Best Fit Forward

[cathschaffstump]

Today a student noticed that I was losing weight.

I haven't lost that much weight since I began the Wii Fit workouts/anti-sugar regimen. I have lost 6.5 pounds since April 4. That's not peanuts, but in my experience it's also not really noticeable.

What is, I think, more to the point, is that my student is seeing the benefits to my body as I have been working out every day.

When I've made workout efforts in the past, I've followed the outdated 80s model--focusing on burning calories, rather than a more holistic approach. I always figured I could tone after I burned off fat. Yeah, that worked.

The Wii program is very holistic. I cycle through 4 different kinds of exercise emphases. I work out 30 minutes or a little over each day.

Day 1, I work on my balance and a little aerobics.
Day 2, it's about yoga to increase flexibility and improve balance. I get a few minutes of aerobics in that day as well.
Day 3, it's all heart thumping, calorie burning aerobics.
Day 4 is strength training, with some lower intensity aerobics at the end.

This work out strategy is holistic, and focuses on a variety of things that keep your body in good shape. I've never done much strength training before. With my past dance classes and my current tai chi, I do a great deal for flexibility. Things like peripheral vision and balance I would never have emphasized on my own.

The results are muscles. I am firming up in some...surprising places. Posture is getting better too. As I type this, I am no longer hunched over the laptop. I'm gonna have to turn in my membership to the Igor club.

Exercise isn't all you need for weight loss. I'm interested in eating better and getting more out of the body I have, trying to be healthy, rather than thin. What I'm finding fascinating on this outing is that I can be toned without being lean.

I am also experiencing more body confidence and a better sense of well-being. While I don't always have more energy, I do overall. I think exercise is worthwhile based on its own merits, regardless of its impact on weight loss.

It would make it easier for me to do some of those activities if I shed more weight. The plow is pretty hard when you have a tummy.

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.