Checking My Cholesterol, Etc....

It’s been nearly 10 months since I’ve had my cholesterol checked.  And it wasn’t so hot the last time.  Now that I have my current results, I wanted to compare then with now. Total Cholesterol January 197 mg/dL November 154 HDL Cholesterol January 16 mg/dL November 44 LDL Cholesterol January 161 mg/dL November 98 Blood Pressure January 129/81 mmHg November 120/72

Change It Up...

I’ve known this for awhile now from personal experience, but after speaking with a personal trainer from Kansas City, I want to reiterate the importance of avoiding a routine in your workout. Your body gets used to the exercise, so why would you continue to do the same thing over and over — especially when working to lose weight or build muscle.  There’s no point in using the 30 lb. dumbell when you...

Running...

Little by little, this running thing is getting easier.  Today, I managed to stay at a 7mph pace for two miles.  That’s a tiny bit of progress.  No matter, I intend to win the weight loss challenge against Jason. In fact, the next three months are probably going to be tough, now that I’ve had a taste of “maintaining” my weight — eating a little more and exercising a little less than when...

I’ve Been Challenged...

As you may know, I have lost 60 lbs this year by simple changes to my diet and a strict exercise routine.  I’m still quite a ways from my ideal weight, so I’ve taken on a weight-loss challenge.  Not only because I want to lose weight, but because I need to win cash! I’m stocked up on foods that helped me lose the weight earlier this year, and I’m determined to come out successful yet again.  This...

Starting This Thing Called Running...

Thursday, I decided to take advantage of a workout room available for residents of my apartment.  It’s nothing fancy; just a few machines, really.  But I had always been meaning to start some sort of running program and the treadmill is going to help me do just that. I started out running one mile in 10 minutes (non-stop) Thursday.  This is a big deal because I’d always dread the mile run days that came...

Starting Again...

I hope to keep better track of what I eat and what I do for exercise.  It shouldn’t be too much of a deal to start this up again.  I’ve done it before; I know exactly what it takes to do it again. While not the healthiest choices, here’s what I ate today. What I ate today: BREAKFAST: Special K bar SNACK:  Special K snack bar LUNCH:  Protein shake, iced tea and a shot of aloe SNACK:  Protein bar DINNER:...

How Does This Work?...

I think it works best when I keep you up to date on what I’m up to.  And since DSA doesn’t use Twitter (and won’t!) I have to blog. I’ve gotten so busy over the last month, I’ve been neglecting my bike.  I still use it, but not as often.  Perhaps I need another 100 day commitment?  I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle it.  But I did it the first time, I probably could do...

100 Consecutive Days...

Besides reaching my goal, this is another day I thought would never come.  It’s my 100th consecutive day of working out — mainly by riding my exercise bike.  Some days I’ve added crunches, pushups, curls (with my 25 lb. dumbbells) and even a few walks. And now I’ve finally reached this milestone that would have never happened without the determination from within and the support from friends...

Exercise: Day 80...

I’m on my eightieth consecutive day of exercising, which mainly consists of my stationary bike ride.  What started out as a few miles in 20 minutes has turned into 14 miles in nearly 45 minutes. The weather is getting nicer, and I’m looking for a mountain bike to use on the bike trail outside.  And I’m looking for a bowflex.  Look at me be all ambitious. Something else I’m working on is my pushups....

Was Wondering...

The other day, I wondered, “How did people stay healthy before nutrition facts were invented?” Then the answer immediately came to me.  People who lived before the last few generations didn’t rely on cars or computers much.  No, they walked to work.  They walked to the store.  They walked wherever they were going, for the most part.  And whatever their job was, it did not involve sitting in front...