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   atomicpoet (atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org)'s status on Monday, 12-Aug-2024 05:25:36 JST atomicpoet

   A year and a half ago, I started going to the gym. Prior to that, I was suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, sciatica, and sleep apnea.

   Here’s the effect the gym has had on me:

   1. When I walk, my heart rate is below 100 BPM
   2. With strenuous activity It takes longer for my heart rate to increase to 124 BPM
   3. My appetite has drastically increased but I haven’t gained weight
   4. My legs, arms, and chest have all expanded
   5. I now prefer wearing tank tops because my arms feel uncomfortable with sleeves
   6. While I still have belly fat, it’s drastically lessened
   7. I’m no longer tired at night
   8. I can no longer sit still for long periods of time, and constantly feel the urge to take walks
   9. Kneeling down or squatting used to hurt my knees but this has gone away
   10. Back pain has gone away

   Then there are the social effects. People now strike up conversations with me unprompted. I am treated with more respect. Women seem more comfortable around me.

   By no means is this easy. Physical fitness demands maintaining good habits and discipline. In many ways, this has become my life.

   When I started, I got discouraged because I didn’t see immediate results. However, I couldn’t deny that I felt better. And slowly, over time, my body has transformed itself.

   If you’re wondering if a lifestyle change is worth it, it totally is.

   • Embed this notice
     atomicpoet (atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org)'s status on Monday, 12-Aug-2024 05:25:35 JST atomicpoet

     in reply to

     When I tell people what I do with my workout, they wonder how my body is even able to handle it.

     And the answer is: conditioning.

     After awhile, my body just got used to it. It’s at the point now where lifting 100lbs doesn’t even cause my heart rate to hit 124 lbs. Jogging for five minutes barely moves the needle.

     However, rest days can be brutal because I desire to move. But I have to rest in order for my body to recuperate.

   • Embed this notice
     BeAware :fediverse: (beaware@social.beaware.live)'s status on Monday, 12-Aug-2024 05:25:35 JST BeAware :fediverse:

     in reply to

     @atomicpoet your heart rate can be measured in lbs? Well damn!😝

     (Pretty sure you meant BPM. Lol)

   • Embed this notice
     atomicpoet (atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org)'s status on Monday, 12-Aug-2024 05:25:36 JST atomicpoet

     in reply to

     I should also mention what it’s taken for me to see this change. Here’s my typical workout schedule:

     • Sunday: heavy weights, running, power walking, cycling
     • Monday: running, power walking, cycling
     • Tuesday: running, power walking, cycling
     • Wednesday: body weight exercises, free weights, light weights, running, power walking, cycling
     • Thursday: rest
     • Friday: badminton, running, power walking, cycling
     • Saturday: running, power walking, cycling

     I didn’t start by doing all these things at once. Each month, I incrementally increase my workout load.