OnePhatMan

There are three key elements to a good physical transformation:

1. What you’re thinking
2. What you’re eating
3. What you’re doing

All three are important, and though I tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the first one—after all, what’s in your head dictates what your body’s doing—the other two are worth thinking about. Today, let’s talk about your fitness, about what you can do to build a better body.

Your body longs to be worked. Depending on your current fitness level, right now you might be rolling your eyes. Good God, Fred, you’re thinking, you don’t know my body. Work is the last thing it wants.

Sorry, friend. Excuses don’t work here. Work may be the last thing your head wants, but (barring physical limitations) it’s the top thing your body wants. Without a strong and fit body, how else are you going to be able to do all those things you want to?

Remember, you have to start somewhere. I started by treading water in a pool because that’s all I could do. Within a couple of years I reached a point where I could do almost anything I wanted. Now, the sky’s the limit.

When you’re ready to start working out, one question is tantamount: What am I willing to do? The answer to that question is different for each person. Just bear in mind that your results are directly related to your effort. If you’re only willing to do the easiest thing you can, don’t expect to turn into a model of physical perfection.

(Yes, I did want to add “like me” to that)

So what can you do?

The fastest, easiest, and cheapest thing to do is get outside. You can walk, you can jog, you can ride your bike. The point is to move, and break a good sweat. When you’re able, start looking for hills or stairs. If you put out the effort, your body will repay you by getting stronger and faster.

Lots of people like to use exercise tapes. They’re cheap and easy, like some of my ex-girlfriends, and you can get them anywhere. I’ve used walking videos by Leslie Sansone, and I enjoyed them back when I did. Don’t let Leslie fool you, though. You outgrow them. If you’ve been working out for years with her videos and are physically able, you might consider getting something a little more challenging.

Like Tae Bo. That still kicks my butt when I do the advanced tape. Billy Blanks knows how to push people. He’s got a new series out called “BootCamp” that I’ve seen the infomercials for. They look good, but I haven’t tried them yet. If anyone out there has, please leave a comment and let the rest of us know.

Videos from “The Firm” are also butt-kickers, as I can personally attest. I tend to do them during the weeks between weightlifting stretches, and they make me sore as all get out. And if you’re a man, and you think these videos are for women, try one. They can make you cry.

I can’t attest to this personally, but I’ve heard tons of good things about yoga and Winsor pilates. I tried yoga once, but was so embarrassed (despite being the only person present) I haven’t tried it since. If you’ve seen Madonna lately, she credits her ripped up shoulders and arms to yoga.

Still others—for reasons unknown to me—like to use cardio equipment, like ellipticals, tradmills, or rowing machines. We’ve got an elliptical trainer, which I’m currently using daily, and as far a trainers go it’s a nice one. It’s good, but it makes me insane. I hate the monotony so much not even a good audiobook can take my mind off it. Plus, right now it’s irritating something deep inside my left knee, so I’m probably going to start alternating the elliptical with Tae Bo (hey, maybe I can use this new pain as a reason to get those BootCamp tapes) or Firm videos.

Of course, no good workout program is complete with just cardio. Getting in shape without resistance is like farting without a stank. It’s possible, but not nearly as effective.

I’m talking weights, baby. Iron. Sadly, this is the one time I have to recommend that you do as I say, and not as I do, at least while my shoulder heals.

Just as with cardio, there are both cheap and pricy options. The cheapest—free—is exercises using your own bodyweight as resistance. Pushups, squats, chinup, lunges, crunches, and so on. They work, and you can’t beat the price.

Next up is free weights: barbells and dumbbells. Plates are inexpensive, as are most bars. A bench can be bought for $40-$50, or less if you find one at a garage sale.

And believe me, you can find plenty of exercise equipment at a garage sale.

Finally, there’s the cream of the crop, home gyms or gym memberships. They can get expensive, but the safety and wide range of options they offer (and possibly even a personal trainer, if you join a gym) can make them worth it. I love my BodySolid gym, and when I’m lifting, I try to work it into every routine.

All these things I’ve listed are great, but it boils down to one thing: are you willing to do what it takes to make the change? Only you know the answer to that.

Site changes today:

I’ve started a recommended reading list in the right sidebar. In it are books I’ve found helpful and enjoyable. The initial grouping (there will be more as the spirit moves me) are non-fiction books for making a better life. With the exception of The Purpose-Filled life, which is there because I’ve heard so many good things about it, I’ve read them and think they’re worth recommending.

On the left, those of you who like your sites via a feed, there’s a new FeedBurner link. As of this writing, 4 of you already found it.

Also on the left, I’ve started a page of links to other personal sites of people on similar paths.

I’m still taking (since not a single person has written one to me) questions / suggestions on topics. Drop me a line if there’s something you’re interested in hearing about.

What’s your favorite workout routine? What do you do to get yourself / keep yourself physically fit?

How’s it paying you back?

health, exercise, fitness, workouts, weight+lifting, cardio