PHYSICAL STRENGTH

I've been on an ad hoc weight loss program for about a month now, and I've had pretty good results so far: fourteen pounds lost.  A big part of it has been eating better, but I've also been working out pretty consistently.

This morning I'm about to do a workout courtesy of spartanrace.com (If you don't know what a Spartan Race is, check out their website and sign up for the WOD).  This one is all about building speed and being able to transition quickly from strength to endurance obstacles and vice versa.  It goes something like this:

Warm-up (stretch, jog in place)

400 meter (1/4 mile) run
10-30 burpees
2 minute rest
10-30 burpees
400 meter run
2 minute rest

Repeat one to three times.

If you would like to receive workouts daily to your inbox that will help push you to the next level, go to the Spartan Race website.  If you're interested in running a Spartan Race (and you should be) I'd be happy to form a shield wall with you and race together.  I've already done two and I'm looking at doing one in the near future.

I say all this because physical prowess is essential to confidence and happiness in most if not all men.  I've been in really great shape before, and I miss the days of being comfortable with my weight and running six miles in less than fifty minutes.  Unfortunately, I lowered my shield after my last Spartan Race.  It only got worse after I got married.  Seriously, if you thought dragging yourself out of bed early in the morning to work out was a chore before, wait until you have a hot wife (who is usually very sleepy) sleeping next to you.  My wife is one amazing cook as well, and I was sick right after we got married (chickenpox), all of which set me on the road to no work-outs and bad eating habits.

Before we go on, I don't blame my wife.  I could have stopped her from making delicious food at any time, or I could have just eaten smaller portions.  The responsibility falls completely on me.  Now that I've told her what I want to do, she has been my greatest ally in losing weight.  She encourages me to work out, cooks healthy meals, and times me when I have to do indoor workouts because of weather.

Physical fitness is a shield against many adversaries: laziness, sickness, obesity, depression, lack of confidence, etc.  It has all-round benefits, which is why I am ending this post here, raising my shield high, and charging headlong into a work-out.  Get up and get moving guys, it's going to be a great day!