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Post Info TOPIC: Getting back into shape


Kenneth Cole

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Getting back into shape
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I am feeling overwhelmed by my efforts to get back into shape. I feel like I have so far to go, and it will take me forever to feel like I am "fit." Has anyone ever felt this way? How did you stay positive? How long did it take you to feel like you were making real progress?

I've never really been happy with the way I looked, but I've always been really active. Until recently. Through a series of huge life changes over the last year, I went from working out 6 days a week to working out 2-3 days a week. I weigh the same, but I've gained 1-2 inches and lost (I feel) all the muscle in my body. cry

I'm sure this probably sounds melodramatic, because it isn't as though I have a ton of weight to lose, but it is really discouraging. I'm scared that I will lose motivation and another year will go by and this will just become my life -- always "trying" to get back into shape but not doing it. It's easy to tell myself "just do it" but if anyone else has some advice or encouragement from having been there yourself, I would really appreciate it!

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Hermes

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Oh, you can totally do it! And my guess is that since you've worked out a lot in the past, you already know what you need to do.

To start, be honest with yourself. What does your workout routine look like these days? Are you doing any weights or just cardio? Do you keep a food diary at all? What do you eat normally?

Depending on what you're doing at the gym, you might need to tweak your routine there. Cardio burns fat, obviously, but weight-lifting increases your metabolism longer after you work out. So you might want to incorporate more weights into your routine. If you can't get to the gym as often as you'd like, maybe get a few handweights and do an exercise video at home.

As far as your diet goes, increasing your protein intake and reducing simple carbs (especially after noon) can really help.

You can totally do it and you won't be one of those people that chases after the notion of getting back into shape, but never does.

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Gucci

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I am right where you are every year after the busy season at work. My 5 day a week workout routine gets reduced for 3 months to 2 or 3 days a week with less time each session than normal. It's always a challenge to get back into the swing of things each year, but I do it and so can you!

You need a goal. Not just the general "I need to get into shape" goal. Something specific that is doable. Like "I want to work on my cardio and be able to run (or walk) five miles by the end of June. Or whatever you want your goal to be. This will give you something concrete to work towards. Once you accomplish one goal, give yourself another. Maybe there is a class you want to take? Or a 5K coming up in a few months?

Remember, feeling out of shape didn't happen overnight and getting back into a healthy life style will take time too. You can do this!

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Interested in craft beer and wine?  Visit my blog http://downthehatch1.blogspot.com/



Kenneth Cole

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Thanks! I am feeling more motivated. This is all good advice. For extra measures, I'm going to avoid carbs in the evening. And my goal is to be in pretty decent shape by mid-June. I think 6 weeks (I started seriously working out again about two weeks ago) should be enough to feel a difference. I won't be back where I was, but I think I'll feel better overall.

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Gucci

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That's the spirit! Getting into the mindset is always the hardest part. Sounds like you are there!

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Interested in craft beer and wine?  Visit my blog http://downthehatch1.blogspot.com/

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