Back In The Fitness Swing With New Learnings

So it’s no surprise to many people that I have always tried to live a healthier life.  That being said I have also learned a lot recently.  Mainly that 2 weeks of straight travel can pack on 12 pounds pretty quickly.  I’ve also been struggling with fatigue issues, sleep, motivation, depression, and a host of other things.  What that’s turned into is a new view on things.  To be honest, that view is now more about focussing on myself above all else.

One big thing I have learned is I can never expect nor force people to join me.  Wait….what?  Yes I am being honest here.  I have tried for years to motivate others into thinking more about their well-being.  In the process I have let myself hit new lows.  Just about four weeks ago I was tipping the scale at almost 175 pounds and 27% body fat.  This is some of the worst numbers I’ve seen in a long time.  I decided enough was enough and I have pulled back from trying to convince others to better themselves to work on myself for many reasons.

Reason #1

I am not getting any younger and the older you get the harder it is to do things.  My knees hurt, my back aches, I sit all day long behind a god forsaken computer.  I stopped hiking, biking, and getting out to do things.  Honestly enough was enough.  I hated how I felt and that was the bottom line.  It needs to be about me, my life, and my happiness.

Reason #2

I was getting frustrated with many other people.  There was a lot and still is a lot of people that I have helped who continue to stay healthy even while I fell off the wagon…..HARD.  However there was a lot more people that I was spending time trying to “Convince” that this was the right thing.  In the process, I spent more time trying to convince others, than taking care of myself.  That’s never a good recipe for success.  I’ve decided that if people want help, they need to commit to themselves first before I will commit to helping them.  It’s a two way street and I was putting in way more effort frankly than others.

Reason #3

I needed to try something new and along came 22 Minute Hard Corps.  We all bitch and complain about how little time we have and I am no exception.  I’ve done hours at the gym, I’ve done P90X and every other thing.  What I can say is I don’t care who you are….you have 22 minutes a day myself included.   However one thing I will admit to is I have never really followed a food plan by the book.  This time I am and I am even trying the portion container system and it’s working.

I can say that in the last 4 weeks (3 weeks of the ultimate reset and 1 week of 22 minute Hard Corps), I am making strides.  It takes time but it is working.  I am below 23% body fat from the starting 27% and pants already fit better.  My weight has stayed steady at about 165, down from the starting numbers over 170.  I am excited to work out again and maybe, just maybe I can re-inspire a few people that will stick with it long term.

About Chris Colotti

Chris is active on the VMUG and event speaking circuit and is available for many events if you want to reach out and ask. Previously to this he spent close to a decade working for VMware as a Principal Architect. Previous to his nine plus years at VMware, Chris was a System Administrator that evolved his career into a data center architect. Chris spends a lot of time mentoring co-workers and friends on the benefits of personal growth and professional development. Chris is also amongst the first VMware Certified Design Experts (VCDX#37), and author of multiple white papers. In his spare time he helps his wife Julie run her promotional products as the accountant, book keeper, and IT Support. Chris also believes in both a healthy body and healthy mind, and has become heavily involved with fitness as a Diamond Team Beachbody Coach using P90X and other Beachbody Programs. Although Technology is his day job, Chris is passionate about fitness after losing 60 pounds himself in the last few years.

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