Eat What You Want?

A common question that I get from various folks is "do you eat what you want?". I always have to think about how I answer the question, because it is not a simple answer. I actually do eat what I want to eat, but what I want to eat may be very different than what the person asking the question wants to eat. I like a variety of foods, but I don't like fried food. I rarely eat fattening foods, and when I do, my digestive system has a fit trying to process it! I would rather make something at home to eat since I know exactly what ingredients are used rather than going to a restaurant. My family and I try to keep eating out to once a week, but sometimes with a busy schedule, it is difficult to stick to that goal.

I believe that once you get use to eating a certain way, you become accustomed to it. I can certainly always do better (fewer sweets!), but I just take one day at a time and do the best that I can.

National Runners' Health Survey

When I was going through my graduate program, I learned that surveys typically have a very low response rate. Since that time, I have tried to respond to any surveys that I receive through the mail to help out various research teams.

One of the surveys that I have received comes from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). They are trying to assess the impact of running on the health to runners over a period of time. The first one that I filled out and returned happened about 3 or 4 years ago; I received the second survey this week The questions cover your exercise routine, current health status, what-if situations (ex. if you were unable to exercise, would you be depressed?, etc.), and exercise goals for the future.

As I went through the process of filling out the survey, I was reminded of why I include exercise into my daily activities. The health benefits are huge! Every so often, it is difficult to stay committed to living healthy. The survey has helped to motivate me and recommit to daily exercise. Thanks to you, LBNL!

What Works For You?

I was talking with a lady the other day in the locker room after workout. We were comparing our strategies for exercising. She likes to try to improve her mile time during the week on the treadmill, because she doesn't have a chance to run on the weekends. Her husband is very tall and running is hard on his body. However, they do take their dog for walks and her son rides his bike on the weekends. My week day workouts don't vary much on a day-to-day basis. I try to run on the treadmill 3 days a week and lift weight two days a week. I set the treadmill speed to the same speed everyday and I repeat the same weight routine. I am so rushed at lunch that I don't take the time to vary my workouts. Weekends are days that I try to improve my times and do different types of exercises with my family.



All of that to say, we all don't have to have the same workout routine to be successful at living a healthy life. It is important to have a program that works for you and make it part of your everyday life. So, the big question for you is.....What works for you?!

Saving Time!

For some reason, I had some fabulous runs over the weekend. I was able to improve my normal run time for 5 miles by 4 minutes on Saturday and 3 minutes on Sunday. I am not sure why I had such success, but I really enjoyed it! The temperature was in the mid-50's, with no humidity, and no rain. One couldn't hope for a more perfect day in regard to the weather. However, I could tell that I had run at a faster pace on the following Monday, because my calf muscles were sore. Feeling sore, for me, is confirmation that I have worked really hard during my workout routine.

I don't know if I am going to be able to save this much time every weekend during the fall season, but I am going to give it my best shot!

Sporadic Exercising

Do you ever have "one of those weeks" where so many things get in the way of your regular routine? I AM HAVING ONE OF THOSE WEEKS! When I start thinking about all of the distractions that have gotten in the way of my workouts this week, they all sounds like excuses. Work has been so hectic and busy and I have had to work through lunch. In the evenings, we have had errands to run and other commitments and so I haven't had time. I am sure I will get back on my normal workout schedule. I just hope that it comes sooner rather than later.

Summit - Great Place to Workout

I started working in Temple 5 1/2 years ago. One of the first things that I did prior to starting to work was to find a gym. I visited a few gyms around town and then I heard about the Summit. It has been a great choice for me in many respects.

The location is extremely convenient to my office, which cuts down on the time I have to spend in my car getting to the gym and back to the office. I want as much of my lunch time as possible to be spent working out.

The price is very competitive when you compare the annual fee with other gyms. This aspect definitely sweetens the deal for me.

The staff are always willing to respond promptly to requests, especially when it is within their control to address. I had recently made a comment about the volume level of the T.V.s needing to be turned up so that we could hear it through the head phones. The request has been addressed and now I can hear and watch my favorite soap (Days of Our Lives)! We requested another fan in the ladies dressing room and, the next day, we had an additional fan.

If you are looking around town for a great gym, check out the Summit!

I LOVE the Fall Season

Fall is a great time of year to start or resume an exercise program. If you are outside working out, you can enjoy the comfortable temperature, as well as, the beautiful change in the color of the trees. If you are at the gym, you can take advantage of the increased availability of all of the equipment due to school being back in session. If one continues to workout during all of the fall season, by the time winter arrives, it will have become a part of your weekly or daily routine and it will not be as difficult to stay committed during the winter.

During my outside workouts on the weekend, my family and I see an obvious increase in the number of folks exercising. Everyone you pass, is smiling and enjoying themselves. In contrast, during the summer, IF you pass someone, no one ever speaks or smiles because we all just trying to slug through the workout in the heat!

Take advantage of this time of the year and start making exercise part of your life!