So I’ve been enjoying my new gym membership – but I’ve only been going on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The main reason I joined the gym was to do Body Pump workouts with my wife (get your mind out of the gutter). Unfortunately my gym only seems to offer them on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s recommended that you take a day off between workouts. This means I can only go Wednesdays and Fridays/Saturdays or Thursday and Saturday. Sadly they have multiple classes on each of these of these days. Would it kill my gym to move one of the classes to Monday class so that I could go three times a week?
I’m trying to motivate myself to do my own workout on Mondays, but as of now I always seem to have a pile of writing to do. I’m sure it’s just a matter of re-prioritizing things. Even if that doesn’t work I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since I tried the 100 Pushup Challenge. Maybe I should give that another go in a few weeks to compare my strength from then until now.
Did I trick you with that title? Is any kind of weight gain “inevitable”? I say no. There are many misconceptions out there that at certain points in our life weight gain may seem inevitable, but that’s not necessary the case. Whether it is the freshman 15, the weight the creeps on during menopause, or middle-age spread, it is very easy to think we are doomed to gain weight no matter what. You can beat these inevitable gains with careful attention to your diet and a proper exercise plan you don’t have to worry about extra weight gain.
That is not to say that there are not medications or medical problems that do lead to weight gain. That is another problem entirely. For this article, I’m focusing rather on the mindset that weight gain is inevitable at certain stages of our lives. Once you get past this mindset it is much easier to start developing a solution and when you have a heads up about the potential to gain weight, you will have all the tools you need to avoid it.
Why not start with the freshman 15? It is quite common for students to put on weight once they leave home and have to make their own food choices. Many students are suddenly presented with numerous fast food options at the cafeteria and when they are pressed for time or stressed it is all too easy to make a bad food decision. Instead of reaching for that piece of pizza, it is important to recognize this behavior and take steps prevent it. While much of this is dependent on the emphasis that is placed on healthy food at home, students can make their own choices once they realize the damage they can do to their health by eating the wrong kinds of food.
Menopause is another major problem for women and in some cases it is more difficult to avoid gaining weight during this period of your life. However with care and diet adjustment it is possible to avoid gaining weight while you are going through menopause. The key is understanding how many calories your body needs at this point. Many of us do not realize that as we age, our caloric needs decrease. Speak with your doctor about your concerns of menopausal weight gain and determine how many calories you actually do need.
Last up is middle-age spread. If left unchecked, you can easily gain weight during middle-age, especially as you become less active. Once again we are dealing with the fact that our caloric needs change as we age and we may not be getting enough exercise during this stage in our lives. By recognizing those early on you can take steps to prevent middle-age spread and that is a lot easier than trying to fix it once it has occurred.
There is a lot to be said for having a healthy diet plan and exercise plan no matter how old you are. Take the time to listen to your body and learn what it needs. No one needs to be a slave to weight gain, and with proper care and attention it is possible to avoid so-called inevitable weight gain.
On Friday of last week, I made an executive decision, I joined my wife’s gym. This is against the frugal lifestyle that Lazy Man and Money readers would expect. After all, I have a gym in my apartment complex that is free.
When it came down to it, I realized that the motivation for going to my free gym wasn’t there. The equipment isn’t the best and since it’s always there I don’t go. However, going with my wife is a different story. We’ve got the buddy system working for us. Also, the gym has Body Pump classes which have been fantastic thus far. It’s like having a personal trainer there for me. I wake with more “good soreness” than I’ve had in years of gym workouts on my own.
In the end, the price of $29 a month for a gym in Silicon Valley seems to be worth it. I don’t know if this will transform my stomach into a set of six pack abs, but it seems like a smart move in the right direction – something that I sorely need at this point.
Many people fear that if the commit to a home exercise workout that they will not follow through with it since it didn’t cost any money and no one is monitoring what is going on it wouldn’t be a big deal to skip a day or two. Obviously it is not the best choice for everyone. Another reason why people might shy away from home exercise programs is because they lack the necessary space or maybe they can’t afford the equipment. However, for many they wouldn’t consider any other way. There is so much exercise equipment on the market today and records clearly show that this equipment is being sold at record numbers. Those who wouldn’t dare to exercise anywhere but home claim that it’s safe, free and offers all of the privacy that you could ever need.
Failure to stay focused is likely the number one problem with home fitness. A great cardiovascular program consists of nothing other than walking. Other forms of home or office fitness programs include “Isometric or Aerobic Exercises.” Many people opt for the infamous exercise DVDs and videos where they can pop them into the payer and exercise right with the coach. Again, privacy is the main benefit, especially for females, the fact that you can do it whenever you want to without having to travel, being able to save on gas and eventual vehicle maintenance, you won’t be watched, which many fear while they are in the gym wear. Even if you choose a home fitness regimen there will be some type of financial obligation involved, even if it is only a good pair of gym shoes.
Home exercise programs are not dependent on any weather conditions so there are no excuses at all. Deciding on your fitness regimen warrants careful consideration because everyone’s life is different. Maybe finances will help you to decide if it is not a good time for you to pay for a gym membership which can often be costly. Plus if you are working out at the gym you will need a few changes in exercise outfits but at home there is no need to worry about what you are wearing.
For many, going to the gym is a great option because there are various equipments that can be enjoyed, there are usually swimming pools at the gym and swimming is an excellent exercise and great for the cardiovascular system and the overall body. Swimming will work on parts of the body and muscles that you never knew existed – just look at these five reasons to take-up swimming. Gyms offer trainers as well and for some a trainer is just the thing that they need to stay motivated. Trainers will work with you and tell you what to do when many times you don’t know what to do. They can also recommend the best diets to meet your needs too. It can sometimes be hard to decide if you should choose the gym or rather a home fitness regimen but try to base your decision on finances, the available equipment interests, and your own comfort level.
Regular readers of my Lazy Man and Money blog know that I’m a big fan of Boston sports. It’s just the way it is when you live in Boston for 30 years. While sports provides me with year round entertainment, I also find a fair amount of motivation there. This year has been no exception. While I do get motivation from family, it’s not the “against all odds” variety that gets me going. Here are some examples in the last 7-8 years that always get me pumped up:
The 2001 New England Patriots – In some ways this team had a horseshoe in it’s lower intestine. The team, coming off a disappointing 5-11 record, lost it’s star quarterback and had to go with a 6th round draft pick for most of the season. They started off by losing the first two games of the season. However, they plugged along with no offensive star players and bunch of guys acquired in free agency. Suddenly they had a win streak, score just a little more than their opponents.With 3 games left in the season, I remember plotting with my roommate how they might actually earn a bye in the playoffs. It’s absurd to think of an 8-5 team has the ability to win a bye in any season, but as things unfolded the 1 in million scenario occurred and the Patriots had the second best seeding with an 11-5 record. In one notable game they won against Buffalo, with a play by a literally unconscious player. And in the first round, the famous tuck rule saved the Patriots season (as well as some impossible field goals by Adam Vinatieri). After that, the Patriots won the next two playoff games (including the Super Bowl) despite Vegas having them 14 point underdogs.Moral: If the Patriots can win that Super Bowl, anything is possible.
Dustin Pedroia: AL MVP – Yep that guy above won the AL MVP this year. He doesn’t even look like a baseball player does he? Well, he worked his hindquarters off all season, earned himself a gold glove at second base and lead the Red Sox to the playoffs. He’s only 5′8″ and obviously not the most muscular person on the planet. Oh and he won the Rookie of the Year last year.
Pedroia also knows how to party
Moral: If Dustin Pedroia can not only make the major leagues, but win prestigious awards, what is your excuse?
The 2004 Red Sox – It’s game against the Boston’s biggest rival, the New York Yankees. Things get ugly as the Red Sox lose 19-8. Facing elimination, down 3 games to none (a deficit no one has ever come back from), the Red Sox took the field in game 4. Playing tough, they are down 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth with the best closer in the history on the mound for the Yankees (Mariano Rivera), the Red Sox improbably scrap out a run to tie the game and extend the Red Sox season. In the 12th inning, a home run ensures that the team will play a game 5 in the best of 7 series.In game 5, the Red Sox are down 4-2 in the 8th inning when the Red Sox manage to tie up the game. The game stays tied until the 14th inning when the Red Sox won in the longest postseason game at the time (11 minutes shy of 6 hours). Game 6 brought out the famous Bloody Sock Game. Curt Schilling pitched with the ankle injury that was likely the reason for his horrible game 1 performance. Doctors had experimental sutures to keep it together as long as they could, but by the end the game the sock was a bloody mess. You can find the sock in the Hall of Fame.In game 7 the Red Sox without too much drama. Then they went on to sweep the Cardinals for their first title in some 86 years.
Moral: If you think things look dark now, you have an easy road compared to the 2004 Red Sox.
Wes Welker – This is a player who is barely 5′9″ and probably doesn’t weigh an ounce over 180 (yes he’s listed at 185). He wasn’t drafted out of college and his first team cut him. Add that his goofy New Kids on the Block Right Stuff kicks:
and you’ve got a player set up to be the laughing stock of a physical game like the NFL. You would be wrong to assume such things.
Last year he finished with a league-high 112 receptions, setting the a Patriots’ team record. This year he became the first player to catch a ball for each of his first 9 games. The streak is still at 11 games and counting.
Moral: If you didn’t get motivated by Pedroia, Wes Welker should seal the deal.
I’m pretty sure not everyone can relate to Boston sports like I can, but that’s not the point. It’s not important where you find your motivation – just that you find it.
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