In the weeks that followed the Fourth of July, I some how fell off the fitness & diet wagon.
The past couple weeks in particular have resulted in my cancelling even my personal fitness dates with my much beloved trainer, Kris, but I’m not making any excuses because the fault lies squarely on my shoulders. I plan on rectifying the situation after returning from Cape Cod this weekend. Until then I’m trying my best not to feel like this.
Need an incentive to get yourself to the gym and to be more active in general? If the handsome posts of shirtless men won’t motivate you perhaps the horror of identifying with this hilarious depiction of the many types of ‘man boobs’ will do the trick. Much thanks to Twitter bud, @Onerebeldevil for sharing.
Gym memberships can be costly, but during the summer months Boston has so many free classes throughout the city you needn’t spend any money to get into shape. Yoga, Zumba, Crossfit, Boot Camp, Pilates and Running Clubs all offer affordable ways to get / stay in shape and meet people.
Free classes are also being hosted around the city including along The Greenway, City Hall Plaza and in East Boston. For additional details about free, outdoor fitness classes (most run through the end of August) link to BostonMovesForHealth.org calendar.
Earlier this month I wrote a post entitled, Summer diets. My month of “no meat” continues without issue, and I’ve been successful in dropping a few pounds. However, I have to admit I’ve made a few late night decisions that resemble the above photo.
How are you doing? Are you working out or modifying your diet? I’m pretty public about my desire to get into better physical condition and appreciate everyone who has reached out to share their struggles and accomplishments.
Let me know how you are doing.
The winter is thankfully a thing of the past and I’ve started obsessing about the beach. The idea of walking around without a shirt is all the incentive I need to do a little extra to try and get into shape. I’ve already started what I refer to as my June diet which consists of cutting out all meat. In years past this has helped me drop from what I call my ‘winter weight’ that fluctuates anywhere from 190 – 195 lbs to 185 – 190 lbs. As I get older it is harder to build muscle but thanks to a great trainer, I’m hoping I’ll be less self conscious walking around this summer.
Do you do anything to try and squeeze off a few extra pounds or bulk up? I can’t be the only one who goes a bit crazy.
I couldn’t stop laughing watching Joanna Rohrback talk about Prancercise, which she describes as “a springy,rhythmic way of moving forward, similar to a horse’s gait and is ideally induced by elation.” I can’t make this stuff up if I tried those are the exact words in the video description.
I’m only sorry to let this entrepreneur know that she’s a bit late to the game if she thinks she’s invented such a movement. Disagree? Come down to Boston’s Pride Parade this Saturday and you’ll see thousands of drag queens (some dressed just like this woman) “prancercising” their way along the parade route. Check out this video.
Ever since the weather started to get pleasant here in Boston, the Charles River has been flooded with foot and bike traffic. The 17+ miles of walking / bike paths that follow the contours of the Charles River offer runners and cyclists alike some fantastic views of Boston and Cambridge. However, you need not commit to such a long workout and can cross back and forth between the many bridges that crisscross the Charles River.
If you live in the area and have not downloaded one of the many maps available feel free to print a copy of this map to give you incentive and to start your spring training so to speak, Marathon Sports Charles River Map.
I’ve been quiet lately about my personal fitness regimen, but I feel like I’m making some personal gains at the gym thanks to the work I’m doing with my trainer, Kris.
Starting in mid-February we decided we’d try to increase my weights and drop my reps to help change things up and create a more intense workout. Without a doubt, the change in the workout is showing improvement. I can feel my back muscles in the days that follow my workouts in a way I have not previously. It is up to me to get in a few extra sessions at the gym to push my cardio and I need to make better choices in the evening by curtailing how much I eat and opting for healthy alternatives when I’m snacking late at night. However, with spring now around the corner, I feel pretty good about the progress I’m making. How are you doing? Hopefully with warmer weather now being forecast you can come out of your semi-hibernative state of mind and join me at the gym or shoot me an email / comment to let me know how you are doing.
The first day of spring officially starts two weeks from today.
Show above is a photo of The November Project Wednesday workouts, taken last summer. This group, which was started by two Northeastern University graduates, organize free, fun ways to work out with others in Boston.
The November Project uses free, public land to exercise. For example, each Wednesday morning The November Project meet at 6:30am at Harvard’s Stadium to run up the big seats and come down the small steps. With winter (in theory) concluding later this month, I wanted to write about this amazing group to inspire groups in other cities to emulate their model of using public space and bringing people together to exercise. With no gym membership required, one only needs the discipline to show up and the appropriate workout gear.
Learn more about this amazing group here.
While shopping at a department store in Boston I stumbled upon this display. It gave me a good chuckle. I’d be tempted to see how this works but I immediately realized hiding my body issues won’t eliminate them. The only cure for that is getting myself to the gym. However, there appear to be no shortage of rather intriguing products targeting men to help them appear more fit and trim. The next time I’m flying, I’ll have to see if Sky Mall sells any of these products.
Or even worse… the Instaslim, Slimming Tank Top.
I’ve been struggling to get to the gym since returning from my Brazil trip in early December. The colder weather, early sunsets and all the holiday parties made it easy to skip the gym. Fortunately, my trainer has been good about making sure that we regularly meet up… that is until this week when my work schedule left me with no time for gym time.
I half wondered if people would hear the huge thumping sound of my fat ass falling off the proverbial wagon. I really dislike it when I fall out of my gym routine, but I only have myself to blame for it. Knowing that I’m heading to Puerto Rico at the end of this month has lit a fire under that fat ass of mine so I’m looking forward to my date with my trainer tomorrow.
For those of you who committed in the New Year to focus on your personal fitness, I wanted to encourage you to stay strong. Even if you’ve missed days or not been able to maintain the schedule you planned, don’t give up.
I’ll be thinking of you while I’m at the gym today.
I previously wrote about the November Project™ to let you know about the Boston Ninja Race they are hosting on January 23rd. However, this group of runners do more than hosting one-off crazy races through Boston. They are focused on motivating each other by hosting a combination of cardio workouts and social interactions.
One such example is their Wednesday morning workouts, which start at 6:30am at Harvard’s Stadium to run up the big seats and come down the small steps. This crazy group of Bostonians have put together a video from earlier this year from one such work out. Learn more about this group here.
Blogger, Ajax in the City posted this abdominal work out video from the 80’s on his blog. I keep expecting Olivia Newton John to come walking out singing “Physical”. The entire clip is totally ridiculous, but I couldn’t help but watch it all the way through. I should ask my personal trainer for his thoughts. 😉
BosGuy 