It’s funny how a few days off from the gym can make you feel like a bum after you have made exercise a regular part of your life. It’s like not brushing your teeth or showering in the morning, you worry about developing cavities or alarming body order. My regular workout partner Russ O’Connell has been busy working with the new OXF program in Waverly and since my KWWL work week has expanded to 60+ hours I have chosen to skip a few workout days. I have been getting plenty of exercise chasing football players up and down the sidelines or having volleyball players fall over me(it actually happened) with a 25 pound camera on my shoulder. But the primary reason why I have taken a little break is to recharge my battery for another 12 week O’Connell Extreme Fitness program.
I know it is easy to over do the exercise and fitness thing to the point of burnout. So I believe it is important to keep everything in perspective. One year ago at this time I weighed 245 pounds, this morning I weighed in at 202 pounds(don’t worry the weight is not coming back). Too many people want to lose weight in a hurry, but the thing is those pounds usually come back faster than you lost them. I lost my weight, gradually, through sweat equity and a few less calories a day for about three months. But I want to tell you even more important than the pounds I lost is my improved strength and energy(and believe me with all of the challenges I am facing with work and my personal life I need it). I am not on a strict diet now and I still eat some of the things I like and I take a much needed break from exercise every now and again because it is important to rest both the mind and body. But when I am in full exercise mode I get up at 4:30 a.m. five days a week and I workout for 70-90 minutes.
This is the plan that is working for me and I feel very good about my health and my life. I believe it is important for each individual to find the program or exercise regimen that works for them. And I believe it is also important to take a break to refresh and recharge…I can’t wait for my 4:30 a.m. wake up calls to start again.
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This post was written by rcoleman on September 9, 2009
Rick, sorry to have stolen Russ for a week, but oxf has been a wonderfull addition to the town of Waverly. We have one of the toughest classes I have ever seen, they just don’t quit. I can tell you that they all are doing well and i have enjoyed watching them progress just as you have and have become so committed to oxf! I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks to tell you the progress we have made. This week we have had Kristi as an instructor and wow, did she ever get the oohs and aahs from the rest of the class, been a lot of fun and Russ and Kristi have truly shown what they are about and how true chapions really train! Thanks for all of the help from yourself also, none of this would have been possible without all of the help, THANKS AGAIN RICK, YOU TOO ARE A TRUE CHAMPION, GO HAWKS!
Hey Rick,you have been missed. Can’t wait until next week to have you, Russ, new and old OXF back in the gym. Our gym seems like a family. I love all the support we get from each other. Best of luck to Waverly/Greg, Oelwein/Mandy and New OXF. I will miss my friends in OXF. I look forward to smack talk between classes. Crossfit ~look better naked…enough said.
Rick,
I’m ready for Monday, I might need to keep a trash can close, but ready to go all out.
See you at 5:30.