I have been giving a lot of thought to the coaching program that I'm doing. One thing that they spend time on is getting over the "diet culture" mindset that is so prevalent in our culture, especially for women. I have been rebelling, rebelling, rebelling on the idea of measuring. I've done so much of it over the years. Weighing and measuring food. Weighing and measuring me! Tracking macronutrients. High protein, low carb diet - to the point that I became hypoglycemic on a regular basis. Learning how to incorporate more carbs in my diet. Monitoring blood glucose levels. Measuring body fat. BMI. Log every single work out. My Fitness Pal. Strava. RunKeeper. SparkPeople.
No more weighing, measuring, or monitoring of anything! I deleted all the apps from my phone. The only exception will be a monthly weigh in and measuring my bust, waist, hips and taking the FTP test (a fitness test) on the peloton because that is part of the power zone training.
Along the way, all these measurements became judgements. That doesn't motivate me. It doesn't make me feel good about myself. It doesn't make me work out harder. Not one of those activities makes me feel like I respect myself, nor are they fun.
I am motivated to be healthy because I want to live a long, active life. I want to move freely and easily for as long as I can. I need to keep my bones strong. I need strong muscles so I can live independently. That sounds like fun and it shows respect to my body.
Saturday I started the Build Your Power Zones training program on the Peloton. I rode yesterday, too. For the first time in more than a year, it was fun to be on the the bike. It didn't feel like a chore. Today is a day off the bike because...
My friend Sherry* and I started working out at the gym today. She has a friend who is starting up his training business and is recruiting people to follow his training program. In exchange, he wants before/after photos and a 4 month commitment. Sherry is doing it and asked me to join her.
Sherry and I met at the gym at 6 AM today. We took our before photos and we got right down to work. She hasn't worked out like this since December. I haven't worked out like this since early 2019! Yikes! The workout plan was challenging, but we knew all the exercises. We modified to our abilities. Even with the modifications, we are going to be sore. Our first thought was to workout 4 days/week as the trainer asked. By the end today, we both agreed to start out with 3 days/week for the first month and then move up to 4 days. The trainer is totally fine with modifications. He just wants consistency.
It's good to have a buddy to workout with. I need to be accountable to someone. She's a lot of fun. We are well matched in ability, and best of all, we don't compete! Very supportive. Lots of laughter. I'm looking forward to Wednesday. Just hoping I can move tomorrow.
(*I will be changing the names of my friends.)
Oh my! StrongDawg is back! I remember when your workouts WERE fun and challenging, and I'm looking forward to this "new" kind of fun! A couple of years ago I put a huge sign on my 'fridge, to remind myself that even if I'm not eventing, I want to be healthy: FEEL GOOD is Goal #1, it says.
ReplyDeleteFeel good. And have fun! Let's go!
I loved working out with Andrew and the 6AM crew. Sherry was 25% of that group.
DeleteWell said -- the weighing, monitoring, reporting has worn on me also. My nutrition goal: prepare and eat healthy foods.
ReplyDelete