Get Moving

I recently heard Pastor Bill Hybels teach about how leaders get people from "here" to "there." He said that in order to see progress, we must paint a vivid picture of why "here" is miserable and unbearable and how incredible "there" will be. While the concept isn't rocket science, (sometimes the greatest revelations in life come from grasping the simple), I believe it's important to internalize in the context of change.  Four months ago, my "here" was depressed, out of shape and out of control.  I was desperate to get "there"---a space of discipline, self-love, strength and freedom. 

Defining current and future state was a start, but change requires two additional ingredients: A DECISION and MOVEMENT.  I had to decide that I was going to change, and I started with an area that has caused me heartache for a long time: My weight. 

I have always been on the bigger side compared to others which made me self-conscious. I'll never forget the time a teenage male told me I looked like a linebacker while waiting in the water slide line at the pool. I was eight. Guess what was on my Christmas list that year?  A stationary exercise bike.

My weight fluctuated throughout college and once I began that 'desk job life,' it was all down hill. Most days, my schedule went something like this: Wake up>1.5 hour commute to work>Sit at a desk all day>1.5 hour commute home>Eat (often quick and processed)>Sleep. Repeat. That, my friends, is a recipe for disaster.

After deciding change was necessary I had to move.  My movement began with something that I enjoyed--swimming.  I committed to swimming 50 laps three mornings a week. It was hard to face the mirror in a bathing suit, but once I got in the water, I felt free. Even so, the fact of the matter is that exercise was not a new concept for me. My problem has always been consistency.  After a few months, I would fall off the wagon and gain the weight back, and some. I never understood why this was happening.  

I'm a big Tony Robbins (big time author and motivational speaker).  In his 'Get the Edge' series, he talks about the importance of turning your "shoulds" into "musts."  I'm convinced that my lack of sustained success related to weight has been largely due to the fact that I never made exercise a must. I also get bored with workouts easily and wasn't giving myself enough variety.

One day as I was headed to the pool for a swim (boredom with this routine was beginning to set in), I passed by a small martial arts studio and was compelled to check it out. While inside, I could immediately see this gym didn't play games. It was a "no frills, get in and put in serious work" atmosphere and I was feeling it.  I met a nice lady who told me that her program would help change my life and and some ways, she was right.

Working out is now a must for me.  It's not an option. I take Cardio Kickboxing classes at Keller's Martial Arts four times a week for an hour.  Two of those days, I add an hour strength class that uses different types of resistance bands to build muscle. I enjoy the variety and group energy a class setting creates. I've never worked out so hard in my life. Some days I don't feel like going to class, but I'm always glad I did. I've felt like I was going to die on numerous occasions,  but I'm learning to embrace the burn and it's working. I'm gaining energy, getting stronger (physically & mentally) and it feels better than anything I've felt in a long time.

I try to exercise at least one time on the weekend (I pop in one of my many workout DVD's--P90X Plyometrics is currently in heavy rotation) and give my body one, sometimes two days to rest and recharge from vigorous movement. * I tried working out twice a day, 5 days a week for about a month (yeah I got a little crazy) and while I lost a little bit more weight that way, I was starting to resent working out and knew that I couldn't sustain it.  I do not recommend overtraining--it's not healthy and you will burn out.

Make no mistake about it--I'm still early on in my journey.  While this workout regimen is working for me, you have to take the time to explore what works best for you.  And guess what? While important, exercise is only part of the equation. Proper nutrition is key! I'll share what I'm eating in a future post. 

Regardless of your plan, the most important thing is that you start.  Make fitness  a "must" vs. a "should" and commit to consistency. No more excuses. Yep, even that excuse that you are thinking of right now. It doesn't matter---just ask this guy.  It's your life and if you want change, you need to get moving.