Week 3 - Different Strokes for Different Folks

Dear reader, as the above cartoon suggests, I guess I've always been different from others. due to my "so called" physical limitations I couldn't compete in school sports, I spent a lot of time in hospital as a teenager and refused to go to my school prom because the only footwear I had available to wear was a pair of old work boots. Actually, this worked out fine because back in the 80's every guy was wearing them and I fit in!

As I approach week 4 of my wellness journey, I must confess two things. First, I painfully admit that the scale dropped 5 lbs right after Christmas, but it hasn't budged since. The good news, though, is that I haven't gained. Secondly, I'm not a gym rat!

When I go to the gym, I've noticed that the same people are there all the time. They are there when I arrive and they are still there when I leave. Wow, that's dedication!! They are the true gym rats.

Actually, I've been called a gym rat by those who don't exercise and don't care about what they put in their mouths. I guess, you might say, compared to them, I am a gym rat. I strive to get to the gym about 3-4 times a week. Most of the time, I'm successful, and the odd time I'm not. I tend to be most happy when I can get 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer and become one with myself with my rock and roll party in my ears. I suppose it is all relative.

During the past week, it has become more evident to me that sometimes it is not the fact that we reach our destination that matters but it is the journey that brings the most joy. I want to lose 30 lbs by the end of July, but whether or not I reach that goal really doesn't matter. What matters more is whether or not I have learned an important lesson about life or myself. I believe that is the real reason why we challenge ourselves with some physical pursuits. Now, it would be nice if I could build washboard abdomenals. I may attract more girls, but is it realistic for me to say that I will have washboard abs? Maybe not at my age. I would prefer to enjoy the journey of getting to my goal of losing 30 lbs someday.

The good thing about achieving a certain fitness level is that there appears to be many ways to get there. I recall the song by Sly and the Family Stone, where the girl belts out "Different Strokes for Different Folks ....... " The same is true of working toward a fitness goal, whatever it is. There are different ways of getting there.

• You can do more cardio and lift less weight if you want and it works for you.
• If you are physically challenged from the waist down, you can emphasize weight training on our core muscles. It doesn't matter.
• You can workout in the morning instead of the noon hour or evening.
• You can workout at home instead of the exercise club.
• You can ride the bike on a light or much harder tension.
• You can talk to your friends while you workout or you can shut up and keep quiet.
• You can do your cardio work before your weights

The bottom line is that despite all the books you read or the podcasts you listen to, it really doesn't matter. Whatever works for you is most important. After all, you're going to be in it for the long haul so you might as well make sure you are doing something that works with your schedule and you are comfortable with it.

In terms of my own workout plan, with the passing of the new year, it is undergoing some change at the moment. I haven't been happy with my results over the last few months, so I have to change it up a bit. I strong urge that you constantly tweek your exercise routine to keep it interesting.

I always to strive for a mix of weight lifting, cardio and stretching. I have recently started to get into my 30-45 minute cardio first, followed by stretching and then weight lifting. I find that cardio is a great way to warm up the muscles and make them more pliable for what follows and it helps me to get my blood flowing. I found that I was hurting myself when I would just jumping into stretches followed by weightlifting. You may be different.

I tend to place less emphasis on weight training for my lower body, although I try to do enough to at least get some benefit. My lower back is the epicentre of my physical challenge and have to guard it and my legs carefully.

I workout out in the evening after work because the gym is less crowded and it is a great way to get rid of stress. Ideally, it is probably better to workout first thing in the morning, but we all have different schedules.

Anyway, the point I want to convey is that there are many ways to become fit. Follow a plan that is fun, convenient and will motivate you to build on your successes.