That's Fit

This week I'll talk about my exercise regimen, which has somehow become based on the letter T. Guess that's fitting, as I graduated from the University of Tennessee, home of that gaudy, big orange T (even trademarked). I've included a pic of one aspect of my workout routine-- my computer. Two of my T's include Tai Chi (as seen in the pic), and Tae Bo. I digitized an old Goldhil Qigong Tai Chi video, which is really a nice warm up. The kids were certainly entertained, at least. Although, when we really get into it, the Tae Bo video is great. It's the cardio version, and does a good job of strengthening my core (logically). The kids really like that one, as Billy Blanks does a great job of encouraging you throughout.

When there isn't time for those, or I just wanna get my heart going (with a little "me" time), I use the third T: treadmill. I am proud to say that, last year, we bought a very decent Pro-Form treadmill, and got the extended warranty to cover the thing. I'm even more pleased to note it hasn't gathered dust! Because my wife has been using it. And now that I'm on it, it's getting even more use.

I guess if you're going to fall off the wagon, it's good to do it at the beginning of your journey, not at the end. Between my birthday and getting ready for my son's birthday, I lapsed. No walking (cleaning gutters doesn't count as aerobic exercise), no proper dieting (late-night snacks get me every time). And now I face a weekend of candy and cake! But as many of you pointed out, it's the choices made during the journey that eventually determine success. As always, you pick yourself back up and start again.

Presumably this is why some folks recommend you don't weigh yourself every day. The theory goes, if you don't see progress every day, you will be discouraged and give up. Personally, I'm not going for a specific weight goal -- I have one in mind, but that's not the determining factor in my success. Of course, as a lot of your comments indicated, what works for me might not work for you. That's the trouble with most "one-size-fits-all" diets (and their outrageous claims).

So what are the benefits (for everyone) of falling off the wagon? Read on for more...

I greatly appreciate all the advice and tips since I went public with my fuzzy little beer gut (patent pending). After consulting those tips, checking all over the internet, with professionals and peeping AOL's ab workout suggestions, I have come to one major conclusion -- all it takes is willpower. You personal trainers out there will shrug your shoulders at this one, but for everyday, ordinary people, this is huge. Let's face it, the difference between the Biggest Loser participants eliminated in the first round and the ones who really lose the weight? Willpower (and some luck, of course).

My fight with willpower is probably the same as everyone else. I have to fight to make time to exercise, and resist the urge to eat all those yummy foods. But what this boils down to is determination. I can make excuses all day long, about chores, kids and a crazy schedule, but one way or another I have to force my will upon the world. From here on out, I will make and eat better food (takes more time, and planning). I'll also carve out time for a proper workout, obviously focusing on my core area. Easy to say, hard to do. Keep reading for my complete plan ...

That's Fit blogger Victor Agreda, Jr. blogs each week through the end of 2006 about his progress to whittle his waist.

Fact is, I don't drink beer that often. Maybe my gut evolved over time from more insidious means: lack of an exercise regimen and bad dietary habits. Whatever the reason, I have one, and I'm ready to shrink the darn thing. So each week I'm going to blog about my progress and what I'm doing to reduce my, uh, protrusion.

If you're wary of fad diets, as I am, it's sometimes a struggle to find something that works well, but is easy to do. Granted, many would say eating plenty of veggies, lowering fats and eating less in general would take care of things, but sometimes you want a system. The simplest "system" I've found so far? The No S Diet.

What is it? Simplicity itself: no Snacks, no Sweets and no Seconds. Sounds pretty harsh, huh? Well the savior is: except (sometimes) on days that begin with an 'S.' That includes the weekend, and Special days like holidays. As someone who fought the 'blocks' in the Zone for way too long, I can appreciate the utterly simplistic approach.

And if dieting doesn't get you in the shape you like, there's always the Shovel Glove (another creation by the author).

I have been toying with the idea of trying polyphasic sleep. The promise is less sleep overall, with few ill-effects from the added time. By taking brief naps at regular intervals, one can supposedly cut out 2-5 hours of sleep time. More time for work! I know, it sounds too good to be true. But is it? The military finds soldiers having to stay awake for hours on end, and they have researched this quite a bit. I've not seen their conclusions (I would think they're top secret or something), but I have followed the efforts of a couple of polyphasic sleep bloggers.

I was first introduced to polyphasic sleep by Steve Pavlina's blog. Steve has done a great job of chronicling his own efforts, and has a wealth of info on his site (see the links at the bottom of his post). Unfortunately, like most of the polyphasic sleepers I've read of, Steve went back to the monophasic, sleep-at-night schedule we all hold dear. Another blogger, xeeban, may have the reason: it's tough to be a polyphasic sleeper in a monophasic world. Think about daily routines, and how disruptive it is to have to nap every couple of hours.