MiddleAgeShed

Busy Time and Key Anna moment

Last week I committed to cycling to Weobley to meet up with Farmer Phil and Monty at the karting track....
However, as things go the plan changed and FP wanted to go combining and so I had to take Monty along in the car! However, I was keen to keep to that commitment, had loaded up my iPod and so in the afternoon I decided that on my bike I would get.
I like listening to podcasts and particularly like Anna's "proper" show The Engaging Brand. I think I was listening to 177 with Gary Harpst (although I can't be sure as I am a bit behind). Anyway she will let us know if I am wrong, he was talking about how to make things happen and how our biggest problem is that we get bored! It struck a chord with me and low and behold Anna mentions the diet and how the long term issue is sticking to it! He explained accountability and said that he has a lady who cleans his office on a Tuesday morning and that on a Monday evening he is always in his office - cleaning before the lady comes and cleans. When she is on holiday guess what happens? Nothing!
I thought about that and realised that is what MiddleAgeShed does for me (and I hope Anna) It gives a form of accountability - a reminder - a nudge that is hard to brush off...
And so dear reader, that is why I am here writing this blog post on a Friday evening - as I know I will be recording with Anna in the morning and have failed to write any in the week. But it is also why this week I have cycled 3 times (and did a good 30 miles total), have played tennis three times and have been reasonably careful with what I have eaten.
Good old Shedder and good old Anna and good old you
Thanks from me.

Dieting and Exercise

Saturday - ate well, went to the gym - worked hard. Then even walked home from the gym which was about 4 miles. Result....1lb weight GAIN!

Now I know the old adage of muscle weighing more than fat, however it is strange that the more I increase exercise...the harder I find to lose weight.

Can anyone explain ?

I love the Gym!

I have been to the gym each day - except one - this week. I am really starting to enjoy the sessions again. Today I was so engrossed in the TV program I was watching...that I went 20 minutes over my usual workout time!
I can't say it is hugely helping with my weight at the moment, however that doesn't bother me as I am feeling stronger, feeling healthier, feeling in better shape.
As long as I keep this up, then I know the weight will start to come off in bigger chunks and I will break that 12 stone barrier.

Expert on Healthy Exercise on the Way!

As you all know Heather and I have been struggling a little recently, well one of the Middle Age "groupies", Karen Burnham has put us in touch with a gym instructor.

I am arranging a conversation with her so that she can help how diet mindset, our exercise regime and our slimming journey.

I am really excited as I think this will really give us a spur to push on to April and those beautiful bodies for New York. Well, when I say beautiful - remember we are both over 40!

If you have any questions for us to ask then email me at anna@theengagingbrand.com and I will put them to our new found expert.

I think my body has sunk!

When I looked in the mirror this morning, for motivation to keep on the dieting track...what I saw was worrying! The fat has sunk to my hips...seriously! My lower stomach/hip area is decidedly rotund....may need Karen's help on what exercise will remove this extra baggage..any tips Karen? My love handles have moved from being normal house size to the ones that you would find on a stately home:)

When the Gym is not an option....

This week has not been good - understatement of the week! - for going to burn some calories. So what I am trying to do is a little more exercise around the house. No laughing!

• Jogging on the spot whilst the kettle boils
• Stretching exercises whilst I wait for my PC to do something
• Leg exercises before bed

Not exactly earth shattering I know, but at least it keeps in mind the need to burn the calories that I eat.

Swimming

So having weighed in at 11.2.2 I am aiming for a record Heather weight loss this week - I am aiming to get into the 10 stone something bracket...
Well, we will see - but whatever, the exercise regime is in full swing, and the tolerance weight level has certainly lowered since last year.
Today I have been swimming and managed 31 lengths. Back to the "in the week" eating schedule and looking forward to the porridge.
Message for Anna: For the moment no dieting but ensure you....Eat healthy.

I love my bike

Yes, I am back on my bike. Having charged my lighting pack, sorted out my iTouch with a few of Ms Farmery's classic podcasts (and a couple of Peter Day ones) I have set out on three 7 mile rides in the dark at 7.30am in the morning. And boy! oh Boy! is it great to be back. The feeling of exhilaration on the downhill, the blood pumping through your veins on the uphill. Fabbbbtastic. And on top of all that the satisfaction once you have completed the ride...
How on earth does it seem so hard to get going when you've got out of the habit - and so satisfying once you are back in line!
Foodwise has not been perfect - but then again I am back on my small plate, have upped my water intake and my fruit and veg intake and cut down on the snacks. We shall see.

By the way shedders CHICKEN OUT!

The Easy Way to Get Fit

I am like everyone who is trying to get control of their weight and their body shape - looking for quick fixes! Yes, I understand that I am looking for something that doesn't exist but I have come across 25 Easy Ways to Get Fit - here is a snippet looking at what you can do around the house
When you go outside to pick up your morning newspaper, take a brisk 5-minute walk up the street in one direction and back in the other.

2. If you're housebound caring for a sick child or grandchild, hop on an exercise bike or treadmill while your ailing loved one naps.

3. Try 5 to 10 minutes of jumping jacks. (A 150-pound woman can burn 90 calories in one 10-minute session.)

4. Cooking dinner? Do standing push-ups while you wait for a pot to boil. Stand about an arm's length from the kitchen counter, and push your arms against the counter. Push in and out to work your arms and shoulders.

5. After dinner, go outside and play tag or shoot baskets with your kids and their friends.

6. Just before bed or while you're giving yourself a facial at night, do a few repetitions of some dumbbell exercises, suggests exercise instructor Sheila Cluff, owner and founder of The Oaks at Ojai and The Palms, in Palm Springs, CA, who keeps a set of free weights on a shelf in front of her bathroom sink.

I smiled at number 4 as I remember Heather laughing at me jogging whilst waiting for the kettle to boil!

The Gym Rush

Since I have started going back to the gym, I have enjoyed the workouts - not the pain, but the working out. This week has been hard as I have had to fit in visits at times that my body objects to! But one thing that never ceases to amaze me, if no matter how bad you feel going and getting started...you feel great afterwards.
I suppose I am still going through that phase of making going, a habit as it is still new. I wish that I could see a greater effect on the scales but in reality, the weight is only half of why I am going. The other half is about fitness and well being and on that front I can see the effect...