Getting in Shape
Making the big lie my reality.
One of the things I have found to be motivational is looking in a mirror. I decided I’d like to be in better shape. Most people think I’m in pretty good shape. At 69 inches tall and 155 pounds, I look pretty good. I’d like to be better.
Nearly three years ago, I created an exercise program. I’m using a technique similar to isometrics. I use muscles to oppose other muscles. For example, put your palms together in front of your chest and push against each other. I came up with four exercises. I perform each exercise for one minute and rest for about 15 seconds between exercises. For the last eight months, I’ve added a second set. I’m exercising for five minutes morning and night.
Right away I felt I was getting stronger. My muscles felt like they had a been working. I didn’t see measurable improvements. I kept on.
I realized to achieve my waist measurement goal, I needed to lose weight in addition to tightening my abdominal muscles. I began eating more protein and cutting back on how much I ate. Progress was still slow. I went from about 160 to 155. I kept on.
I told a few people what I laughingly called – the big lie. I have bought pants with 32-inch waist for my entire adult life. I can’t remember my waist ever actually being 32. I was often three or four (maybe even five or six) inches more than that.
As I tightened my abdomen and lost weight, I got closer and closer to that elusive 32. Then I saw an article that said for my height the “hot” male body would have a 30-inch waist. Hmmm. Was the big lie really that bad? I just bought four pairs of stretch jeans that have a 30-inch waist. They feel great and I’m constantly working on keeping that gut in – improving my abdominal muscles.
My wife just turned 70. In January, I will join her. I’m now wearing jeans with the smallest waist since my mid-teens. Although it is still a lie, I’m working to make that a reality. My other goal was to have my chest be 10 inches bigger than my waist. I’ll be close to that when my waist is 30. However, the “hot” male body has a chest measurement 12 inches bigger than waist. I’m working to make that my reality.
Not many 70-year-old men have “hot” male bodies – an interesting competition that I’m enjoying. Join me. You’ll feel better. Remember to keep on keeping on!