Sept 18th to Sept 24th Activity and Goals

This blog entry marks a reflection over my progress from September 18th to September 24th, detailing my routine, emotional journey, and long-term goals. I've made strides since my last update, each step painting a clearer picture of my evolving fitness journey.

Activities:

September 18th: Alpha Strength, FLOW (Yoga), AMP Cycle

September 19th: Alpha Strength, FLOW (Yoga), Pickleball League Play

September 20th: Barbell Strength, FLOW - Guided (Yoga), Strength and SURRENDER event (Alpha Strength and SURRENDER (Yin Yoga))

September 21st: H.I.I.T Class at Rochester Athletic Club (Thanks to my dear Mother for the guest pass). 

September 22nd: AMP Cycle (Thank you coworker David for joining me at this class), Alpha Conditioning, Warrior Sculpt, Fight Conditioning

September 23rd: TGT Center Triathlon Event (Warrior Sculpt, AMP Cycle, and Alpha Conditioning).

September 24th: Rest Day, SURRENDER (Yin Yoga), 3.75-mile walk

I'll be transitioning away from the Pickleball league, making room for diverse fitness classes, as previously mentioned.

Reflection:

Embarking on these classes, I often find myself being one of the more full-figured individuals, a truth that occasionally brings a sense of shame, a sentiment that was particularly amplified during a heated SOL class in St. Louis Park. It’s a daily battle, a mixture of remorse for letting myself go and pride in witnessing my progress, a journey toward a more fulfilling life.

The relentless pursuit of fitness has seen me attend numerous classes, pushing my limits each time. Particularly on September 22nd and 23rd, my fitness tracker recorded a burn of approximately 4500 calories across the two days. Despite frequently earning the unofficial title of “the sweatiest guy in class”, my resolve remains unbroken, my head held high.

The initial days were challenging, with every session leaving me sore and strained, but progress is evident. Now, I can endure back-to-back sessions, a testament to the improvements I've gained along the way. The soreness that once followed each class is no longer a constant companion, indicating the strides I’ve made in my fitness journey.

However, the pursuit of strength and fitness should also be balanced with adequate rest and recovery. Thus, I have been striving to incorporate more yoga and active recovery sessions into my routine, recognizing the importance of allowing my body to heal and rejuvenate. I probably need to prioritize rest even more, as the resilience I've developed doesn't negate the necessity for proper recuperation.

This journey is a mix of shame for letting myself go and pride in regaining control, a step towards a more fulfilling, balanced life. It’s not just a physical endeavor but also a mental battle, a daily endeavor to overcome my limitations and prove to myself that the path I’m on is leading to transformation and self-fulfillment.

Mental Game (The W's and the L's):

I understand my mental health through the lens of “Wins” (W’s) and “Losses” (L’s). W’s represent victories or positive occurrences, while L’s represent painful experiences and setbacks. It’s crucial to maintain a balance where W’s surpass L’s. Achieving W’s, especially those earned through effort and struggle, provide substantial mental upliftment compared to those received effortlessly. Additionally, the ability to absorb L’s without succumbing to them is equally crucial. By waking up early to make a 6:00am class, I ensure each day begins with an earned W, a beacon of strength and perseverance.

Goals:

While my journey has been extensively shared, my goals have remained in the shadows, partly because formulating them required a balanced mental state. Now, I have delineated goals for May 2024, titled "Hot Guy Summer," which serve as my beacon, subject to evolution and refinement.

Goal 1: Qualify for the National Physical Fitness Award.

Criteria: 44 Curl-Ups, 9.4 sec Shuttle run, +3.0 V-Sit Reach (Inches), 7:04 One-Mile Run, 8 Pull-ups.

Stretch Goal: If achieved early, aim for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

Stretch Criteria: 55 Curl Ups, 8.7 sec Shuttle run, +7.0 inch V-Sit Reach, 6:06 One-Mile Run, 13 Pull-Ups.

I’m hopeful these clear goals will maintain my momentum and keep me accountable as I continue navigating through my fitness journey. The journey has been laden with self-reflection, understanding, and an unyielding desire for transformation, encapsulating my physical endeavors and my mental resilience. Here's to a future sculpted with persistence, self-love, and unrelenting effort!

All the best,

Fred