Sunday, October 22, 2006

Why, American Heart Association, why?!

I could have gone a long time without reading this.

In a fitness article I just read yesterday, I saw a little piece of information, direct from the American Heart Association. But before I break the traumatic news, I want you to keep in mind that this article is titled "Killer Tone-Up, Trim-Down Workout." Sounds good, huh? Tell me more about this killer workout! The explanation and exercise moves look great. I think I'll incorporate them into my 30 minute, 3-days a week workout. Cool.

Not so cool. In a little pull-out box of text, I read that the "American Heart Association now recommends the new fitness guidelines of 30 minutes of exercise per day to maintain your weight and 60 minutes a day to shed pounds." It says nothing about my old faithful 3 days a week routine. In fact, if I were to up my ante and complete my workout on a DAILY basis, I would still only maintain my current weight. Sure, I wouldn't gain, but let's be honest. How many of us, including me, have tons of cute clothes we're still hanging onto for that far-off dreamy day that we might fit back into them again?

So what now? I could just quit. Because what's the point? OR--and this is the philosophy I'm going with--I could be bittersweetly grateful that I read what I did, and accelerate my workout to 60 minutes, EVERY day. Yes, there will be days that I don't make it. But if I get it done most of the days, I may begin to see a difference on the scale and might even be able to wear said cute clothes in the back of my closet again.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey girl...something that never crossed my mind before...but has played a major role in my health this year has been to break that 60 minutes up...it doesn't say 60 consecutive minutes a day...but that's what we hear...you could do 20; 20; and 20...or a 30 minute breezy walk to wake yourself up in the morning...and then your regular 30 minute workout...

psst...i don't know anyone...well...other than madonna...who can work out for 60 minutes or more everyday...

not that you ask for that...but i thought i'd mention it anyway...

amy said...

Thanks for the pick-me-up advice. It's good for me to remember that. Also, I don't know if I just jumpstarted myself, but for the last week, I've worked out 60 minutes on 5 out of 7 days. And the scale says I'm down....drumroll, please...3 pounds!

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