I'm finding that I really enjoy swimming (or at least, learning to swim.). I seem to have a knack for it. Makes me wish that I'd started sooner. My shoulder, upper back, chest and leg muscles ache afterwards in a different way from working out with weights. I know a lot of the strain comes from incorrect technique, which results in unnecessary exertion. I'm also surprised at the amount of energy that I use. But, it's all good. Just part of the learning process.
Shortly after my last post, I got back onto the scale. I found that I'd picked up eight pounds. It's amazing how quickly the weight can creep back up. I refocused on my eating and lost three of those pounds by the next weigh in.
It's funny listening to people "weigh-in" on my plate. I get all kinds of comments, like:
"Are sure that's enough?"
"That's a lot of carbs."
"I could never get full just eating that."
"Do you really like that?"
I'd drive myself nuts if I tried to follow all of the advice that I'm given. The one common thread is that most folks seem to be impressed with my level of physical activity. Sometimes, I even surprise myself. Take last week, for example. It consisted of two Kickboxing Cardio classes, three Zumba classes, three sessions of resistance training, swim class, a night of Latin dancing, a fashion show (and reception) and dinner and a movie with friends. Now that the weather is finally breaking, yard work, home maintenance and metropark activities will start getting added into the mix. Also, the free concerts will be starting up soon, giving us more opportunities to dance.
The biggest kick that I've had with the warm weather, so far, has been pulling the shorts out of storage. I work legs equally as I work upper body. The result, this season I can see the muscularity in them. It's a good feeling.
Additional motivating factors included speaking with a colleague who had dropped over fifty pounds. It was great hearing his story and seeing how proud he was of his success.
Well, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, making adjustments here and there. Summer is almost officially here and I'm looking forward to all of the activities that it brings, like grilling. I'll leave you with a picture of my first grilled dinner of the season.
Reps and steps!
