I am going to be taking off the next 3 weeks to recharge the batteries. I have been hitting the gym and workouts hard for the last 4 years and I am in need of a break. Physically, emotionally, and medically. Truth is, I am looking forward to the break. I am going to use the time to catch up on some reading and window shopping (Home Depot and Lowes here I come!).
One of my biggest concerns is what my weight will do during this time off. I know that it takes about 6 weeks for muscles to degenerate so I am not too worried about that. What I am worried about is the amount of food I consume because of how active I was. I was consuming about 2300 calories a day in order to maintain my weight. I have figured out that I now need to drop that down to about 1700 calories a day in order to maintain. I can gain weight pretty fast because of my wonderful metabolism so I really need to stick with this calorie goal.
I have thought about taking a starting weight and picture but I figured that might just depress me if things dont go so well. So for now, I am just going to go by comfort of clothes which is what I normally do anyway.
I am looking forward to the break. I plan on coming back with a whole new LNNA workout for me and my buddies. We will come back stronger and leaner than ever!
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Taking breaks is good. The beauty of a good routine is that you know it and you know it well, but sometimes it’s good to put on the brakes and take a look at the big picture again. Redefine your goals based on your previous experiences and get ready to start the ball rolling with your new found wisdom!
Also, the experience can help you appreciate all of the hard work that you’ve done in the past. I saw on TV the other day of this very fit personal trainer that purposely gained a ton of weight to be able to sympathize with his clients and show that even he could “let himself go,” but that he could still burn it off over time and get back to the body he had, and after a few weeks of working out, he had already dropped a lot of the extra weight he put on.
I bet after this 3 weeks is up, you’re going to come back even more intense, fired up, and focused about getting in shape, staying in shape, and promoting fitness!
I, too, saw that article about the trainer gaining the weight to emphasis with his client. I think he did it cuz he was tired of being in such great shape!
Seriously though, getting into shape is not about the exercises. That guy was a personal trainer and knows all the rights moves to lose weight but what he possessed was determination. That is the most important part of any weight loss routine. You have to be determine to lose weight and get in shape. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you continue to do it and don’t slack off. It needs to be a lifestyle change and not a chore. For that PT, his life is fitness so its easy for him to get back into the routine of eating well and working out.
You are right though. I am going to come back more fired up than ever! I am looking forward to the return and its only been 5 days!