Discipline

We must find discipline.  Those of us on a weight loss journey may have a tougher time than others and I do not mean only in the eating department.

I was at my other gym last week in South Florida.  I go to a YouFit gym which I posted about in this post right here.  Despite what my main guy and coach Jeff Ford says in this post he made today, I still do the long runs.  In my defense, he and I have had conversations about this and I do the long runs for the extra calorie burn that I get.  I definitely do more Crossfit work now though than ever.  Back to my topic and observations.... 

I was on one of those longer runs on a treadmill last week and observed people working out.  Like any gym, there were people of all shapes, sizes and physical abilities.  Congrats to ALL of them for being there.  As I looked at those that were sitting, idle between sets, I noticed something.  All but 1 of the 6 people I saw using their cell phones in the workout were moderately to grossly overweight.  This brought me to checking out the clock when they finished a set.  The least amount of time I counted between sets for a cell phone user was 2 minutes.  The longest was over 5. 

Yes, some that are not using their cell phones tend to rest too long between sets as well.  I hear you cluckin' but I do not think I have witnessed anyone take 5 minutes between sets just sitting there.

To go into a gym it takes some discipline in the first place.  To really push yourself takes more. This does not differ from when you are running or when you are lifting.  It takes discipline to really go out of your comfort zone consciously.  I am usually the only one on a treadmill that might make a OOF or a ARGH grunt from time to time.  But when it comes time for speed intervals or hill intervals with some running on them, I push myself.  People sometimes stare at me when I do.  I must be some kind of freak!

I am trying to make a few points here.

1) Leave the cell phone in the car.  You can live without it for 30-60 minutes.  I am certain of it.  It will only be a distraction that keeps you from your best workout. 
2) Have a plan when you go into the gym.  Write it down if you have to.  Know the weight you plan to lift, on what machines, for how many reps and sets.  Know how long you will rest between sets and watch the clock (not the one on your cell).  If you are running, know how long and at what pace.  Decide ahead of time what intervals or challenges you might throw yourself into the run and execute them.
3) Push yourself.  Yes, you may sweat.  You might even grunt.  The best part is, you might work harder than you though you could and leave with an extra high feeling at the end knowing you just crushed whatever you decided to do.

With that success will come more discipline.  That discipline will carry you outside of the gym into the other places in your life where you did not have it.  The kitchen.  The restaurant.  The car.  At work.  Discipline is the key to success.

Changing It Up and Making a Mental Connection

This week I realized that with my achilles healed up, I am back to running on a regular schedule and it feels great.  My stamina is better than ever and my distances keep increasing at faster paces.  My first sub 30 minute 5K is right around the corner. 

I have known for a while that I need to change things up.  I lift from time to time but not enough. 

After my run Monday night, I was pretty tired but as I walked out of the gym, the medicine balls caught my eye.  Hmpf, what harm could a few Wall-balls do? 

I proceeded to do 3 sets of 25 Wall-balls with just 45 seconds of rest between (video below).


That was 2 days ago.  My legs are destroyed!  It reminds me of the last time I did them with Jeff at Crossfit Hilton Head.  Same result. 

It is hurting me bad but the pain reminds me of why we need to change things up.  Go to something new.  Go to something old, just do something different.  For those of you that do not have any exposure to Crossfit, most of their drills are simple exercises like this.  Nothing complex, no big machines.  Just you and a few moves....and you can feel that burn.

It was great to see Jeff in August in Louisville, September at Hilton Head Health and again down in Miami.  While it would be great to hang out once a month with him, I can always just do some of these Wall-balls and every step I take makes me think of how he pushed me every step in every class and every training session. 

Reach into your memory of a fitness session or even if it is not fitness related and make a connection with someone by doing something they would want to do right next to you.  You will be channeling their energy and in this case, a little pain!