years ago I went from barely able to jog a quarter mile without resting to jogging 6.7 miles without stopping. I went from nearly 40" in the waist to 34". I built my chest, arms and core muscles and felt great. I could SEE the changes in the mirror, I could feel the changes in my strength and stamina and there was a tangible change in my entire life. 

I let it go. I got lazy; made excuses; found "reasons" why I couldn't work out and as result I don't fit into my clothes, tire easily and feel terrible. I've had two illnesses in the past three months which is so odd that my sons have even questioned my overall health. This "white, wide and weak" condition has returned. I don't think my waist has ever been this big, I tire easily and I just don't feel good anymore. 

So here we go! I signed up yesterday though my membership doesn't begin until September 5^th. I will use the time between then and now to go through my old gym stuff and create my plans and charts as before. Last time I used a book called BodyRX as a foundation, this time it will be different because I will be integrating Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Kickboxing into the routine. I will also be using some Special Forces body weight calisthenics for core strength and endurance. 

Time management... that's going to be the key. I've got to manage my time in a manner that allows me to go to the gym every day at a certain time. It's about discipline, commitment and follow through. I've been very disappointed in myself for not having the will and strength to make a true commitment. This is not another "try" this is a do. It will happen. 

If you're interested in the progress, check back here for updates. I may start a new blog or section of my personal website to share my journey. I will be taking measurements this week as well as pictures. This is going to be fun. 

A new term I learned yesterday applies... Fit Happens!