Hi Fitness Fans!
This Anytime Fitness Challenge for me is both a work-in-progress and a learning process.
First, the progress . . . . My goal is to lose body fat, while gaining muscle. After this week's measurements, my personal trainer told me that I have lost over 1 1/2 inches around the stomach! And, at the same time, the measurements show that my thigh muscles are larger (probably due to the many repetitions of squat thrusts! :=)) ). I must admit, it sure was great news to hear of the loss of belly fat!
Second, the learning process . . . . I need to learn my physical limitations, and learn to back off when I have over-exerted a tendon or muscle. This week, while exercising at home, I managed to strain an ankle ligament, causing sharp pain when I walked. I learned a remedy for this, from my personal trainer, Mike Urbanski, H2I (hired to inspire). Mike told me to remember the acronym, R.I.C.E., which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate. So I rested the ankle, took some time off from my work-outs, put ice on the ankle, compressed closely around the ankle, and kept my foot elevated. It worked well, the swelling went down, and after a few days, I was back at the Oracle Road Anytime Fitness center, working out once again.
I have also learned that diet is a major factor in a fitness program. My focus is to eat more fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes, and less meat and dairy. I am switching from dairy milk to either rice milk, almond milk or soy milk. When I do eat meat, its more turkey and fish, and less red meat. This should result in some major health improvements. Now, if I can just avoid the fast food joints and those all-you-can-eat buffets!!
Take care, eat right, exercise and stay fit !
John Miller
