Back into Cross fit

As I have mentioned I am no PT, but I thought I would post about my training, as it may or may not be of interest to some. As I do not have any more triathlons this year; well this weekend is the Corporate and we do not have a team, so am responsible for coordinating the marshalls. And the last event is an off road dualthon- I don’t do off road, I am dangerous enough on road! So I thought it was time to up my running and gym work for the summer months. I figure being 10k run fit through summer, with the heat and humidity puts me in good prep for next year- I am hoping to complete the Olympic distance triathlon in better form than this year (which is possibly being moved to April) and maybe the local half marathon in June. The gym work will hopefully get my strength up, work on my core and maybe tone up a few bits here and there. My core work is vital as I suffer with back issues- and when I let the core stuff go, I know about it. So last night we went for a 20 minute warm up run (since it wasn’t raining at that very moment) followed by my first cross fit work out in a few months. Now I’ve read various mixed opinions on crossfit. But the version I am following was part of the Maxx’s muscle challenge we followed earlier this year. It involves mixing cardio and weight/strength training. The first time I did this, it took about 20 minutes to do the full set and my heart rate monitor was going mad… the sweat! So this routine involves 10 reps of the dumbbell clean and jerk squat, followed immediately by 10 push up, then 10 burpies (and don’t forget the jump), than a plank. Rest for 1-2mins then repeat. The aim is to build to 6 over all sets, with full press ups and 1 minute planks and eventually little to no rest. http://youtu.be/_HRzxTVbVQc

This youtube vid was taken my my OH of me doing this clean and jerk- so I apologise now for the angle it was taken from- MEN! But if you’re not sure how this is done, least it will give you the gist. Last night I did managed 5 sets with 30 second planks. The last I could barely make the clean and jerk squats- I couldn’t have pushed out another set if I wanted too. I only did one girly set of press ups, quite impressed with myself… Especially with the dog trying so hard to lick my face!

Welcome back! Food for fuel? Food for thought? Or a ‘fat tax’

Ok, so it has been quite some time since I posted on this blog. It’s been quite a journey since my last entry. This blog had always been about facing life as a post weight-loss success. But this time my motivations are a little different. It about achieving a better lifestyle and better all around health. I am not just hoping to discuss my culinary ‘cheats’, providing recipes that I use to keep the weight down. But techniques as to how I plan my meals and source food.

This really came from a Facebook post by a friend. He was discussing a report on how obesity is now Australia’s and the world biggest killer. Now affecting 2 out of 3 adults and 1 in five children 2 – 4 years. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/australias-obesity-crisis-worsens-as-survey-shows-two-out-of-three-adults-overweight-or-obese/story-fneuz9ev-1226505251354
And he was suggesting a ‘fat tax’ of sorts. Now I did point out the initial flaw in his use of the very rudimentary BMI scale as a marker upon which he was proposing the Medicare levy be based (Medicare being the Australian health system). I also caught part of a TV report, where a group was suggesting plan packaging and taxes on convenience or foods that were ‘bad’ for us.

Personally I can see the argument that the funds of many are paying toward the treatment of what in many cases are preventable health issues. But should be have to justify our lifestyles to receive treatment? As a recovering ‘obese’ person; whilst I appreciate the idea, I don’t think that is the answer. I do not see that these have in anyway been successful in reducing the use of cigarettes or alcohol- the numbers are coming down, but I believe this has been through education, societies shift in what is socially acceptable and availability of help and assistance.

As a society we already measure and judge this broad issue in such a simplified way. There are many varied definitions of being ‘fit’ or healthly’. I measure mine, not purely by a number on a scale (though this is something that I still aspire to… years of social brain washing), or by an ideal body shape. I measure mine by both personal ability, physical achievements and by the quality of my lifestyle. Health I believe is as much a mental issue that any given individual needs to be addressed, as it is a physical one.

I am not sure I ever really discussed the topic of my mental state when I blogged here in the past. It was predominantly food based. I guess in many respects my progression and appreciation of what it means to me to be ‘fit and healthy’ has taken time to develop. And hopefully will continue to do so. I am not here to lecture or offer a professional opinion, how could I? I am not a doctor, psychologist, personal trainer or nutrients. This is my own opinion (as it always has been), a record, an opportunity to share what has helped me get to this point, or hopefully a future point in my journey. Food and health through my eyes. I just hope someone will read this and be able to take something positive away. Or (fingers crossed) offer the benefit of their opinion or experience.

So welcome back… I think we have a lot to discuss :)