Weights!

I bought a set of dumbbells and worked out for about forty-five minutes! I used to have a cumbersome set of dumbbells, which I sold about six months ago; the weights didn't match and you had to put them on the bar in a certain order. They worked for several years, but I wanted to both upgrade and get a set that took up less space. Today I bought the Reebok Speed Pack 25lbs Adjustable Weight Set. I intended to buy this set a while ago, but they're kind of expensive (the set cost $150). Since I'm trying to get back in gear, however, I figure now is as good a time as any. Actually, two weeks ago would have been a better time to buy, when they were $20 cheaper!

I'm probably going to start up the Body For Life workout program--it's a little gimicky, but I've done it before and I really enjoy the system. I'm past the official "start" date for the contest (Body For Life has an actual challenge that you can compete in, with a cash prize). This is a shame, because I kind of enjoy the competitive angle, even if it's silly. Just so you know, the whole challenge is an effort to get you to buy their nutrition products. I'm not getting into a conversation about the good/bad of using supplements right now--maybe later! Some are fine, some are probably not as great.

The thing I like about Body For Life: 1.) it has a sensible eating plan (again, ignore the supplements they recommend if you're not into that--the eating plan itself is well-balanced and both nutrient and energy rich), and 2.) the weight plan is probably one of the better I've run across. I bought the Reebok Speed Pack because the workout program requires you to use a wide variety of weights, and the Speed Pack allows you to switch between weights easily. I'll probably skip or modify their cardio workout; it's made to complete in 20 minutes, but even though it's a great workout, I'd rather go for a long jog.

Okay, enough of the selling! Whenever I re-start my workout program, I inevitably take about a week to casually life weights and walk/run; this gives my body time to acclimate to a schedule and get a little wind back. If I were to start a workout program now (writing down my weights and keeping track of my miles run, etc), I've always found things look really different after Week 1, so I don't bother.

That's it! I still haven't gone for run, but with the shovelling, I've done two small workouts today!