We weren't always in-shape and healthy. Six years ago we realized our lives had spiraled out of control.
“Give him and inch and he’ll take a mile.”
You’ve heard that saying, right?
Well, I just experienced it for myself. And boy, did I take that mile.
Work schedules changed around our house about a month ago and we’ve been trying to adjust. You know how it goes. I try to get the workouts in on the new schedule, but a few days go by and I don’t get as many workouts — neither weight nor cardio — as I’d like.
And so it goes, week after week. Then the mind takes over . . .
“Oh well, I’ve missed a workout. What does it matter if I have a little extra snack?”
“There’s a little of that treat left from my free meal. I’d better eat it so I get rid of it, even though it is not the day for my free meal.”
“I’ve already blown it. What does it matter if I blow it a little bit worse?”
“I haven’t done my weights, cardio is not going to do much good. I’ll just skip it.”
Now I’m not gonna lie. I LOVED those Girl Scout cookies topped with my grandma’s recipe for homemade chocolate frosting. They were delicious. But NOW, I took the mile and I suffered the associated guilt for my indulgence.
I hear many people say they want to do Body-for-LIFE but they don’t find a reason to be so hard-core (some call it obsessed) about it. They tell me that they will workout more and eat better, but not go overboard.
And today I remembered what I learned almost six years ago. It is actually EASIER to stay on track when you are 100%. When you aren’t committed to getting your cardio in, it is easier to skip a weight workout. When you miss a day or two of weights, it is that much easier to succumb to that delicious temptation that is always within reach. When you fall off of the meal plan, it is so easy to skip that cardio session.
But today is the day. I’ve told you about it over and over again. But today it is my turn.
My turn to Start Today Fitness.
No matter what happens to the schedule, who tells me they can’t watch the baby, or how tired I am before I go to bed. I will get both my cardio and weight workouts in today. I’ll Start Today.
As for you, please think hard before giving yourself that inch. You might not be able to avoid the temptation of taking that mile.
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February 22, 2006 8:16 am
I just started week one of my BFL porgram this week!! Your info on this site has been so valuable already. I printed and am following Tami’s menu plan and will do so for the 12 week period. I had my body fat measured yesterday and was shocked. I knew I wanted to lose about 10 pounds, but it sounded weird to know I have 30% body fat. But it is a motivation to me now, that and wanting to look decent in a swimsuit for my trip to Mexico in July! Thanks so much for the tips and info I’m on the site everyday getting info! Have a super day!
March 2, 2006 1:53 pm
Hi Samantha -
I’m glad you are finding Start Today Fitness so valuable. Thanks for the excellent feedback.
I’m glad you’ve discovered your body fat. This is such an effective indicator of your true improvements. So commonly I hear “I’ve hit a plateau. I lost xx pounds and now I am stuck.”
This is the most important time to recheck your body fat. Even though your weight loss may have hit a plateau, your body fat may indicate that you are still making an awesome transformation.
Here’s where you can get a body fat caliper:
http://starttodayfitness.com/measure-your-fitness/
Here’s a quick link to that Meal Plan:
http://starttodayfitness.com/body-for-life-meal-plan-shopping-list/
And here are more tips for Week Two!
http://starttodayfitness.com/category/week-two/
Have a GREAT Body-for-LIFE Day, Samantha! Please continue to let us know how you are doing.
Tami
April 4, 2006 9:47 am
It’s week 7 now, I faltered a little last week, yes felt the guilt, but got back on track this week more determined than ever. After week 4 I did measurements and I had lost 2 inches off my waist and thighes and an inch off my chest, and am down 8 pounds. I read your site each week to get the weekly tips and they encourage me. Thanks again and will let you know at the end of my 12 weeks where I am!!
April 8, 2006 12:04 am
Good for you, Samantha!
You are embracing the Start Today Fitness philosophy. You cannot go back, but only forward.
I am proud of your determination. Not only are you back on track, you sound unstoppable! Your measurements are proof.
Thanks for continuing to come back, and for letting us know your success.
April 13, 2006 5:46 am
Tammy,
I have a question for you. Now having been on the program for almost 8 wks, I don’t see the muscles that I see in you and Gino after your 12 wks. I’m following the BFL woman book, but what did a typical workout wk look like for you as a woman? I feel I need work on my tummy and am not sure how to achieve what I’m looking for.. Thanks also for always responding and being so encouraging it’s a tremendsous help!