Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Fin!

I'm done! I went back to Fundamental Fitness in Denver to have my body fat measured. The measurement came out at 16% body fat with a weight of 212 lbs. That means I lost 26 lbs and 9.5% of body fat. ACE defines fitness as anywhere between 14%-19%, so I'm well within the range of fit.
One thing that I have recognized is that fitness is more of a journey than a destination. I think a true fitness program should be a lifestyle choice and not just a passing fad in one's life. Also, I think that if I had a specific goal to meet again, I would give myself 6 months next time. That allows for things like travelling, being sick, or unexpected circumstances. That being said, I'm going to keep going on my journey in fitness. My long term goal is to stay in the range of "fit" closer to 14% than 19% body fat. I think my ideal weight will be somewhere around 210.
Things I've learned:
It doesn't matter if you fall off, only how fast you get back on the horse.
Fitness is a journey, not a destination.
Objects at rest tend to stay at rest. Objects in motion tend to stay in motion.
I'll never regret working out.
Fitness is more about how you feel than how you look. A more chiseled physique is just a bonus.
The practice of being active can be enlightening.
I can get fit and save money on gas by biking.
Endorphins are good!

As promised I will be donating some money to Augie's Quest. I lost 9.5% and pledged $10 for each percentage lost. I'll be donating $95, and Body Bar Systems is going to match that. Also, I got some other pledges of support to the tune of $150. All together the donation will be $440.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

The last two weeks. . .

The last two weeks have been good to me :)
My need to work out to stay on track, coupled with the beautiful weather and wonderful snow has had me spending a great deal of time outdoors. Biking, hiking, snowboarding have been my cardio.
I've taken on biking to work every day that I can. I take the long way, which is nice because I can ride on a bike trail the entire way downtown to work. Boulder did a fantastic job planning that accessibility. Also, its been the perfect weather in my opinion. Its been pretty warm down here on the front range, but snowing just 25 miles West. That means I get to hike here in Boulder and drive 1/2 hour to go snowboarding at Eldora. The snow has been incredible.
My Body Bar workouts have progressed and I'm really in a rhythm now. I've found bilateral or one hand work to be particularly effective as I have to balance the full four feet of the bar in my hand. It makes for a much greater balance challenge, and therefore engages the core.
I will note that with the coming measurement I've been slightly neurotic, sometimes thinking that I haven't made any progress at all. However, I know how I feel, which is exponentially better than the way I felt in my body before starting the challenge.