Keep trying - why is it important

Every time I write a post, the last line says, keep trying. Do you know why this is so?

Many times we start a new workout routine or a new diet, or make healthy changes. More often than not, we do not see changes right away. In my particular situation, I have only seen a couple of pounds in over six months. Changes, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder.

One day I was taking a shower, absent minded as usual. When I was soaping up my legs, I noticed something. My calves were like rocks. I mean, really, you could not carve better calves out of marble. That was the first time, in over six months that I actually noticed my calves. And then, I noticed other things.

I am not as tired as I used to be. When I go play tennis with my friends, I actually last longer, and my body hurts less. I am in a very grumpy mood if I don't do anything "athletic" one day. My arms are looking better, my skin is great and I am hungry for real food ALL the time.

So, I only lost two pounds. But health wise, I feel like a new person. In fact, my back does not hurt as much when I get out of bed. I used to crawl out of bed because I could not stand up. It is amazing how good I feel compared to last year. But I only lost two pounds. Who cares? The reason why I say keep trying is because it is true that the longer you keep at it, the more possibilities that you see and feel the results, and isn't that better than a number on the scale?

Keep trying.

Hope for things to come

Yesterday was a busy day. I added several elements to my routine, specifically, a glutes workout. It is less than 10 minutes long and it will be included at least twice a week. It is intended to develop the butt muscles and that should make the fat look smaller and not as bad.

We did our usual 3 mile walk yesterday. We settled on some goals. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are for Tennis. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (or Sundays) for walking. Tomorrow we will add a morning routine to our workouts. Things are looking up for my workout routine.

In my heart of hearts, I know that I am now working out for health and not for weight loss. The benefits of the workouts might include some weight loss, but that is not the goal. Plus, I am trying to enjoy the workouts, instead of having to go through them. This is an improvement over previous attempts of including exercise into my life. And this is something I hope I can pass on to my daughter, to do it for her health, the rest is not as important.

Keep trying.

Lessons from Randy Pausch

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want".

"Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things".