Working Out

I've been going to the gym lately. I've never been one for the gym; I would much rather play sports than simply bust my butt in a solo pursuit of fitness. There are many things that have motivated me lately... 1) Rugby-When I started playing rugby I realized how out of shape I was and as an athlete, albeit overweight, I still like to perform at a certain level. 2) Pregnancy-with the baby thing happening I guess some sort of instinct kicked in that I need to be at my best. At 295 lbs a heart attack is almost immanent so if I want to be around for my kids I need to drop a few. 3) Health- I've always said that I don't mind being clinically overweight but I'm not so much into obese or morbidly obese. I will never be thin...in fact I may hover around 250lbs for the rest of my life but I want to be a fit 250.

I have to admit that I enjoy when I see some progress...when I can run longer on the treadmill, when I can lift heavier weights and when I need to wear my belt tighter. I've also made a few diet changes, not a complete overhaul, but a few changes. I've been eating vegetables and fruit regularily. I've almost completely cut out fast-food...except for when it is necessity (ie: travelling and can't get English menus). Not drinking regular pop...except when it's the only option at a party...don't want to be difficult. I stock up on Diet Coke...which I'm sure had a bad side to it but calories is not one of them. And lastly...cutting down on portion size and overall intake in a day. That's the one I struggle with but since I'm making healthier food choices I can take my time cutting back the quantity. I am currently sitting at about 117 kgs (257 lbs)...that's a few pounds lighter than when I left for Taiwan. My short team goal is 250 lbs...I want to see if I can maintain that...so that I don't slide. Then my longer term goal is 220lbs or something less. I don't know if I'll ever get there because I'm not going to completely sell out for weight loss but like I said anything less the 295lbs I was at before makes for a better, longer life.

Update: I just want to clarify that I still look bigger than most so when you see me in the summer don't expect some slim trim dude. And I feel like I might be setting myself up for defeat...I use this weigh scale at the gym that is not really official so that may not be the exact correct weight.