Less Pressure, More Progress

It's Saturday afternoon, and thus far today I've been rather busy. It started off with my first full night of sleep in a week, which was much needed. Once I was up and moving, I got dressed and went grocery shopping. Then I came home, made some salads, and started on some laundry and dishes.

Afterwards, I headed down to the gym, where I got in the workout I missed yesterday (since I hadn't gotten a full night's sleep and had been up since 4:30 AM). I also made up for a set that I missed earlier in the week because I was tired. All in all, it was a great workout that was no doubt reassuring, especially since I've had to purchase some new pants, a size down, along with some new shirts, also a size down.

If I can breathe, I can think. If I can think, I can win.

On May 8th, I watched Beast, a low-budget Australian MMA film that inspired me to get off my ass the next morning and start back on my The Pump Club workouts. It's been five months and two days, and I'm down around 20 lbs. Of course, I don't think the number on the scale tells the whole story, since I've been lifting rather heavy and I've no doubt packed on some muscle. I can see it and feel it, especially when working out, and while I still have a belly, I feel good.

I credit the weights, but also Foundation Training, which I need to write more about in the future. My back and hips haven't felt this solid since my early 20s. I go entire days without pain or those little catches, and it makes everything I'm doing feel worthwhile.

I'm on my best workout streak in probably twenty-five years. I think taking off all that pressure of being perfect with every workout, or making sure I get a workout in every day it's scheduled, has helped a ton. I'm more relaxed about it, and on the days I don't work out, I tend to eat a bit lighter which I think helps.

I even stopped counting calories about six weeks ago, and while I'm sure that has slowed the fat loss around my waist, it hasn't stopped me from seeing more muscle definition as my body composition changes.

I also credit Foundation Training, which I'm just scratching the surface of, for improving my posture, something I thought was a lost cause. I can feel myself standing taller, and that's such a strange experience. I mean, I'm not trying to improve my posture, but I'm guessing it's a side effect of working on my hip hinge and neglected back muscles.

I'm only expecting things to improve with the cooler weather upon us. That little bit of friction that makes me not want to go down into my garage is now gone. I also reorganized my home gym, and it's made for an even more enjoyable space. Now, if I could just get my cat to stop crying at the door while I work out, I'll be golden!