Two of my favorite pastimes are drinking beer and going to the gym. However, back in June I received a promotion. Part of my newly acquired job is the requirement to travel and I have been traveling my ass off ever since. Since this life changing event occurred I have only had time to enjoy one of my two pastimes. And my body is paying the price for it.
I've gained over ten pounds since I have accepted my new position. In my old position, I was in town a whole lot more and I was able to run across the street at lunch and get a good hour long work out in daily. In this new position, I am always in a car, on a plane, in a conference, or in a hotel room wondering where the next conference is and how I'm going to get there.
After sitting in meetings all day, do you want to hit the restaurant or hit the hotel's "fitness center" (I call them mini-gyms)? Don't get me wrong: I am not blaming my lack of discipline on my new lifestyle. My new lifestyle will require more discipline to remain in shape. If I am not able to enjoy one past time as much as I used to (eh! Going to the gym), then the other past time may have to take a hit as well (gasp! Drinking beer).
In order to hold myself accountable, I have made myself a list of promises so I can retain my sanity as well as regain that impressive physique I once had 10 years ago:
*I have promised myself to drop down to 190 before I start muscle building again. I do not want Muscle gain to offset the fact that I am trying to reduce Fat. I'll try to burn the bad stuff off before building the good stuff. I'll have to stay on the treadmill before I can hit the bench. At my last physical, the Doctor said that with my frame and stature, I should be around 190. That should be attainable.
*I have promised myself not to "binge-snack" past 7:00 pm. It is real easy for me to sit down and watch a game and mindlessly munch on something salty and/or sweet. Through the years I have become someone who never eats breakfast. They say it is the most important meal of the day because you have all day to burn off those calories. I need to make it so I am hungry in the mornings again and passing out on the couch with a half eaten bag of Doritos isn't the way.
*I have promised to not drink beer during the week, including when I travel. With the exception of a good Monday Night Football game, I shouldn't really feel the need to knock a few back during "school nights." Beer used to be what got me through the week. I could have a shitty Wednesday at the office but would feel good knowing that there were some cold ones waiting for me in the fridge in the man cave at home.
*I have promised to not use travel as an excuse not do work out. True, I am not a fan of the mini-gyms at all of these hotels where I stay. But nothing should stop me from jumping on a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary for a half hour no matter the location. I have even thought of a way to do a workout in a hotel room involving crunches and push-ups. Sitting down to an evening meal while I am out of town on business will feel a whole lot better knowing that I got my work-out out of the way.
*I have promised myself not to "binge-snack" past 7:00 pm. It is real easy for me to sit down and watch a game and mindlessly munch on something salty and/or sweet. Through the years I have become someone who never eats breakfast. They say it is the most important meal of the day because you have all day to burn off those calories. I need to make it so I am hungry in the mornings again and passing out on the couch with a half eaten bag of Doritos isn't the way.
*I have promised to not drink beer during the week, including when I travel. With the exception of a good Monday Night Football game, I shouldn't really feel the need to knock a few back during "school nights." Beer used to be what got me through the week. I could have a shitty Wednesday at the office but would feel good knowing that there were some cold ones waiting for me in the fridge in the man cave at home.
*I have promised to not use travel as an excuse not do work out. True, I am not a fan of the mini-gyms at all of these hotels where I stay. But nothing should stop me from jumping on a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary for a half hour no matter the location. I have even thought of a way to do a workout in a hotel room involving crunches and push-ups. Sitting down to an evening meal while I am out of town on business will feel a whole lot better knowing that I got my work-out out of the way.
These four promises will be pretty tough to keep but if I am able to stay true to myself and not break any of them, I can enjoy having both Budweiser and Biceps. Wish Me Luck!
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