My motive is to build strength, and one way to help with this goal is the kettlebell swing.
I attended a workshop at the local YMCA yesterday and the instructor went through the process of how to do them properly. A lot of people do these exercises incorrectly at first, so it's important to find a class if you're interested in learning the technique.
I keep saying I don't want to do another challenge... I keep thinking I've done enough of them... Then another fitness challenge comes along and I sign up for it! I guess I have trouble turning away from fitness challenges, but I'm ready for this one!
For the fourth year in a row, I'm participating in the Bridgeport Regional Business Council steps challenge. This year, the competition is called the "Walk to Wellness Challenge". I once again signed on with most of the same team mates from last year at work. There are a lot of good competitors on my team.
I decided to try the hydrostatic scale that's offered at Southern Connecticut State University, in their Human Performance Lab. The hydrostatic scale is used to check your weight and how much of the weight is fat versus muscle. In addition, since I was there, I had them do a caliper test for my body fat.
The students that run the lab were very professional and I highly recommend those that want to have their body composition measured to check out SCSU's lab. The two grad students both provided thorough instructions, especially when it came to the hydrostatic scale. This scale requires you to blow out all the air from your lungs, until there's no air left, underneath the water. I didn't care for the test but the technicians were very helpful along the way.
I've been focusing for months on the loose skin around my abs. It has really motivated me to work extra hard, which is why I'm developing muscle now. If it weren't for the loose skin, I don't think I would have been working as hard as I was, so I guess it's not so bad to have the loose skin. But still, that being said, I still want a flat stomach!
I'm just glad to know that no one can tell I have loose skin. As long as I'm not at the beach, I look like I have a flat stomach with my shirt on. In fact, people often tell me, "what am I, crazy there's no loose skin"! Underneath the clothing, the flabbiness hides very well!
I wrote about a friend a few weeks ago who wants to get his weight down to a certain number, despite already losing over 100 pounds. Recently, he told me he wants to cut his calories in half. To me, this is dangerous, not just because of the potential for developing an eating disorder, but because cutting calories will not result in sustainable weight loss.
Too many people think that by not having enough calories, they will lose weight. Well, all that will happen is that the metabolism will slow down to a crawl. Do you want to feel tired and have no energy? That's what happens with calorie restriction.