Painfully Simple

I was talking with someone the other day and mentioned I had just finished working out and that I was tired. She then proceeded to express her concern about how hard I workout. She said that "There are much simpler ways of losing weight." and "That I was going to hurt myself." Oh and let's not forget, "You don't want to get big and bulky like one of those freaky gym guys." (no offense to any freaky gym guys!)

I told her that my workout wasn't just about losing weight. I mean, I could do that and sit on the sofa all day watching TV. I know, I did it!

And I only wish I had the ability to get "big and bulky".

Working out was more about being healthy and being grounded. It was about knowing my body, not only it's weaknesses but also it's strengths. (Something I think the average person doesn't really know.) It is about becoming stronger and healthier. And it is about discipline. Working a little each day toward a goal whether I make good progress or not. It is not about the training volume. It is about the daily practice of bettering myself and my health.

When I realized the conversation was beginning to take a heavy philosophical turn I lightened it up by saying, "Besides, take a look (showing her my log). My workouts are painfully simple." She responded with, "It's the "painfully" part that I don't like!"

After reflecting back on that conversation, I wondered if it was really so natural to shun pain. Surely our paleolithic ancestors didn't avoid running down a wildebeest because their legs might be sore the next day. They accepted the pain was a part of life.

Now I am not talking 'broken bone' pain. I am referring to that 'I just had a killer workout' pain. That pain that lets you know exactly what muscles you have and exactly where they are.

Don't use "pain" as an excuse to avoid exercise. It is a natural biological response to work. And I am talking work of the muscular type.

I don't mind one bit when someone says to me, "I don't exercise because I don't want to." That person is being honest. Is it healthy? Perhaps not but they aren't making excuses to cover up the truth; that they have no desire to do it.

It is those excuses that irritate me.

"I'm too old for that." - Guess what? You're not getting any younger.

"I don't like to sweat." - Neither do I. That is what indoor plumbing it for. Suck it up and shower afterwards.

"I have bad knees." - So do I. Figure out why and do something to fix it.

"I don't have time." - Yes you do. Trust me!

"It is hard to workout with the kids." - Now I will admit with little ones things can get more challenging, especially at that in between, toddler age. But that is what nap times are for. The bigger kids can exercise right along with you. Just think of the excellent roll model you are being. Perhaps they won't be 30 trying to pass off any of these excuses.

"I just don't have any energy for that." - Gee I wonder why? Put down the Doritos and pick up some almonds.

"I can't afford it." - Huh? Is our society really so commercially driven that we think it costs money to make you heart beat faster and your muscles to contract??

Did I miss any?

Feel free to add on if i did!

I was warned...

Someone told me that there were people on the Oxygen forum that were less than friendly. I figured I would mostly lurk so I went there anyways. I was warned.

I just had my hand slapped because I don't count carbs correctly and I confuse people. This isn't the only problem I have had over there. I have asked a couple of questions, explaining that I have done a search or read the sticky but still can't find the answer to my question. Only to be told to use the search feature or read the stickies.

It seems that anyone that does things even remotely extreme, like very low carb or lots of cardio are dismissed as doing it wrong. "That's extreme, it's not necessary." I have never once told someone how to do something. I have never once said, "My way is the right way." I simply answer the question that was posted. How many carbs do you eat? How do you eat that low? I did not ask to have my WOE critiqued.

It is definitely time to move on from Oxygen. Their forum was never a good match. I don't know why I stayed around so long. There are way too many people over there who insist that there is only one way to do something and are very quick to criticize, scold and get sarcastic with those that don't fit their mold.

Men's Toy Store

We went to PlayItAgainSports yesterday to pick out a Mother's Day present. We got a heavy bag, which we all will use, and I got a new kettlebell. The boys, Kyllian mostly, were climbing all over things and as I was checking out I mentioned that going there was worse than going to the Toy Store. Then the guy who had been helping us piped up with the following gem,

"This is a MAN'S toy store!"

My husband shielded his head, the children ran in fear, the cashier stood there dumbfounded...

I responded with, "WHAT?!!?!". Then, while struggling to get both of his feet out of his mouth, he tried to recover by saying, "Well, not ONLY a man's toy store...."

While he was still choking on his shoelaces I tossed the kettlebell (no, not at his head, although the thought did cross my mind) over my shoulder and asked him to be a gentleman and get the door.

Why so much hostility?

Is it like this when any new program comes out? Seriously! Why do people feel the need to criticize things they don't understand and don't agree with. For that matter how can they criticize something they say they don't agree with when they haven't even read it. And the latest criticism...

I think most of the "experienced" people on these forums could build a pretty similar program using a low calorie, low carb, nutrient timing nutrition plan. And a workout plan that consisted of 3 weight resistance workouts comprised of 1 compound exercise with low reps and heavier loads and metabolic resistance circuits or EDT training. By doing this, would you see the same results as if you did the exact Warpspeed program? Probably not. Would you have a plan that would get you results and not cost $80? Probably so.

News flash! Not everyone is experienced! I'm not experienced. Could I put together a program like this? Probably, after months of research and hours of planning. I am resourceful, afterall. OR, I could give someone with FAR more experience and understanding $80 and they can give me a program that works, is laid out to the letter, leaves no room for error and saves me the time and energy of the leg work. Personally I don't see the problem. I prefer to use my time and energy actually DOING a program than creating a program.

If you can write a better or comparable program then go do it but quit criticizing someone that attaches a price tag to it. Oh, and while I'm at it, quit referring to those of us who "fell for the marketing" as "victims".

Now for those random few who are reading this and wondering why I don't just say this directly to those who are doing the bitching...Well, you see, I am inexperienced and don't have any fancy letter after my name so I don't have anything of value to add to the discussion. SO I will do my complaining here...I feel better. Now I am off to nurse my low carb headache! LOL