MemeMachineGo!

Even before my recent trip my workout schedule was screwed up. Ironically, studying for my personal trainer exam was one of the things that did it. So I'd been feeling really out of shape. Which is to say that a single intense aerobics class could make me feel tired, when I'm used to needing two back-to-back intense aerobics classes for that.

So this week, I dove back in. Resumed doing the Five Tibetans daily, and did a step aerobics class Saturday, upper body strength training Sunday and today, funk aerobics Monday and Wednesday, lower body strength training Thursday. And boy are my abs tired. Seriously, I sneezed a couple of times today, and it sounded like this: "Achoo! owwww...." as my abdominals protested. (One uses the core stabilizing muscles during everything.) I'll do aerobic interval training on an elliptical cross-trainer tomorrow morning, lower body again on Saturday, and on Sunday I'll rest.

I'm roughly following the exercise regimen of Body for Life, but freely substituting aerobics classes for aerobic interval training, and totally ignoring his nutritional advice, which acts as anti-vegan propaganda. (All foods are classed as one of: protein; carbohydrates; vegetables. You are to have six small meals a day, each of which includes protein. Everything defined as protein is an animal product. Beans are relegated to carbohydrate status. And forget correctily distinguishing fruits from vegetables, he defines mushrooms as vegetables.) I eat three meals a day, and I'm fairly strictly avoiding sugar, flour and refined carbs.

Already I can see and feel the results. When I'm eating well and getting a lot of exercise everything is better. I'm happier, I have more energy, I feel stronger, I sleep better, food tastes better, I'm more creative, more productive. The time investment is ultimately paid back with dividends.

I will finally lose the last of my spare tire. I've got multiple fitness certifications and I'm a hypnotist — god knows I know more than enough about exercise, nutrition and motivation as to have less than no excuse. I'll keep you informed.