In Better Shape

It has been over nine months since I started exercising and three months since I started my diet. Through that time period I first had some mroe issues with by lower back and ended up in physical therapy which didn't help. I then went to a specialty clinic on neck and back issues who put me through some rigorous exercises and machine-guided work. That ended in mid-June and I have been doing quote will since. (Except when I spend more than 3 hours in the car.)

Through that whole time, much to my own and every one else's surprise I kept right on working out. I was very, very conservative! I didn't push myself on the weight machines. I only did cardio on the recmubent bike. I didn't get bent out of shape if I missed a day or two, I just picked up where I left off. I didn't become obssessive about it. I am sure I wasn't being very effective in weight loss, but slowly my endurance and cardio was building up.

Then I went on the diet and started to lose weight. Since August 4 I have lost between 12 and 14 pounds! My pants are not as tight. At the same time I pushed up the cardio on the bike raising the level a few numbers. I just enjoyed it. I felt good when I would finish working out.

Always in front of me is my ultimate goal- I want to be in shape for a 50+ mile bike tour of the Pine Creek (Pa.) Gorge for my 60th birthday in August! It is not a strenuous up and down hike. It's built on the old New York Central rail line which means very little grade. But it is a two-day ride through some amazingly beautiful scenery along a wild and scenic river.

Well, today I had a "metabolic assessment" to take the next step in my workout and prep for next summer. A metabolic assessment analyzes how well I am utilizing my oxygen, fats, and carbs to improve my health. It is a heart-rate based style of working out that sets up the best "zones" of exercise that both burns fat and improves cardio.

The neat thing about the assessment was that I found out that I am in better shape than I thought. My metabolic rate and use of oxygen was in the solid average range- far, far better than I would have done even three months ago. It also means that I am on track for next summer.

This is the first time in my life that I have been this consistent and disciplined with exercise. I was once a runner but that would come and go depending on my whims (and my smoking!) This has now lasted nine solid months. (I am tempted to say that I am giving birth to a new person, but I will resist the temptation.) And above all else I am really enjoying it. I have energy. I feel better. I like what's going on in my life.

Who would have thought it? But, hey, if it works, why try to figure it out.

I'll keep you posted.