Here’s just a quick follow up post to the part 1 of this same title.

A note about the gaining 37 lbs. on vacation. Now, I did this just for fun and I don’t recommend it to anyone else. But this was a 1 week vacation. Just 7 days. That’s it.

I managed to fit as much food possible into my mouth at every feeding time.

I ceased all physical activity (anything more than brushing my teeth).

And the result, I went from about 222 to 259. That’s right at about 37 lbs.

Just an example of how much eating can have an affect on your fitness. So the take home lesson here is: No amount of exercise can counteract poor food choices. Actually this same theme was in last month’s InHealthNW article about food journaling.

Just as you wouldn’t drive aimlessly around your city hoping that something great will happen if you just keep driving, you definitely wouldn’t just eat & exercise hoping that you are doing something right and that you will just get fit. If you don’t know what you want out of your fitness program, how do you know if you are successful. Some want to gain, most want to lose, what is it you want?

The Solution

Set goals for yourself. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but I will tell you one more time. What do you want from your efforts. If you want to get to single digit body fat, well then great that is your goal. Of course you will want to break it down into smaller and more easily attainable goals. Say 1-2% every month until you reach the specified target. Another important thing is to track your progress with a notebook. Keep daily workout logs as well as food journals if you so desire. Doing this will bring extra motivation when you realize how far you have progressed throughout your notebook. This also keeps you from guessing how much weight you should use on each lift from week to week. Trust me on this one, this has changed the way I look at my workouts. It is easy & hardly takes any time. Just write down your numbers & whatever else in between each set.

Go here for more fitness tips and info: Spokane Fitness Home Page