Body of Work: A Work in Progress....
Earlier tonight I had one of my best gym workouts ever. Even though I ran through the same repetitions on the same machines that I usually use, I felt that my endurance and energy level were ample enough to last me through the entire workout. I even started the session with a 25-minute cardio session on the elliptical machine, increasing the difficulty level up a notch. I definitely feel that getting plenty of sleep the night before, and eating healthy food throughout the day contributed to the awesome workout. Working towards the upcoming winter flag football season (which starts on Sunday) and the 40-mile Worst Day of the Year bicycle ride is a rewarding incentive.
Looking back at the past year, I have definitely lost weight (although not enough, in my opinion) and gained muscles in my arms and legs. I feel stronger and younger than I did a year ago, and I have made progress on increasing weight resistance on the weight machines that I regularly use. Sometimes I get discouraged when I realize that I have shed only 15 pounds since end of 2006, but I want to remind myself that I have gained more musclular mass. These muscles will come in handy when I carry musical gear to practices and shows, and for those challenging 40-mile bicycle rides.
18 months ago I was a skinny-armed, beer-bellied guy who drank copious amounts of beer and partied a lot. Now I am an average-armed, beer-and-wine-bellied guy who drinks moderate amount of beer and wine, and who has curtailed his partying. I guess I am growing up somewhat. One of my goals for 2008 is to continue to improve my fitness, and to improve my nutrition. I am becoming more comfortable with my physique--during the NYC vacation, It was so nice to be told (by G) that my arms looked more muscular than ever before. I want to strive for additional improvements though! And I am definitely thankful and grateful for those folks on my friends list who have been pursuing fitness goals and challenging themselves--these people are definitely inspirations for me!
After the workout, I cooked a relaxing vegan risotto dish, drank pineapple-coconut juice, and enjoyed several pieces of Dolfin Chocolat's dark chocolate with crystallized orange peel (Aux écorces d'orange confites) for dessert. Today was a very rewarding vegan and non-alcohol food day.
Looking back at the past year, I have definitely lost weight (although not enough, in my opinion) and gained muscles in my arms and legs. I feel stronger and younger than I did a year ago, and I have made progress on increasing weight resistance on the weight machines that I regularly use. Sometimes I get discouraged when I realize that I have shed only 15 pounds since end of 2006, but I want to remind myself that I have gained more musclular mass. These muscles will come in handy when I carry musical gear to practices and shows, and for those challenging 40-mile bicycle rides.
18 months ago I was a skinny-armed, beer-bellied guy who drank copious amounts of beer and partied a lot. Now I am an average-armed, beer-and-wine-bellied guy who drinks moderate amount of beer and wine, and who has curtailed his partying. I guess I am growing up somewhat. One of my goals for 2008 is to continue to improve my fitness, and to improve my nutrition. I am becoming more comfortable with my physique--during the NYC vacation, It was so nice to be told (by G) that my arms looked more muscular than ever before. I want to strive for additional improvements though! And I am definitely thankful and grateful for those folks on my friends list who have been pursuing fitness goals and challenging themselves--these people are definitely inspirations for me!
After the workout, I cooked a relaxing vegan risotto dish, drank pineapple-coconut juice, and enjoyed several pieces of Dolfin Chocolat's dark chocolate with crystallized orange peel (Aux écorces d'orange confites) for dessert. Today was a very rewarding vegan and non-alcohol food day.