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IT’S half-time in our Bendigo Community Health Services 12-week men’s health challenge and a good time for reflection on what’s been achieved.
The hard work has bid farewell to 10.6 kilograms.
My ample-sized girth is 15 cm smaller.
That pair of jeans that’s hung in the wardrobe for three years because ‘I’ll get into them one day’ are about to see the light of day.
I’m amazed by how much better I feel.
People have asked me to describe the difference and it’s difficult to articulate in words.
Perhaps the best way to explain is that six weeks ago my life revolved around sloth-mentality.
By that I mean slow moving and lazy, perhaps stifled by ‘the effort required’ instead of the ‘outcome’.
Today, you’re three quarters of the way down those back stairs on the way to the coffee shop before you even realise you’re going.
Things that were once chores are now just moments in your day.
Self esteem rises, passion for tasks increases and, I have to say, suddenly sitting in a chair all day is the impost not the effort required to get out of it.
Running… I made it back up the hill from the letterbox to the house the other night – the greatest distance I’ve covered in single trot for many a long year.
Now there’s even ‘a little part of me’ daring to think about the Bendigo Health Fun Run in November but I suspect ‘the rest of me’ is going to need a bit more convincing on that one.
And to think the cost of all this change is simply following a proper eating plan and two 30-minute private training sessions a week.
Perhaps the best way to explain is that six weeks ago my life revolved around sloth-mentality.
Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes in the midst of those 30 minute sessions there are moments of ‘what the hell’ but in week one those were ‘full on’ and now they are ‘flickering’.
Boxing gloves have become good friends through the past six weeks and there’s nothing better than working out the stresses of the week by giving that bag a good, old-fashioned flogging.
But there have been new ‘friends’ to meet at Amy’s Shape Health and Fitness.
Two long, thick and quite heavy ropes that love nothing more than have you make waves with them… over and over and over again. Should only be used to tie up boats!
The lovely strap hanging from the ceiling that encourages you to do push ups, lunges and various other tests in the air, instead of on the cushioned floor. Belongs in a circus!
The weights that seem to keep getting heavier. Is it me or do they enjoy the pain of retribution for people calling them a dumbbell?
Still, as they say, there’s no pain without gain… right?