Sweat Don’t Lie

I had originally planned for this post as a reflection of last year and my goals for this year.   Then I remembered that on January 23^rd, I'll be at the two year anniversary of my fitness journey.  I decided to save my reflections for that post.

I will say this, 2014 ended up seeming like a “set-up” year.  I feel like I've laid the foundation for real success.  The only thing left to do is to put in the work to make it happen.

With the end of the holidays, I've been working at getting back to my normal routine.  The exercise schedule was fairly easy to fall back into, diet, however, is another matter entirely.  Over the holidays, I indulged myself, probably too often.  It’s been jarring to go back to simpler meals.  I knew that I was in trouble when the market put the paczkis out early this year.  I bought a half dozen and ate three of them in one day!

One thing that has helped me to focus are the successes of some of my contemporaries who are on the same journey.  A couple have made amazing progress.  Their progress has helped to relight my fire to get this thing done.  I feel that while I've made progress of my own, I've been doing some “coasting,” especially in the diet area, which just adds unnecessary time (and calories!) to the process.

Sweat Don’t Lie

I've come to enjoy the exercise part of my regimen tremendously, especially as I see how the exercises are reshaping my body.  I try to leave it all on the gym floor when I work out.  Recently, one of the big guys approached me after I’d finished a set.  I’d done a class earlier and I was drenched in sweat.  He said, “You’re really getting’ it!” I laughed and said something like “Yeah, I’m doing a little something.”  He said, “No, sweat don’t lie.”  That recognition of my efforts felt pretty good.

I thought about that as the gym has been invaded by the “Resolutioners.”  The folks whose New Year’s resolution is to get in shape.  I've had to adjust my work outs because of the added members, but I haven’t been resentful of their presence.  I've been in a position to speak with and encourage a few of them.  Most will quit before the end of February, but a few will stay.   Maybe my encouragement will help.

Looking at the more rounded bellies of some of the newbies reminded me of my start nearly two years ago.  They also reminded me of how far I've come.

Reps and steps!