It’s the holiday season. Keeps everyone busier than ever. It sometimes makes it challenging to figure out how to fit everything in, even when you’re not working a full-time job. At the moment my home looks a bit like a holiday storage crate train exploded in my living room. Despite the stuff of every day life, and ho-ho-ho-ing our home, I’m re-committed to some type of daily exercise and sticking to my doctor-approved weight-loss pan. Now, I’ll acknowledge that my time is not packed with late nights at work, a busy social calendar, family obligations, or special events. But I do seem to be busy, just the same.
I’ve been reading (again) that in the busy holiday season it’s best to aim for at least three work-outs per week – two strength and one cardio. BUT that’s really not in my plan. Since I can’t do much true strength training, cardio via swimming is my go-go. I’m never going to reach an athlete’s level of fitness, but I’m trying for the most effective way to reach my weight-loss goals.
I made a visit to my wonderful acupuncturist today. I’m so amazed at how much this helps with the pain. I also had a weird allergic outbreak after yesterday’s brutal winds, and he put several pins in my face today (what?!?!), yes, face. And two hours later … I feel better! My eye has stopped drizzling and my sinuses have opened up. In addition, I enjoy a really easy relationship with my acupuncturist. It makes for a truly enjoyable experience.
Anyway, back to the exercise. I think I mentioned that I downloaded a chart of “easy band exercises for seniors.” Good grief … I’m using a “for seniors” plan!! I’m going to do those exercises on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and pool on the other days. I’m starting light. They suggest just doing ten reps x2 (ten reps, rest, ten reps), for the first four exercises. Then increase the number of exercises by adding one each day, and on it goes until ultimately you go through the full cycle.
And now here’s some fun facts I learned in my reading about all things exercise for the obese …
First … start early
When it comes to working out, there are benefits to burning calories early in the day. Most people’s energy levels get lower as the day goes on, so scheduling workouts for the morning means getting a workout in when energy storage is high, provided you have had a good night of rest of course. It’s not a good plan to exercise when you’re tired. If I can get a handle on the get-rested part, my getting up at 4:15 to be to the pool by 6:00 just may be a good thing. Go me!
And … don’t discount your seat time
Whether you have a struggle getting a workout in, or just have to sit a lot for your job or even your casual time, make a rule to take a break from sitting every hour to climb some stairs or take a walk. Well, the stairs are out, but Mr. Fitbit reminds me every hour to do something other than be stationary. So … I’m trying to be better about walking every time he beeps my wrist to remind me. Yesterday and today, I’ve walked the unit with each reminder buzz from Fitbit. Not always long walks, but moving just the same.