In high school I was on the wrestling team. I ran 2 miles three times a week, lifted weights 3 times a week, did physical training drills daily, and wreslted five days a week. I could bench press 300 pounds and run 5 miles without having to stop and catch my breath.
Marc
At my fittest, I was nuts. I taught a kid’s Karate class for an hour three times a week (you do the exercises with them). I went to my own adult class five times a week. Then I’d go home, change into my jogging stuff, and run 2-5 miles. Then sometimes I’d go back to the dojo late at night (I had keys because I helped teach junior classes), and sometimes work out for another hour or two. In total, I was probably working out 20-25 hours a week.
Then I went to college, and stopped working out. I was absolutely shocked how fast I lost my conditioning, and it depressed me. I probably put on 20 pounds in my first year, and went from being able to run 10 miles to being able to run maybe a mile if I was lucky. After another year of partying and studying and not much else, I was lucky if I could run three blocks without being winded.
It goes away faster than you can imagine.
At my fittest, I went to the gym 4-5 times a week and did a combination of aerobics, walking, running on the treadmill, stationary bike- whatever floated my boat. I also did a fair amount of weight lifting and body sculpting. I stopped after having back surgery, and did moderate amounts of exercise as years went on. As things got worse and worse with my back, I exercised less and became sedentary and put on about 45lbs.
I rejoined the gym a few months ago, and it’s been hit or miss so far. I’ve been going pretty regularly for the past few weeks, though, and I’m rebuilding my stamina. Today I did 3.0 miles on the treadmill at a 4.0 incline, which is outstanding for me. I did a yoga class week before last that I enjoyed, and I’m going to start doing water aerobics too.
So I’m working my way back into being the gym rat I once was, and building up strength (and shedding lbs) as I do it. The key, IMHO, is to get there. Showing up is half the battle. Also, have a good home workout plan in place for the days you just can’t make the gym.
Also, incorporate more walking into your daily routine if you can. I got a little black terrier that wants to be walked at least 2 times a day, and he gets me about 2 miles of walking in every day. Taking the stairs helps, too- anything to get more exercise and build your endurance.
Also, YMMV, but I stopped weighing myself completely. I’ve not weighed since New Years Eve and I don’t intend to start any time soon. I can see my own changes and I don’t want to let the numbers on the scale dictate my mood and frustrate me. I may weigh this year, I may not. I’m focusing on getting healthier and in shape- I figure the weight loss will follow naturally.
45 minutes on the treadmill three times per week, free weights three times per week. Then it got obscenely hot this summer and I got out of the habit.
These posts have really pushed home to me the realisation of how fit and active I was in high school, having been a member of the senior swim team and swimming 5-10 km five times a week in season. Now if I did that much exercise I’d have to stay in bed for the next week to recover. I’ve got to do something about this.
Thanks and I’d love to read some more anecdotes.