And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. — Anais Nin

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Dec 1, 2008 | 2:01 pm

The Academic Approach

Categories: Uncategorized

For the past 2 decades, I’ve been working to keep my weight in check. I’ve seen a naturopath, nutritionist, personal trainers, Weight Watchers, other diet groups in person and on-line, Overeaters Anonymous, and even used my coach to work on my weight. Alot has stuck with me. And so has alot of extra calories.

So, I decided to take an academic approach this time to lose some weight. I am planning on using a bunch of tools at my disposal to keep this on track. There is a big part of this process that gets held up in fear; that I’ll judge myself or others witll judge me as being stupid and selfish to ut such an interest in my weight. And the people who really support me wouldn’t ever see it that way, it’s just my fear.

This weekend I did something pretty cool. I made a pnuemonic device to help me remember the 13 core exercises that one does in the gym. This comes from the fitness trainer to the stars, Gunnar Peterson. (No, not Richard Simmons – not that I have anything against him personally, I just want to have nothing to do with the ‘oldies’). Here are those 13 exercises, in order:

  1. Stretches
  2. Lunges
  3. Chest Press
  4. Chest Flys
  5. Pulldowns
  6. Rows
  7. Shoulder Press
  8. Raises
  9. Pressdowns
  10. Extensions
  11. Curls
  12. Crunches
  13. Reverse Crunches
Now, when I go into that area of the gym that has me freaked out, I have a plan. I don’t even need a piece of paper to remind me of the 13 exercises because of a phrase I made up to help me remember the order: Sexy Legs Chase Cute Powerful Runners Seeking Ravenous Praise Earning Crazy Competitive Rivals. It doesn’t roll off of the tongue easily. In fact, it can be hard to remember itself. But the more I visualize that sentence coming to life, the more dedicated I become. It’s become a mantra while I’m running on the treadmill or even sitting on the sofa, wondering if I’m gonna have the spirit to get up off of the couch and get into the gym.
So here’s to physical education, or body academics! Let’s see how this works out for me. I’m willing to try anything!
Truly Yours,
Joseph Lyons

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