Thursday, January 1, 2009

Not exactly a New Year's Resolution

I went to my doctor for a check up back in October and learned that even though I am taking a blood pressure medication, my blood pressure is still high. I had also managed to pack on a few more pounds for a new personal best of 239 lbs (I was wearing heavy hiking boots, but that is beside the point). Now I am taking two blood pressure medications.

I knew I needed more exercise and I needed to lose weight. With three bikes, I really do not have a legitimate excuse, but I have an, uh, illegitimate excuse. My bike riding has been limited due to back pain, but, honestly, I ride because I like it, not for exercise. If I get it in my head that I have to ride for exercise, I lose interest in riding. So, I decided to get an elliptical trainer for the house.

I was able to get one last night. It was not based on a New Year's Resolution. It is more like an October Resolution delayed. With payday and Christmas bills getting settled, I was finally able to put my resolution in play. I spent my New Year's Eve putting together the machine.

This morning, before I jumped on the elliptical for my first voyage, I weighed in at 227 in shorts and a T-shirt. My stomach measured out at 44" around my belly button. My plan is to check in on the first of every month to chart my progress. I will be hitting the elliptical every morning before I head to work. That frees me up to ride on days when I want to and drive on days when the weather is crappy or I have to go somewhere immediately after work (it is amazing how many times a week my daughter's high school band requires me to be somewhere right after work).

2 comments:

  1. Thanks. I will.

    Before my wife went back to work, I was at the gym at least 3 times a week on the elliptical machines. Over the last year, I really fizzled because we needed to redistribute the workload. Now that I have an elliptical at home, I won't have an excuse.

    ReplyDelete