Author: erich j.

Erich is a self taught photographer. Based out of Oahu.

The gym saga continues

     Recently I joined the gym to get back into a healthier state of mind and body. I set goals, which for the most part I am reaching. Not only physical goals like loosing weight and gaining muscles mass, but psychological goals. Such as pushing past the barriers I have put up in my own mind. I’ve learned that a lot of what it takes to get into shape is telling yourself you can do it.

My speed and stamina on the treadmill has increased, distance, time, speed and incline. Where I used to tap out at a speed of 3.5 I can now maintain a speed of 4.0 for longer durations. I can actually jog for five minute intervals without loosing breathe or feeling side pains. My legs burn a little after, but the feeling or exhaustion has faded.

I find myself able to lift more weights than I ever could and I find myself able to use equipment that before proved to be a challenge.

Long term goals are still a ways off. I want to fit back into my jeans, so I have more stomach fat to loose. But I have noticed my shirts are starting to feel loose. I can tie my shoes again without loosing my breathe.

I want to eventually be able to run a marathon, or half marathon. I want to be able to see beyond my belly when I look down.

Before working out I was weighing in at 210. Now I’m down to 195, sometimes 190. My goal is to drop to 150 before I start to gain muscle mass. Get rid or the side and back roles.

Persistence is the key. The drive I need is in me. Healthier eating will help, but it’s just a small part of the diet.

down 3…

It has been my goal for a while now to get back down to a medium shirt size again. I know that is a long way off. Especially since I have broad shoulders now, but still, one can dream.

This morning I stepped onto the scale and I was down to 196. Which means down 3 pounds. I know it isn’t a lot, but that means I am making some strides. So far my exercises had consisted of biking, squats, and what I call office push ups. Using the counter in place of the ground. I know you don’t get the full work out that way, but when you work in an office 9-5, you take what you can get.

 

I have started to feel the burn in my legs. Those burns that make it hard to walk correctly, but you know the pain is worth it. I knew going into this would not be easy, but in the long run it is worth it.