Is Winter Your Trigger?

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Gym Nicknames

Does anyone else start to nickname the regulars that attend their gym?  It is something that I have done since joining my first gym 11 years ago.  You get used to seeing these people on a daily basis and if you don't speak with them, you begin to develop ways to identify them.  If you're fortunate enough to meet a gym buddy that thinks similarly, going to the gym can be a fun time.

The nicknames are usually in good humor, but sometimes they can get a bit mean.  It often depends on what motivates the names.  If it is something positive, like the person is attractive you may start a description with "Hot."  If it is because someone does something odd, they may get the description "Creepy."

Often times, I wonder if people have nicknames for me.  I usually complete half of my workout with my glasses and the other without, so often I find myself looking at shapes or colors.  I often wonder if I make people uncomfortable because it appears as if I am staring.  If the worst name that someone can give me is "The Starer" or something similar, then I am probably in good shape.

Something to consider when developing nicknames is when to use them.  Using them with your gym buddy is good, but outside of that company can be tricky.  This is especially true if you've given a nickname to someone attractive.  I recently had a texting malfunction when I was messaging with my gym buddy the other day.  At one point, I mistakenly messaged my boyfriend about this one guy at the gym and referred to him as "Hot."  He took it all in stride, but it was a lesson learned.

What about you?  What is the most outrageous name you've developed?

Confidence Boosters

The last six months have been a bit difficult on my fitness journey.  My weight has gone up and down since getting to my "lowest" weight.  I never quite made it to the goal that I set, but I figured that my body was not meant to get that low. My waist size was 32 and that was the thinnest it had ever been. To lose more weight would mean that my waist could go smaller and the idea of having a 30 inch waist seemed too thin for me.   

My body was in progress, and I was still working on definition, so I ordered the T-25 workout to help with the toning.  It worked, changes were seen and was looked pretty good.  When I finished the program, my weight slowly crept up, but I recognized what was happening and made some changes to both my diet and gym routine.  

The adjustment to the new workout routine has not been easy, although I do find myself with much more energy.  Yet, this morning when I was working out, I found myself in a "bad" place.  I just felt "fat" or not really on point.  It was more of a psychological game because my body was doing fine, but I could not wait for the workout to be done.

I finished the workout, showered and went to my locker to get dressed.  A gentleman that I see often around the gym was near my locker and we laughed about no matter which area we pick to get changed, there will be someone there.  He mentioned that he had seen me around the gym and that I work out often. We discussed our routines and it was really nice because he complimented me on my success.  It was so unexpected and it changed the way I viewed myself.  Icing on the cake was the gym cleaner stating that he had seen some changes in my body in the last six months.

What this experience showed me was that sometimes we can be feeling our worst and a kind word can put everything in perspective.  I had made some tremendous success since my weight loss journey began.  While I am not where I want to be when it comes to my body, I am on my way and I look damned good doing it.  

I Did It!

On August 26, 2012, I started my journey to better health and a fitter lifestyle.  I slowly started by working out to Tae Bo videos (sometimes twice per day).  Co-workers got me committed by starting a Biggest Loser contest.  I lost nearly 30 pounds by the end of 2012. 

As 2013, progressed, I continued to lose more weight.  I eventually found I was bored with Tae Bo and felt it was time to try the gym.  I began at the gym in March 2013 and really did not have any major goals.  I wanted to lose more weight and tone my body, but that was it.

My good friend Ron proposed we run a 5K later that year, but I refused.  I HATED running, so there was no way I was going to do that.  Eventually, I changed my mind and agreed to run a 5K in 2014.  I was set to start training in January, but I spent most of the month making excuses.  My friend Guy challenged me to get going and I slowly began. 

Ron and I tried to set a date to run, but the winter was LONG and our schedules were extremely busy.  Eventually, the goal of completing a race went on the backburner, but I did run throughout the Spring.  I ran outside a few times and started to get hooked. 

Starting the T-25 workout DVDs made it difficult to continue running outside (the workout was hard on the legs), so I put running on the backburner for the summer.  My good friend Jenna asked me to run her race (she was the co-chair of the Great Futures 5K) and I agreed.  I knew that Ron was going to be unable to train and run with me, so I prepared to do it alone. 

My first day training was Labor Day and it was extremely hot and humid.  I made it around Delaware Park only once before choking on the thick air.  I was upset with myself and vowed to do more running.  I started doing more treadmill running and a few more sessions outside.  I was told that I would be fine, but I was so nervous.

Prior to the big day, my good friend Jenn, a veteran runner, stated she would run with me.  I was both relieved and nervous.  I figured she would outrun me, but also that she would inspire.  The big day arrived and it was rainstorm.  I had not slept well the night before because I was so nervous and excited. 

We arrived fairly early and it was cold, but the rain eventually stopped.  The air horn signaled the beginning of the race and off we went.  Jenn’s hat blew off almost immediately and I faced the decision of waiting for her or going.  I chose to keep going.  I focused on a particular runner and found myself catching up to her and her group.  I knew I could pass them, so I did. 

The route was both fun and challenging.  There were quite a few hills and bridges, but I was never bored.  The wind was rough, which did cause me to lose my breath a few times.  Thanks to my rocking running playlist and my determination to get it done, I was focused on finishing.  As I climbed my last hill, I knew the finish line was in my grasp.  Good friends Ellary and Jenna were waiting and cheering me on as I completed the race.

I came in 1^st in my age group (to be fair, there were only three other people running in that group) and I was 12^th overall.  Not bad for an “old” guy running his first race.  Check out my excitement below! 

I hope my story inspires anyone that has a fitness goal.  I started out 73 pounds heavier and never thought I wanted to do a race or that I could do it.  I made it happen, due  to the support of some amazing friends, family and my sheer will.  

T-25: A Reflection and A Work in Progress

I am currently in week 3 of T-25 Beta.  This means I have been doing the program for 7 weeks.  I have seen huge changes in my body, but because I did not follow the nutrition plan exactly, I am not where I really wanted to be in terms of body changes. After much reflection and considering the mantra that "abs are made in the kitchen," I recognize that I have enjoyed my time during the summer, eating balanced meals, but also enjoying the foods and drink that I love.  It has been a trade off and as I move into the Fall, I will get stricter with my eating which will help shed those remaining inches.

The program itself is amazing.  I am working my body in a way that I have never done in my life.  Beta has been absolutely incredible.  I am loving (and hating) all the squats and leg work I have to do.  My legs are generally strong, but they feel like noodles after these workouts.  This is a good thing.  I can't say enough good things about the workout.  Tania as the modifier is inspiring to those that cannot do all the moves. Sometimes I have to modify the workout because of a back issue, but I am trying to do as much as I can with an extreme intensity level.

As I move towards the finish line of T-25, I have to figure out what to do next.  I am considering doing a combination of Alpha and Beta for my next workout adventure.  The 6-pack goal is still very much on my mind.  My abs have changed significantly, but there is still much work to do.  This will also mean adjusting the diet a bit.  A lot of the summer time festival stuff is coming to a close (Noooo!!!), and I will have a more regular schedule.  This will make it easier to adjust and get back on track.

I've had to give up running because the T-25 program is so tough on my legs.  It's OK, because while I do like running, I started to get a bit bored with it.  I am still going to the gym and have started to incorporate more weight lifting into my routine.  I am looking to get more lean muscle.  I recognize that rebuilding my body is a slow process, but one that I am determined to work on.

I love that I made this investment in my workout.  Shaun T and crew have inspired me in a way that I needed.  I look forward to showing off my results soon.  In the meantime, I'll leave you with the infomercial that got me to order...

T-25: The Adventure Begins and Continues

I meant to start writing about this workout when I first started doing it, but I just couldn't get it together.  I started T-25 on Monday, June 9.  It has been a very rewarding experience.  Unlike most using the workout, I am doing it as an add-on.  I am still doing my intense workout at the gym, but usually either at lunch time or at the end of the day, I do the T-25 workout of the day.  Some days, like today, I do the workout in the morning before heading to the gym.

Shaun T is an awesome motivator and really gets you to want to focus and complete the workout.  In addition, I really want to do the full workout with no modifier.  Unfortunately, there are a few exercises that I can't quite do without modifying.  Yesterday, I was doing burpees and my back reminded me why I need to modify that exercise.  It's a bit frustrating, but Shaun is right, if you are focusing on the workout, you will see results.  I lost three (3) pounds during the first week.  I am seeing a change in my body.  The exercises are challenging, fun, and more excitedly, they are only 25 minutes.  He is right: anyone can do 25 minutes.

I have the Power 90 10-minute workouts and the differences between the two workouts are staggering.  I think it has more to do with the instructors.  I realize that Tony Horton is just not my cup of tea: a bit boring, corny jokes and his face lift/botox is creepy.  Shaun T is down-to-earth, somewhat funny, and comes across as more natural.  Knowing that he is gay and a person of color just adds to his appeal to me.

My goal in doing the program is to develop a 6-pack by the time I turn 37.  I have 13 and a half weeks until I hit that momentous occasion.  While doing this workout will help, I also need to continue to be very cognizant of my diet.  "Abs are made in the kitchen" is what they say and they are right.  A proper and balanced diet is the only way that I will see the changes that I desire.  I've been cutting down my ice cream consumption to one day per week.  I am avoiding most desserts.  I am also avoiding processed snacks.  I've been consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables and Greek yogurt.  I've even dropped my alcohol consumption considerably.

Has anyone else done the T-25 workout?  Have you done another workout by Shaun T or any of the others in the Beachbody family?  Is there a goal that you are looking to hit within a certain period of time?  I look forward to hearing from you.

In the meantime, I will leave you with this image.  These guys are my heroes.

How My Weight Loss Has Affected My Place in the World

I was recently asked by my friend Adina Ingram to consider how my losing weight has affected my relationships with friends, family, as well as my feelings about myself and others.  It was something that I have been thinking about quite a bit.  As many people may know, I am in therapy.  I started seeing a counselor after I found my interactions with others to be strained or awkward.  This didn’t happen with everyone, but I noticed it happening more often than not and I grew more uncomfortable in my own skin.  I had reduced significantly in mass and I no longer knew how to be Collin Gehl.

I often wonder who has changed the most: me or the people in my life.  Most of the reactions I have gotten about my weight loss have been completely positive.  People are truly happy for me and are often telling me how good I look.  Others are inspired by not only my weight loss, but my commitment to fitness and my new positive outlook on life.  Several friends and some of my family have adopted a healthier lifestyle in part because of what I have done.  It can be both inspiring and overwhelming to be seen as a role model.  My commitment continues to grow strong because of the love and support I receive.

Unfortunately, there are those that have not been supportive of what I have done.  Some friends feel as if we’re in a competition to be “the skinniest.”  Others have pushed me away and it hurts.  As a gay man,  I have gotten a lot of positive reaction from some members of the gay community and have had people that did not look at me before be suddenly extremely interested in who I am and what I am doing. 

To have those that are supposed to be my friends resent me because of getting healthier is somewhat heartbreaking.  I often think that people don’t understand how sensitive I am.  I am very tough, as well as extremely straightforward, so I think that people just assume they can say or do anything to me and I’ll be OK.  I’ve recently defriended and pushed people out of my life because of the way they treat me.  I’ve also adjusted my approach in meeting new people.  If you can’t give me the courtesy of following through---on a meeting, a date, etc., then I don’t need you in my life and they are gone. 

This new approach to dealing with people would not have happened without both the weight loss and therapy.  Because of my new lifestyle, I am much more confident in how I carry myself and my body.  I used to slouch and try to hide, but now I find myself walking with excellent posture and looking people in the eye.  I also smile much more.  I am happier and I find that smiling puts people at ease and makes it easier for people to make friends.

The most exciting thing about the weight loss has been the new clothes.  I am falling in love with clothes---especially clothing with bright colors.  For years I wore outfits that were all dark colors or too big.  Lately I realize that those clothes were not only hiding my body, but making me look bigger.  I try to wear much more form fitting clothing, but because I am now gaining more muscle, I am struggling with finding clothes that fit correctly. 

Despite the many challenges of losing weight, I am thrilled to have done this.  It has put me on the path for greater health, which I plan on following for the rest of my life.