Workout Thoughts

by Chris Bunton

I’m not going to pretend to be a fitness instructor. When it comes to fitness I feel that if I can out run most people I will escape the zombies. Because they will be eating the slower ones.

I also figure that if I can beat up most people I’ll be ok, because I can stab the rest.

And really isn’t that what working out is about?

Survival, looking good, and being pain free when you get old? Avoiding heart attacks, a fat rump, and bagging a babe? Or maybe beating that guy who looks at your old lady, or cuts you off at the local Walmart.

So, with that in mind, I would like to say that I don’t workout to burn calories. I work out to get my heart rate up, to increase my wind, and get ready to fight big bubba when he comes a callin.

Everything with working out always seems to be about calories. It’s discouraging. You get on the elliptical and you are burning up the miles, sweating, puffing, and feeling like you did something. Then, you look at how many calories you burned and it says “4”.

“4” freaking calories. I consume 50 times that many calories in two minutes.

It’s discouraging. So, I focus on other things. If I get my heart rate up, and stay consistent, good things will happen.

I find that when I stay healthy, eat right, and work out, I’m happier. I have more joy. It’s not a competition. It’s about life. It’s about being useful and productive.

Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs shows that we need certain things to move forward in life. If you are sick, broke and sad, like a beat down old dog, you will focus on that. You will have trouble rising to the next level, because you cannot get your eyes off of your situation. You need to break through with baby steps. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Just go a little at a time, and try to go further next time. It’s better than nothing.

You can move forward. Don’t let things discourage you. Don’t let the devil whisper failure into your mind. Just get up and keep trying. Pray for God’s help. It will get better.

This is what I tell myself. You are welcome to use it for yourself, if you want.