Weigh In: 293I may or may not be about to break this plateau, so instead of posting yet another "I'm pissed, I'm irritated, I'm angry, blah blah blah" post, I'll bring numbers of hope into it this time.
On May 11, I was 301 pounds.
To keep it into perspective, I'm 293 as of today, less than 4 weeks later. If I'm being realistic, I really can't be TOO frustrated with the long term, as in about 3+ weeks, I've dropped 8 pounds.
A week ago today, I hit my new low of 292.5 - which still stands. I think that's what frustrates me the most. I saw the number, and then shot right back up to 296, and I've spent the last week trying to get back to where I have already achieved. For the past two weeks, I've done that. This time, and again last week when I got below 300 and then had to fight to get back into the 200's. I think what's the most frustrating for me is trying to regain ground that I've already achieved.
So, it's 293 today. A half-pound from my old "new low". Even as I type this, I know how stupid stressing over a half pound is. But I do, and I am - and it's something that I've been doing since November, so I don't know how I think I'm going to keep myself from stressing over it now.
But, even if it's taken a week to see the light again, whatever it takes, right?
Also, I've had a few of you suggest working out less - I may try that, but I can't wrap my head around that concept quite yet. As strange as it sounds, the daily workout is such a part of my lifestyle now that I'm afraid to get away from in, in fear that I'll lose that 'habit' and have to fight to re-earn that as well. We'll see what happens.
So, let's hear it for 293?
10 comments:
I know what you mean about the 'working out less' concept. I am one of those gung ho people, and I have the tendency to just keep going cuz I am afraid I'm going to quit if I pause, or that I will lose ground. So it's hard to accept that doing less of something that's good for me is a good thing. But the body does need rest in order to recover and do what it needs to do. Do some research, I'm sure that in time you will be able to wrap your mind around it. In the meantime, relax and keep plugging away!
I say take a break. Take 2 days a week off for a few weeks. Your body HAS to be able to rest and recover. Think if you had to go to work 7 days a week. You'd be OK for a while, might even feel better in the short-term. But eventually, you'd burn out. You'd need a break.
Working out 5 days a week isn't going to hurt anything. Especially if you stay active the other two days. Go for a walk with the wife. Shoot some hoops at the park. Toss a football around with a friend.
You definitely should AT LEAST take one day of rest a week ALWAYS. When you overtrain, you seriously hinder your bodys ability to recover and effectively build muscle.
And wrap your head around this: I didn't exercise at all for the last 2 weeks (aside from riding bike around the city). And this week I lost almost 5 pounds.
"I think what's the most frustrating for me is trying to regain ground that I've already achieved" -- The other thing- until a weight shows up in your 5-day average, try not to consider it "achieved". It'll save you lots of heartache...
Do you use Calorie-Count to track your weight? I've been doing it for a good two to three months now and the graph they have has actually helped me immensely with my plateaus/weight gains. For me, I totally see the pattern of reaching new low, then gradually going back up until I hit another new low about a week later. That's how my body works. Maybe seeing when you hit your plateaus and knowing when it will likely end will help you psychologically.
I agree with Kev on working out less. I'm also one of those all-or-nothing type of people and I used to be downright pissed if I was forced to miss a workout. What has helped me justify it is spending the weekends or evenings on hikes, taking a walk with my family, or even doing a set or two of pushups or situps during commercials.
You've obviously got to do what works for you mentally, but you've also got to do what works for you physically. ;)
Yeah, I track my calorie-count weight. It's probably been the one sanity-keeping measure I've got when it comes to this stuff. You've got no choice but to look at the big picture when you've got your long term graph in front of you.
Doesn't keep my nit-picking, obsessive short-term self from getting stressed over it, though ;)
Maybe I'll take a day off this weekend.
Maybe.
He Rob I understand the fear youre having of not wanting to lose the momentum and desire to exercise but truth be told youre not doing your body a favor by working it to that extreme EVERYday. Any good dietician, Trainer, Coach worth their salt will tell you the body needs REST to work and give you great results. Im a former athlete and currently studying to be a Personal Trainer and daily research info from the best in the business and you need to give your body time off. There are more beneficial exercise plans out there and Id even help you find one if you'd at least consider giving your body the time off it needs. If you need direction on where to start the search on this info just give me a holla you know where to find me :-)
Actually here's something for you, check your local library or go out to a local bookstore and purchase ($16.00) a book called "New Rules of Lifting" by Alwyn Cosgrove and Lou Schuler. They give specific exercise set of for Fat Loss and they are kick-ass routines that only require like 3 days a week of training and you can either do HIIT on the same day as this weight training or a few other days. Check it out and I bet youll ask yourself why havent I considered doing less sooner. Its not how much you do but WHAT you do! Working out your body in parts is not a great idea, total body work requires less time and gives greater results. Just a few tidbits. I hope it helps.
Another thing to consider is if we want to look like we lift and look like those on the beach with the great bods we have to do what they do...Alwyn and Lou are the top in the industry.
I don't know what is going on, but I know you are frustrated (and who can blame you...)
Never thought I'd say this, but maybe you SHOULD take a break from the gym if that's what everyone is suggesting.
Old you woulda quit by now and I am proud of you for keeping going! At least you're not GAINING any weight.
You've come sooo far, don't give up now :)
Yo Seems like everybody is on the same page. I know I just started but U never see me in the gym on the weekends and being a home owner in the summertime means plenty of sweat out in the yard. But remember this one thing, You are the one who has to look at yourself in the mirror everyday and feel good about yourself. But could it hurt to try a new concept? This after all is a lifestyle change so what's two weeks out of the next 65 years gonna do? Besides it might be a new breakthrough for "TUCK THE DESTROYER" :]
Post a Comment