I had not realized it had been over 9 years since I posted here. In looking to get myself back under control, I wanted to look at using this again. So, brief catch-up for anyone who might actually read this:
- In the last 9 years, my kids are now 10 and 12. My weight loss stalled in a major way in about 2012 or so and I hovered for a few years between 350 and 400. I took up Shotokan Karate during that time period and am currently a Brown-White (2nd Kyu) in that style. Then the Covid-19 Pandemic hit. That, combined with various other factors, sent my stress eating and lack of exercising through the roof. My weight went north of 400 (about 413 to be exact), which it's not been at since shortly after I moved up to North Carolina in 2000. This past week, I finally went the "well, this ain't gonna work" point. As part of this, I'm applying a mantra I've been using for a year or so and pulled it fully front and center:
There's always an excuse--just do the work
This was partially inspired by Cody Rhodes' slogan for wrestling (Do the work), but the main portion is the "There's always an excuse" portion. There's always an excuse not to work out, not to each right, not to get started, or the like. And far too many of us (me definitely included) let the excuses win and end up doing nothing.
Over the past couple of years, I've seen about a half dozen friends go on major weight loss journeys, all of them due to having some form of bariatric surgery. I seriously considered it myself, but I also took a long hard look at myself and realized that I am not even remotely in a mindset where it would work for me. The main reason is because of my comfort and binge eating that would be absolutely counter productive to having a successful journey on that path. With that realization, it's back to the old fashioned way to get my mind into an arena where I'm not sabotaging myself that way.
So, what am I doing? That is the million dollar question, yes? So here is the current plan for me:
Sunday:
Walking (started at a 1/2 mile)
Gorilla Bow Arm/Shoulder Workout
- Bicep Curl (Red band): 3x10
- Upright Row (Red band): 3x10
- Decline Press (Red and Yellow band): 3x15
- Shrugs (Red/Yellow band): 3x15
- Shoulder Press (Red Band): 3x10
Monday:
Kata
Tuesday:
Walking
Gorilla Bow Back/Chest workout
- Incline Press (Red/Yellow band): 3x10
- Chest Press (Red/Yellow band): 3x15
- Seated Row (Red/Yellow band): 3x15
- Lat Pull Downs (Red/Yellow band): 3x15
Wednesday:
Kata
Thursday:
Walking
Gorilla Bow Core/Legs
- Bow Twist
- Lateral Squat
- Front Squat
- Calf Raises
Friday:
REST
Saturday:
Kata
In theory, Monday and Saturday will get worked back into classes at the dojo, but I need to get my cardio and weight back under control there--the weight more for the sake of my knees than anything else. As any martial artist will tell you, there's definite stress on the joints--especially the leg joints--regardless of it being kata, kihon, or kumite. I'm going to try and post here weekly (at least) and go with daily accountability on facebook with my weight loss filter there. The actual weight numbers will likely have to wait due to the simple fact I'm too heavy for my scale right now (yeah, I know...right?).
If you're here reading, great. Even if no one reads this, it still gives me accountability and documentation. The goal is still 200 pounds in two years, which will get me down into a dad bod range. As I approach 50, I'm more than happy with that idea of physicality. I don't need to be ripped enough to compete in the Welterweight or Middleweight divisions in the UFC. I'm perfectly happy having a low end heavyweight body at this point that could make Light Heavyweight with a solid weight cut.
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