68. Diet Update: Series 2/3 What’s the next battle plan

August 23, 2008

Yesterday I talked about what I had to give up in order to lose weight. As I’ve before, diets are not a temporary, one time deal. In order for a diet to succeed one has to change everything. It’s a complete change of lifestyle really. But why not right? Why not change especially for our age? We’ve done everything and we’ve experience a lot. So why continue that path?

 

I know we won’t live forever. It was my battle cry before and actually, even now. We go when it’s our time, healthy or not. But what if we could improve the quality of life we have left here on this world? Wouldn’t that be something everyone would like to have?

 

Diets are good and effective. Though we all know it won’t work alone. I know because three years ago I did the same diet I am doing now. Guess what happened. Guess?! Well unfortunately it bounced back even higher and I think I know why.

 

I didn’t prepare for it mentally and I did it without something that was really essential. Do you know what that essential thing I forgot to do? It’s… wait for it… EXERCISE!! It’s the old one to punch to the gut that will make the gut melt like butter. It’s like burgers and buns, hotdogs and pickles, mustard and ketchup. They are effective when they are together. 2005 I went zero carb and it was fruitless because I did not exercise.

 

What comes to mind when you hear the word exercise? People tend to dislike the word exercise for a variety of reasons. One is they have no time. Two is they have no sport what so ever. Three is that they are too old. I have to tell you guys. We are never too old for sports.

 

As for myself, I really had figure out what kind of exercise I need. I know that because I haven’t been active in any sport lately and because I run out of breath every time I climbed stairs that I had to develop my cardio. So I had to choose a sport that will develop my cardio and exercise my heart. I had to choose between four sports that can develop my cardio and also that interests me. The choices were basketball, badminton, tennis or cycling.

 

Do you want an awesome tip? Get your loved ones involved. Pick a sport were you and your friends or family can participate. Also pick something that will not consume too much time. Take basketball for instance, It consumes a lot of time and you’ll need a pretty large group to organize scheduled sessions. Not really practical. Cycling on the other hand doesn’t really give you and your family time to talk and bond. Tennis would have been a great choice but the problem is logistics. It’s a little difficult to find a good tennis court because the truth is there aren’t many courts around the metro. I actually have a friend who only plays once a week and he has to travel from Las Pinas to UP Diliman just to play. HUHLOLZ. Can you say meh?

 

So I chose badminton. Yeah. A lot of people are saying it’s a gay sport and that it’s easy to play because all you have to do is hit the shuttle cock and return it to your opponent. It’s that easy right? Wrong!!

 

Although the concept is easy to grasp, how it is played for real by professionals are extraordinary. The hand and eye coordination one needs to play badminton is at a very high level. Also, you don’t hit the shuttle cock with your arm; you hit it with your wrist. Running back and forth, side to side really burns up a lot of calories. Bending your body sideways to reach the shuttle cock would mean moving almost all your muscles making you burn fat faster. Lastly, with the shuttle cock being light and feathery, one would really need to smash with all his strength just so he can make the shuttle cock move faster. So that’s strength, dexterity, agility, endurance, quickness and speed for you.

 

I’m not saying other sports won’t make you burn fat. Sitting on a chair will make you burn fat. I’m just saying that everyone has a preference and choosing one means really playing the game and not doing it just for show. You’ve really got to make time. Remember, it’s a change of lifestyle.

 

Tomorrow, the conclusion of our three part mini series entitled what’s the next battle plan.