Regular readers of ProBlogger know that I’ve been attempting to get back in shape lately.
I’ve been seeing a personal trainer, exercising 3-4 times a week, eating better food, smaller portions and more regularly during the day. It’s only been 4 weeks but I’m beginning to feel lighter, the scales say I’m losing weight (I’m not exactly sure how much but I’ve moved down a size around the waist and lost 2-3kg in the last week and a half), I’ve got more energy and interestingly I’m starting to think a little more clearly.
I’m not buff by any means (and don’t expect to be) but am feeling a lot better for it so far.
So today when a reader emailed me with the suggestion that I check out a new free ebook titled Blogger Proof Workout, A Simple Workout for Bloggers I thought it’d be right up my alley.
OK – so it’s a little unconventional, but the principles are good and encourage bloggers to think about ways that they can add a little movement and exercise into their day – without leaving the room that they blog. While I’m not sure doing 5 pushups every time an email comes in will work for everyone (I’d be doing about 5000 pushups each morning) the principles are good.
Here’s to a fitter and healthier ProBlogger readership in 2008!
PS: I’ve had a few people ask me what my own workout routine is. It’s fairly simple:
- 1x workout with my trainer per week
- 1x home ‘workout’ per week (including 2 to 3 sets of pushups, squats, situps, skipping, dips and steps)
- 2x 30-45 minute brisk walks (I usually stop at the park for some steps and dips on these)
I’m also going to add another group class/workout in the coming week.
In terms of diet I’m trying to eat low GI foods, smaller portions in the evenings and an extra snack or two during the day (and less junk). Nothing too special but plenty of fruit.
Lastly – coincidentally Kim published this mini interview with me today on exactly the same topic!
5000 pushups each morning? Come on, you are exaggerating.. anyway, some researchers said that by not smoking, taking exercise, drinking in moderation and eating five rations of fruit and vegetables daily you even can live 14 years more (average). A quick note in this link:
http://www.myddnetwork.com/tech-money/how-can-we-live-14-extra-years/
I know nothing about diets although I think I should go on one. It actually was my new year’s resolution.
Bah, this is for pansies. I’m in the gym at least 6 times a week, for about 1-1.5hrs each time. But I’m really big into fitness, so to each his own I guess.
I could definetly used the movement! I will look forward to reading this. I spent over 5 hours on one blog today, so I feel a bit lazy. I don’t even remember stopping to stretch. Good article though. I think exercising would get distracting. To much movement… oh I’m just lazy. :p
Justin Dupre
Ah, just reminded me I got a huge belly
I guess I could start working out… thanks for the encouragement… LOL.
Omar Yesid Mariño – I’m not saying I do 5000 each morning – I’m saying that I’d have to do 5000 if I had to do 5 pushups for each email received (as the ebook suggests)
It’s not about doing 5K push ups. It’s about doing push ups, period. Or any physical activity for that matter. Like I mention in the ebook, this workout isn’t meant to me used as an end all be all workout routine. It serves as a stepping stone into a more active lifestyle.
Thanks for the mention Darren, it’s much appreciated.
…the principles are good and encourage bloggers to think about ways that they can add a little movement and exercise into their day – without leaving the room that they blog.
In other words, how to have your cake and eat it too? ;)
I rather think it would be good for bloggers to step outside their room on a regular basis. Sitting at a desk all day long is terrible for one’s health, and in the grand scheme of things, blogging is just not that important.
Here in the USA, employers are required by law to give their workers a 5-minute break per hour. Bloggers should do themselves such a favor.
You’re lucky. I just spent a whole year with a trainer, exercising and dieting a lot harder than that, and lost neither a size nor a pound. I felt better, but I just can’t lose weight unless I have a job like waiting tables, where it’s hours of exercise several days a week.
Alas, a lot of it’s just genes. :)
Blogging is more fun than running. Of course, running will get you more ladies.
I was about to suggest skiing, but it’s summer down under. I’ve been skiing more than a dozen times this year…
Sometimes I eat a ton of cookies in a day and a couple months ago my roommate in college calculated it to 1,200 calories a day worth of cookies. Why did I say that… that’s not what people on a diet/working out want to here. However, they were delicious by the way… and my 52kg /115 pounds doesn’t show it at all. In my case eating and gaining weight are inversely related.
Somebody knows about about Google PR up?
I like beer too much.
I have started to get into shape. For lazy sods like myself, I can recommend pilates. It kinda feels like you’re cheating, but it’s so good at getting relatively toned.
Just do it with a class. With men. Who understand you.
I put together a list of my 21 tips for fatblogging last week:
http://internetducttape.com/2008/01/03/fatblogging-weight-loss-time/
I guess maybe “stop blogging” should be on the list :)
Good job, Darren. Workout is the best resolution for ALL bloggers. I mean ALL, because ALL bloggers should have been waste their time in front of their computers while sitting. In a long term, it would end us up with back pain, since we tend to put the body at exact position instead of moving them around.
And those cookies beside the desktop? Umm, hard to refuse and they start putting fat on our belly and flabs. I think girls not gonna like it.
It’s a good and great start, Darren. I’m gonna add this stuff as my 2008 resolution. Be a healthy blogger.
Rhys, what’s wrong with doing pilates in a class of women. Who understand you ?:)
Yes, all bloggers must learn to burn some fat too. It feels really fresh. You might just be able to come up with some new story ideas when you are fit.
Hi Darren – what is GI food?
I had images of food for GI’s, like my ex who was in the Marine Corps – you know the C-rations or those packaged/canned foods they get?
:)
Kim
I just want to download it and I hope the next volume of this ebook will be released soon. Thanks for you Darren for this info.
I can’t do Push ups for the Life of it.
But I try to get there one day.
Until then I do the light version against a wall ;)
But doing 5 for every email would make it impossible for me to lift my arms after a day :)
Thanks for the link to the e-book!
Arrgghh…you’re trying to give me a guilt trip, right? :)
Those marine corps meals where the best. I especially loved the hot cocoa and pasta ones.
@Nicole in Kuwait, try those knee push ups where your knees are on the ground and you push your self up from that position. It is easier and helps build strength.
You can also alternate doing push ups with just simple holding yourself up in the UP pushup position for as long as you can hold it. Eventually you will be able to perform normal push ups.
I guess I could start working out.
A great workout for bloggers are those old Charles Atlas routines. They don’t require any weights and and can be done in your office right next to the computer. I posted one of these workouts at my blog
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/08/every-man-every-day-should-do-these-exercises/
Darren,
Congrats on getting into a new routine! If you find a gym you like, your new lifestyle will be sure to stick.
As far as movement, I have a playlist called “KO Happy” (my maiden initials) that I put on when I take a break, and I dance while I’m making lunch (I work from home, did I mention?) or doing other sundry tasks.
Also, since I’m home alone, I have no one to share with when I accomplish something, so to celebrate, I often put on the music really loud and shake it for a few minutes before I get back to work.
I do love this blogging life.
Yeah,
I found PR update and backlinks upadte in my all sites.
But this time it is beneficial for me. Increase PR for all my sites.
it was by mistake wrong comment
Hi Darren,
I’ve only just started my own workout/diet but am already noticing some of the same benefits
http://www.drinking-diet.com/what-ive-noticed-already/
Good luck with getting fit,
Paul
You could always do what i did and start a blog to help you watch your weight. Then you can kill 2 birds with one stone. ;~P
I used to have a consistent workout routine myself but as of late I’ve kinda broken out of the habit and over Christmas i noticed my jeans start to tighten. Thanks for the info Darren, I’ll be checking this e-book out and see if I can’t get back into my old routine.
PS, I noticed from your latest video post that you seem to be looking trimmer than in your last one, keep up the good work :)
Healthy body healthy mind. It’s true!
Healthy body, healthy mind, and you blog with your mind.
You also pay less health insurance if you belong to a gym and workout on a regular basis.
Hi Darren!
Great to hear you are working out!
I am a german Personal Trainer with a MA in sports and eduaction science and just started to work more frequently on my won blog, so I come from the other direction… I think, blogging and Personal Training or working out in general is a great combination, especially for fulltime bloggers. Sitting in front of the computer the whole day and not having a boss and co-worker can lead to a very passive lifestyle. I am kind of fit but recently realized, how easy it is, to get stuck in front of my blog.
What are your plans with the new category? I would be interested in giving you some input and offer your community some ideas, to get and stay in fit. My blog is in german, but if the feedback is good, I would work on the english-version. Have a look: http://pt-lars.fitpro.de
Hope to hear from you soon!
Regards,
Lars
I want to try water aerobics. Talk about a work out. And I would make sure to visualize yourself in the shape you want to be and bring that into your current reality. I’m glad to see this happening in your life. I know I feel so much better than I did back when I did not get a lot of exercise.