When I was a member of a local gym, my routine was very monotonous and stale. I would start off by doing elliptical cycle or treadmill for 21 to 30 minutes. Then, I would do some resistance training with weights. This became a regular pattern for many years. My workouts became a matter of what to do rather than why I am doing it. As long as I am “doing my workouts”, I am achieving my physical fitness results- at least that is what I thought was happening. Instead, I was going through the motions. After my workouts, I would go to the restaurant and have a big meal. I had to replenish my energy- right? It sounded good but the results were not noticeable. Also, my health was about average with seasonal issues of allergies and asthma. What is the point of this? Here is the point: You can be going through the motions and seem to be achieving your best physical fitness level. There are things you can do to ensure that you do reach your peak fitness level.
First of all, attaining your peak physical fitness level is a continuous journey not a single destination. It is a process not a single event. We are conditioned on single events such as winning the lottery or hitting the jackpot- rather than earning and learning through a gradual period of time. Only in certain cases does surgery such as liposuction or stapling the stomach works. You are not curing the symptoms or causes of what caused the obesity. For the majority of us, we need to look at why our fitness level has diminished. You cannot just place a bandage over a broken arm. Go to the doctor who will fix the arm and then it will gradually heal (this is a process). In order to be excellent at anything, we have to continuously learn and grow. You want to embark in a continuous journey- not arrive at one location and do nothing.
Next, you must do exercises that count. What does that mean? Do a variety of exercises to make your body respond- not exercises that make your body dull and monotonous. Do interval-type of training on treadmill or elliptical machines. Work on free weights. Do exercises such as squats, dead lifts, etc. You will develop lean muscle mass. Do pull-ups and push-ups. There is no one recipe to do. This is where you continually learn.
Put your goals and progress in writing. How would you know if you are achieving if you do not know what direction you are going. Keep a journal or notes on your weight or how you look. Quantify the quality process.
These are some pointers to point you in the right direction in your physical fitness goals and dreams. Think of it as a journey not a single destination. Now, enjoy the journey.
