Adding Weight to Lose Weight

I put in a great 4 mile walk Saturday night before I left the beach.  I was not very motivated to walk - it had been a long week -and I had packing and Sunday appointments on my mind.  Sometimes it is mind over matter - I have to force myself to get my sneakers on and walk out the door.

I tend to post a lot of motivational "stuff" on Facebook.  People comment on what a "Positive" person I am - and how much they enjoy my posts.  Inspirational they say!  The truth of the matter is I need to see this rhetoric each day to stay focused and push forward.  I have learned it is often the process of thinking positive thoughts that leads to positive results.

I am also learning that motivation is a funny animal.  What motivates for one person may be hogwash for another.  The key is to find what motivates you and focus on it.  Another important factor is understanding that what motivates will CHANGE over time.  When I was younger my motivating factors were EGO driven.  Now that I am older - it is more self actualization.  Can I do it?  YES I CAN.  I used to remember listening to a quote just like this watching TV with my kids.  I think it was DORA - but it has recently become my Mantra.

I worked pretty hard on Sunday -out with clients in the pouring rain.  I finished up around six o'clock - and the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym.  I laced up my shoes and got out the door.  The workout was amazing.  After 5 days away - the stretching was especially satisfying.  My muscles felt ready to work.  This is a HUGE change from when I started a few weeks ago.

I added 3 machines to my routine yesterday.  The core work that my trainer gave me is still great - but I wanted to do something to add additional stress and strength to my abs.  I added 2 different ab machines - and did 3 sets of each with enough weight to exhaust the muscles.  It felt good.  The third machine was a chest press.  Although I can feel my core strength growing - I was not happy with the lack of definition in my chest.  The machine was great.  I found the right weight to add three sets and pushed to exhaustion.

I was really feeling it last night - and again this morning.  Not bad pain - but good pain.  I think I have found a productive addition to my routine with these new machines.  To top it off - I walked 3 miles this morning to try to stay loose.  No booze this week - and diligent walking and exercise.  Lets see if I can take off 3 pounds this week.  That will be my goal.