Well, the situation is worse than I realised, but I made a great start!
To find the time to train effectively was always gonna be tough. But this morning I got up at 5:45 AM and just like that, I added 2 hours to my day! The first 15 minutes were a nightmare but I managed to dress and get downstairs. I watched a little Sports Center and did some low intensity resistance training with 2x 10lbs dumbbells and some pretty pathetic push-ups. Using my body weight as the resistance proved to be very tough. In the last few years my muscle-mass has diminished and in its place is, clearly, fat. I could really only squeeze out 15 push-ups per set. My body feels thick and slow. I’m so glad I’m finally doing this!
A key weight-loss tip direct from personal trainer/wellness guru Jason Hough: always do the resistance training first and then the cardio: “It is vital that you do resistance training because it burns more fat! After that do 20 minutes of high intensity cardio training. Not before. You will burn far more calories.” This guy knows what he’s talking about!
Now it was time for the cardio so I put on the ol’ trainers and hit the streets. This is the rule: iPod on and count-down timer set to 20 mins. For that 20 minutes you run (or walk, stumble, crawl) AWAY from your house, and only when the alarm sounds are you allowed to run back. In the past, I often found myself running a short circuit as hard as I could and getting home only to find that I’d only been out for 25 mins! I don’t think that’s gonna help me achieve this goal. So I kept running until that stupid alarm buzzed. It felt like forever! I was half-way to Boston when the sodding thing eventually sounded. Again, my body felt heavy, slow, unresponsive. I felt embarrassed. But I made it. Another 20 mins later, I got home and then I did something I never do.
I sat outside, on the public bench overlooking the Passaic and into Newark, and just breathed in the morning. It was quiet and still and honestly, quite beautiful; a very peaceful moment.
I can’t even compare this method of starting ones day to that of waking up at 8:30 and rushing to get to work. This just makes so much more sense. Still, it remains to be seen how it will affect the rest of my Monday.
But so far, SO good!
Hi there, just wanted to say i enjoyed reading your blog and am really happy you followed my advice on cardio training.
It is truly a beautiful thing to stop and take in nature. we rarely realize that nature was created for our enjoyment; whilst the cities and concrete are there for our slavery!.
I am very interested in your goal of losing body fat and feel free to ask me questions anytime. ( http://www.functionaltrainer.co.za) ps you dont need to run too far either… rather run faster! ( check out the sprinters at the olympics…they have much leaner bodies than the long distance athletes.)
Do 20 mins after weight training :12 mins out, 8 mins back! and then on 2 other days do a slow jog without weight training.
I know you can accompish your goal if you are serious, and you sound serious.
Please eat well it is more important than your training…
Another valuable tip, Jason! Thank you. I’ll try upping the running intensity on alternative days. Lookout for another question in the next few days.