From a Flabby Forty-Nine to a Fit Fifty

The Goal
I’m in the midst of reviewing the last year and determining what I want to accomplish this coming year. I tend to use my birthday the way a lot of people use the New Year, as a time to reflect and set “resolutions.” At this point, I know there is one overarching goal that I have as I turn the corner towards fifty. I intend to get in the best physical shape of my life.

Definition
I don’t know that I’ll ever again be able to tote a wildland pack weighing 45 pounds for 3 miles in 45 minutes, be capable of lifting patients, or carry someone down a ladder like I used to. I don’t expect to go back into emergency services work. My definition of being in the “best shape of my life” has changed considerably.

I’m not looking just for strength and endurance anymore, though those are still high on my list. I also want balance, coordination, flexibility, and versatility. I want to be able to hike the Grand Canyon again, kayak without undue strain, get back up to speed on my martial arts, and be able to flamenco dance the night away. I want to be very healthy and extremely fit.

The Obstacles
This is a tall order, as I won’t have simply lethargy, poor time management, and internal resistance to overcome, I will also have to work around the nerve damage in my legs, which though it’s largely healed, does still flare up occasionally. I will have to curb my enthusiasm and be very careful to start slow and increase gradually.

My goal will demand a lot from me in time and effort, patience and persistence, but it’s a worthy goal and a challenging one that will help in every other aspect of my life, where I will soon set other worthy and challenging goals.

Today’s Steps Towards My Goal
Ready, Set, Go – My blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitals check out. In fact my blood pressure has improved from a year ago; I suspect because of the weight loss. I’ve already got the basic physical clearance to start an exercise program, though I’m still waiting for some blood work results. I expect those to be fine, as well, though I do want to have that cholesterol count to use to track my progress.

Initial Assessment, Part One – I weighed in this morning and took my measurements, plus set up a new chart to track my results. I also started a project file and set out the references I’ll need to design this program. I had a pile of old notes, workout logs, and such that I’ve stuck in a file box for now, and will go through these over the next week or so to I glean what is usable from past exercise programs. This first week, I am just focusing on getting a stretching routine and a good, solid dance warm-up together and establishing exercise as a daily part of my schedule. Anything beyond that will be gravy.

Workout Area Setup – I also set up a workout space today right next to my bed, so that first thing in the morning I can do my stretches and “bone-builder” exercises, and I did them for about twenty minutes. It’s a decent start.

The Focus Has Changed From Weight Loss to Fitness
I’m not concerned so much about weight loss as I have been in the past year. Gradual is good. With thirty five pounds gone, the remaining twenty or so I expect to lose over the next year or so should come off fairly naturally with more physical activity and increased lean muscle mass.

I learned my lesson in the past four weeks, too, as I watched my internal resistance kick in when I set a defined goal of losing six pounds in one month. It didn’t work; I lost one pound which is the least I’ve lost in any previous month in the last year. So, I’m back to my “non-method” of just trying to eat smarter and healthier and let my body find it’s own equilibrium.

Want to Join Me on an Adventure?
So that’s what I’ve set out for myself for the coming year – to go from a flabby forty-nine year old and to a fit fifty.

All of the above detail is there for two reasons. One, for my own declaration of intent and the threat of public embarrassment if I fail. And, two, to invite you to join me. It would be fun to compare notes and encourage one another in reaching our respective fitness goals. So, comment and/or check back, as I will be putting up some links to logs and worksheets and other things that may be of help and interest.