So, uh, I finally decided to start working out again. There's no need justify why, as there are plenty of good, obvious reasons to do so. However, until now, I just never had the motivation to start back up. Hard to explain why. Just felt too beat down to do it.
So, why now? One of my bosses, whom I also consider as a friend and mentor, recently went to the hospital for a blood clot in his leg. Apparently, it was very severe. Considering that I'm at a point in my life where I am well-recovered, mentally and emotionally, I guess signing his get well card was all it took to push me over the edge.
Besides, I've been frustrated for quite some time about how sluggish my body is. I'm used to a different level of performance.
Although I am currently out of shape and overweight, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will get back into shape again. It's hard to describe why. It's not so much that I believe I can (though I do). It's more like... finally coming home, after having been gone and gotten lost for so long. Does that sound crazy? You have to understand. Once upon a time, martial arts and working out was all I knew and lived for.
Just for chuckles, in case anyone is morbidly curious about how I used to look like, well, here you go. I was never into body-building. I just wanted to be effective for martial arts.
However, I think I'm going to do things a little differently this time. For example, back then, I was younger and less knowledgeable about how to work out. The result was a lot of work for not a lot of result. Most important of all, I'm going to enjoy working out this time! That was the problem I had back then. Before, I worked out because I had something to prove. Now, I don't have anything to prove. I just want to do it for the sheer joy in life. 
(And be able to jump around like a lunatic again. Good grief, I miss that!)
Sweatin' to the Oldies
August 6th, 2008 at 07:09 pm
August 6th, 2008 at 07:19 pm
Good for you deciding to get back into it - especially mainly wanting to do it for the enjoyment of doing it.
Most days I don't actually want to get up and go to the gym - but once I do I find that I am actually enjoying myself. Even the days where I do my running intervals on the treadmill - I find joy in seeing how much I can push myself.
If you haven't already checked this site out, I would highly recommend it - sparkpeople.com It's free and full of great tools for healthy living.
August 6th, 2008 at 07:23 pm
August 6th, 2008 at 08:31 pm
August 6th, 2008 at 08:38 pm
Your "Sweatin' To The Oldies" title reminded me of something my boss was talking about today... I can't think of the movie, but she was swearing it wasn't an "oldie". I think it was "Risky Business", with Tom Cruise?
August 7th, 2008 at 04:37 am
August 7th, 2008 at 09:16 am
I've been working on eating better, getting more activity in, ect. And I have to say its made a HUGE difference in my life! I feel better, sleep better, have more energy and am generally SO much happier! I know, I sound like an infomerical (also, a Sweating To the Oldies reference, haha), but it really has made a huge difference! Good luck!
August 7th, 2008 at 10:06 am
August 7th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I wish I could get motivated to work out, when you have extra energy wanna send it my way?
August 7th, 2008 at 10:37 am
PP, if I had to run around after four kids, chances are good I'd be in shape already.
August 8th, 2008 at 05:01 am
Best of luck and as far as the picture? WOW