Michaela Week 5: Is there an Exercise gene? Friends weigh in….

Half way to goal

Weekly Weight-loss update:  -1 lb

Inches lost: Chest: 0; waist: 0; arms: 0; hips: 0; thighs: 0 (OK, what’s up with this?)

This week’s challenge: Sugar and salty foods. A few cookies here, a handful of peanuts there; can’t forget the three fists-full of BBQ potato chips. The philosophy behind this Ideal Protein program is to deplete the glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves completely. If my body doesn’t have sugar and carbs to consume it will naturally turn to my fat reserve to burn calories. To date this has been true. I am experiencing amazing changes in my body shape as well as consistent weight loss. Based on my lack of significant weight and zero inches lost this week I think it’s safe to say that my body spent all its energy consuming sugar and carbs and not my fat.

Sunday’s weekly veggie prep is key for successful and non-stress eating for me. This week I was out of town on Sunday and didn’t get home until late so I didn’t prep my veggies for the week. The above numbers are a direct result of me winging-it for the week.

I did, however, keep my exercise commitment that I made last week. I moved my body everyday (except Thursday) for an hour a day. Five hours this week! Three hours in spin class; one hour lifting weights; and one hour hiking.

In an attempt to develop a more positive relationship with my quitter’s voice that rears its ugly head at the sound of my alarm clock, I reached out to several friends who are my role models for living a life full of movement and even claim to love exercise.

I was convinced that these friends were born with an exercise gene that people like me missed out on; what I learned was way different. I was inspired by all their responses (I asked them 10 questions about exercise routines, motivation, and advice for those less inclined to make body movement a daily pursuit) but was particularly inspired by Noreen’s response to my question about the exercise gene: “No, I don’t believe in an exercise gene, it’s the discipline and how much you want it. Did you grow up with people around you that were active or passive? I believe the role models you grew up with have a lot to do with how you follow through with anything in your life. I grew up seeing hard work and dedication — knowing that if I wanted to succeed in life it would be my responsibility to do so. It wasn’t going to be handed to me. You have to earn it — you can’t just get out of bed and go run a marathon because you want to. You have to prepare for it.”

Here’s what my “active” role models had to say about the exercise gene and the quitter’s voice. Maybe their words will speak to you:

Me:  Do you believe in an exercise gene — some people have it, some don’t and that’s the way it falls?

Julie:  No, I think everyone has the capability to enjoy exercise but not everyone enjoys competition. If you do not like competition pick an exercise that steers clear of organized sports.

Patricia: No, I did nothing when I was young. I think anyone can find something that will work for them. For me it was running but I have friends that feel just as strongly about biking, swimming, dance, yoga. I have tried all these things but for me it’s always the run.

Me:  What goes on in your head when you are trying to decide if you should exercise or not?

Julie: I always do something, but some days I have a hard time motivating myself to run… on those days, I take the easy way and do a walk.  he important thing is that I always do something.

Patricia:  Some mornings it’s hard to get out of bed. When I was working it was usually on the third work day morning that I felt so exhausted. I’d lay there and think, “maybe I should just roll over and stay in this nice warm bed.” One of the motivating forces was that I knew people would be waiting. Sure I could call and bail out but… If they could do it why couldn’t I? Are they tougher than me?  hey’ll be stronger, I’ll fall behind. They’ll tease me about it next time I see them. During this time, having a running community to be accountable to helped me get up in the morning. (Comment:  I can so relate

I get stronger and stronger as my body shrinks!

 to Patricia’s comment on the third work day. By Wednesday night I literally fall into bed 100% spent and Thursdays are usually the day I bail out on exercise.)

 Noreen: The alarm clock goes off and the voices in my head start…” am I getting up?”…. 5 more minutes…. If I skip today, I’ll run tomorrow AND Friday…. Missing one day won’t hurt… on and on it goes. Normally, I get myself out of bed but there are the days when sleeping wins and I do skip a day.

Next week I’ll share what my exercise lovers have to say about motivation, routine, and advice for the rest of us.

Inspirational quote: There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long,”I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.” No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide what’s right for you — just listen to the voice that speaks inside.”    ― Shel Silverstein