Monday, June 04, 2007
Why is exercising so hard?
My good friend Sang opened his second gym location in Seattle yesterday (Denali Fitness -- first location in Madison Park, second in Interbay). I stopped by for the grand opening and was totally blown away by the job they've done. Seriously, they so exceeded my expectations that it warrants a full post... but I'll hold off on that until I get some good photos (I didn't have my camera with me).
But, I digress... the visit to the gym reminded me that I truly need to start exercising. There are many reasons for that:
a) I'm overweight (I weigh 195, and have wanted to weigh 180 for the last 2 years!)
b) I love how I feel when I'm near 180
c) I have so much more energy when I'm regularly exercising
d) It's fun (once I'm finally there...)
e) It's a nice motivator to get the important work stuff done, and then LEAVE WORK
f) Zach the Dog immensely enjoys jogging
So, why is it so darn hard to actually do? Why so many excuses? I'm not sure... I'd love some thoughts and encouragement. I actually did get out for a run with Zach The Dog today... was an awesome day in Seattle, if not a little too warm. Zach fared better than I did :-)
But, I digress... the visit to the gym reminded me that I truly need to start exercising. There are many reasons for that:
a) I'm overweight (I weigh 195, and have wanted to weigh 180 for the last 2 years!)
b) I love how I feel when I'm near 180
c) I have so much more energy when I'm regularly exercising
d) It's fun (once I'm finally there...)
e) It's a nice motivator to get the important work stuff done, and then LEAVE WORK
f) Zach the Dog immensely enjoys jogging
So, why is it so darn hard to actually do? Why so many excuses? I'm not sure... I'd love some thoughts and encouragement. I actually did get out for a run with Zach The Dog today... was an awesome day in Seattle, if not a little too warm. Zach fared better than I did :-)
Labels: denali fitness, exercise, overweight, sang kim, zach the dog
Comments:
Well, that's the gym that I was referring to -- it was co-founded by my friend Sang (and his silent partner Dave) -- I'm reconsidering a membership. You want to commit to 3 days/week of exercise? That could be my motivation!
I could fill up pages for you with advice, but I'll narrow it down to three things:
1. Work out first thing in the morning. Exercise needs to become part of your daily schedule and, for people with very busy and dynamic schedules, getting it out of the way first thing leaves no room for excusing your way out of it throughout the day.
2. Work out for 30-60 min, but no longer. You will get all the benefits of exercise with this amount but not take up so much time that it becomes a hardship (and something that you will therefore excuse your way out of).
3. Move more, eat less. Losing weight is that simple, and all diets are based on it. It also provides the basis for your rewards/punishment system: If I haven't "moved more" today (i.e. I skipped my workout), I have to eat less (i.e. I didn't earn the cookie that I could have justified if I had worked out).
Good luck.
-Tim
1. Work out first thing in the morning. Exercise needs to become part of your daily schedule and, for people with very busy and dynamic schedules, getting it out of the way first thing leaves no room for excusing your way out of it throughout the day.
2. Work out for 30-60 min, but no longer. You will get all the benefits of exercise with this amount but not take up so much time that it becomes a hardship (and something that you will therefore excuse your way out of).
3. Move more, eat less. Losing weight is that simple, and all diets are based on it. It also provides the basis for your rewards/punishment system: If I haven't "moved more" today (i.e. I skipped my workout), I have to eat less (i.e. I didn't earn the cookie that I could have justified if I had worked out).
Good luck.
-Tim
# posted by 
: 1:35 PM
: 1:35 PM
I knew I could count on you, Tim! So... it's bad for me to eat an entire pizza while watching Professional Poker on TV?
As long as you ran a marathon that morning, pizza and TV poker in the evening are fine. Maybe start with a half-marathon and half-pizza?
# posted by : 5:26 PM
: 5:26 PM
Hi Dave, I understand your problem. I love having some exercise, but actually going there and dropping the work is often hard. Once you get going, it is perfect and fun.
What can I say, lack of discipline or need for excitement? At least, it is very human to deal with this...take care
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What can I say, lack of discipline or need for excitement? At least, it is very human to deal with this...take care
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