A little motivation

Ask yourself what you would be doing if you wouldn't be working out. Watching TV? Drinking? Eating snacks? Out with friends doing a combination of the above?

While any of the above leisure activities can be enjoyed in moderation, if they are a substitute for working out, that's not good. The fact is we all have time to workout, so time cannot be an issue.

If time isn't an issue, what else could it be? The only other thing it could be is laziness. Now we all know sitting down watching TV and eating snacks is much easier than going to the gym, but think of how you feel afterwards. After sitting down for hours munching on chips do you feel good? Nope. After going to the gym and improving your body do you feel good? Yes.

Let's go even further to the next day. The next day after eating chips and watching TV how do you feel? Probably the same as always, just a little fatter. On the other hand how do you feel the next day after a hard workout in the gym? Probably sore, but in a good way. Sore that constantly reminds you of your progress. You also feel energized and happier than usual.

It may be easier to sit down all day. However this sitting down gets you no where. It makes you feel unhappy in the long run, whereas working out makes you feel great.

So just think of this, a year from now what will you gain the most pleasure from... being lazy or working out? A year from now you won't remember that bag of chips you ate, that reality TV show, or that bottle of Jack. On the other hand, if you are consistent with working out, you will remember your body being in shape because you will reap the benefits of a fit body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It's something that never stops pleasing you.

Source: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw62.htm

New Years Resolution Weight Loss Competition

Rules, Guidelines and FYI

• 1st weigh-in will be Monday, January 17th at 6pm
• 12 week competition (final weigh-in will be April 11th)
• 4 mandatory weigh-ins (initial, month 1 (2/7), month 2 (3/14), and final)
• With weekly “motivation” weigh-ins
• Will follow “Biggest Loser” type of rules
• Percentage of weight loss
• No eliminations
• We will keep weight confidential, but we will post weekly percentage lost in the weight room with your initials.
• The competition is “choose your own adventure”
• You are responsible for your weight loss (no Bob and Jillian yelling at you)
• Set your own goals (Be specific & realistic)
• Go at your own pace
• Work-outs of the week (suggestions) will be posted
• Nutritional tip of the week will be posted
• Each competitor will fill out our "exercise readiness questionnaire" to turn in. If there is any question regarding health, you will be recommended to see their doctor.
• Prizes: 1^st place 1 year membership, 2^nd place 3 month, 3^rd place 1 month

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) the minimum recommended weekly exercise for an adult is: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

There are many philosophies when it comes to fitness and exercise.

· Working out with in your target heart rate

· Bodybuilding

· Endurance training (aerobics, running, circuit training)

· Phasing (muscle building phase, cutting phase)

· Functional Fitness (Crossfit)

· Many, many more

All have pros and cons. It is a matter of finding what works best for you.

Me and my journey

Hello Everyone. I have created this blog in order to help those who are a part of the Delaware County Recreation Center family. Those who are interested in fitness and health are welcome to read, redistribute and hopefully take away something useful.

I have always been an active person, from high-school sports, to pursuing a degree in Health & Human Performance, to living in Colorado, enjoying the outdoors. However, recently I have hit a rut. My motivation has suffered and it shows. Over the past 10 months I have gained 20 lbs. When I created this blog I weighed in at 225lbs. I knew that I need to change the path that I was on. So this is away for me not only be accountable to you, but also to share my knowledge, insight and resources so that we can make this journey together.