The Con

I hate when people use the elevator to go up one level.

It's even worse when they use it to go DOWN one level.

I work in an office building with many spoiled (and largely obese) state workers who evidently have something against using the stairs.  This obsession means that a short jaunt on the elevator can easily take up to five minutes to complete.

In the name of fairness, let me just say a whole lot, given the fact that I use the elevator, too.  I always ride from Floor 2B (way in the basement) to Floor 6 (with is a total of 8 floors and 16 flights of stairs up) when I arrive each morning.

HOWEVER -- if I'm going down, I always take the stairs.  (I might get a little dizzy from all the down-and-around, but it isn't too strenuous).  Going up, it depends on how far I have to go.  If we're talking up to three or four levels, I'll take the stairs.  Any more than that and I generally go 50/50 (example: take the elevator from 2B up to Floor 2 or 3, then take the stairs up to 6).  Each week, I try to climb more stairs than I did the week before.

Sure, I have lazy days and weeks, but at least I'm making an effort.  Constant disregard for health and wellbeing makes me a little cranky, especially when the person complains as they continue to indulge in their negative habit (example: taking the elevator up one level with your arms full of vending machine junk from the cafeteria while complaining that your back hurts).

Actually, I might just be grumpy because I gained weight this week -- a full 1.1 lbs.  Speaking of accountability for one's own wellbeing, who here has been binging on gluten-packed foods, then wondering why (a) she doesn't feel well, and (b) she gained weight.  Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Well, I'm tired of feeling crappy all the time -- especially because I have complete control over my health on this one.  It's really, seriously time to go strictly gluten-free.  Good-bye, wheat, barley, and rye products... I'll miss you forever.

Fit Point: Beat the Heat

Heat advisories are popping up all over the state, because apparently it's going to be a million degrees in the shade today.  I treated myself to an iced frappuccino (340 succulent calories) because I deserve it, and because hot caffeinated beverages are unacceptable when it's this freaking hot outside.

Which is a great transition to today's Fit Point!

Beat the Heat
Do you let the heat get to you? Does it push you to sweat for the beach body of your dreams? How do you keep cool in the middle of a sweltering summer workout?

The heat does get to me.  A lot.  It always has, even when I wasn't chunky like I am now.  The thing is, I don't notice the heat so much when I'm working out -- it actually bothers me more when I'm sitting around (I get heat sick very easily).  But when I'm working out, I don't notice it as much.  I keep myself well-hydrated during (and after) exercise, and I work up an amazing sweat that helps to keep me cool.

I find exercise to be addicting, and once I can get myself motivated to do it (I'll be honest, it takes some effort to work up the gumption!) I'm all about beating my personal bests and pushing myself to do more.  Counting calories is only one component to successful weight loss, and exercising in and of itself motivates me to "keep going!" because I know I'm burning fat and kicking ass.

My biggest motivation is feeling better and being healthy.  Especially given my recent health issues, my body feels weak and disoriented.  Eating gluten-free is helping more than I thought it would, but exercise brings everything full-circle as I begin to heal and strengthen my body.  My second biggest motivation is re-claiming my body and re-gaining my sexiness.  I want an envy-worthy body, and the best part is, I know I'll get there eventually so long as I don't give up!

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The First Step

Since I'm getting into the habit of admitting everything, let me also confess that I am an avid gamer. The Xbox 360 is my console of choice; however, I did give in and pick up a Wii so that I could get in workouts with EA Active. Last night was my first workout in -- a really long time -- and it felt amazing!

I love working up a good sweat, and I was dripping by the time I was done. My intention had been to start with a few Low Intensity workouts to start re-building my (long gone) stamina, but on a whim, I decided to really push myself and went with a Medium Intensity routine instead.

I burned 136.4 calories in 20 minutes (not counting the half-hour or so that I spent rolling around the floor in agony, gasping "Oh, God!" and whining that I couldn't do it). Okay, so the point is, I did it!

My asthma was especially bad last night, which I can blame partly on the humidity and partly on my exercise absenteeism these past few months. I do have an emergency inhaler, but it makes me quite shaky and light-headed, which is not a good workout condition. (Note to self: Discuss other asthma management options with doctor). Once those details are ironed out, and once I build up some stamina again, exercise should become more enjoyable.

So yesterday was successful! I hit my calorie target, drank nine 8-ounce glasses of water, stretched, worked out, and slept like a rock. My muscles are sore and protesting today, but the ache reminds me of the positive changes I am making in my life.

Rinse, repeat.