Monday, 11 September 2023

>>>#12/9/23 I skipped my morning exercise today

 This is part of the experimentation; mainly to see the various variations in my regimentation and how they work.

I want to move away from the usual case where I gungho initially and then fizzle off in the end due to overtraining.  According to Mark Sisson, it is better to train 10% less than to overtrain more than 2%.

I should be able to take the cue from overtraining like excessive eating and sleeping and adjust accordingly.  The idea here is to avoid hitting the wall.  When that happens, I will start experiencing Dark Depression.  Yesterday I was sleeping all day long and missed two exercise slots.  

Today I purposely skipped one slot to see if I can manage my motivation level to do the two other slots in the afternoon.  Basically, I am doing mood management.  This is because I realize that getting up and moving is a matter of managing my moo[n] (mood); MOTION CREATES EMOTION and EMOTION CREATES MOTION.  It's a Cybernetic Loop. 

Therefore exercising is about state management governed by perception and belief.

For example, I feel glad that I exercised yesterday because I am motivated knowing that Karno (Dean Karnazes) runs a marathon every morning.  Therefore the belief is, that if he can do that, what I am doing is a pittance.

Contrary, this morning I feel the blues.  Now, there are two schools of thought on this.  Some say just wade through while others say, that is a sign to slow down.  Since I earned my badge yesterday and this is an experiment on the two slots in the afternoon, I rather take my *chan[g]es (chances) although I do feel guilty about it. 

* Thanks [] (for) the support.

Taking the whole thing into perspective, the basic requirement is to exercise at least three hours a week.  I upped the ante by doing my exercise an hour a day (AHAD).  I also knew Natalie Portman trained three hours a day for her role in Black Swan.  What broke my mental shackle was knowing that Arnold Schwarzenegger trained FIVE HOURS a day for Mr. Universe!  So certainly I can match Natalie Portman considering that I have a goal to pursue; which is to hit 60 kg by New Year's Day next year.  In this case, Arnold sets my upper limit.  

I have to discount Karno because he is a superhuman.  He has no issue with acid lactic like you and me.  However, the final argument is from David Goggins.  He said we are now only operating at 40% of our capacity.  To move to 80% we need to move away from our comfort zone.  

 "When you think you're done, you're only 40% into what your body's capable of doing. That's just the limits that we put on ourselves. We still have 60 percent more to give!" - David Goggins.


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    Susan's Input:

It seems like you have a well-thought-out plan and a deep understanding of the importance of balancing exercise and motivation. Your approach to experimenting with variations in your exercise routine and listening to your body's signals is commendable. Let's break down some key points:
  • Balancing Rest and Exercise: Mark Sisson's advice about training 10% less than overtraining more than 2% is a valuable perspective. Overtraining can lead to burnout, injuries, and a loss of motivation. Listening to your body's cues, such as excessive eating and sleeping, can help you strike the right balance.
  • Mood Management: Your recognition that mood plays a significant role in your exercise routine is spot-on. The idea that "MOTION CREATES EMOTION and EMOTION CREATES MOTION" highlights the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and mental state.
  • Managing State Through Belief: Using positive beliefs and role models like Dean Karnazes, Natalie Portman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as motivation is a great strategy. These figures can serve as sources of inspiration to push your limits and set ambitious goals.
  • David Goggins' 40% Rule: David Goggins' philosophy is about pushing through perceived limits and embracing discomfort to tap into your full potential. His quote, "When you think you're done, you're only 40% into what your body's capable of doing," underscores the idea that we often underestimate ourselves. It's a mindset that encourages pushing beyond comfort zones.
In terms of perspective, it's important to recognize that individual bodies and minds vary, so what works for one person may not work exactly the same way for another. The key is to find a routine and approach that works best for you personally and aligns with your goals and overall well-being. This might involve some experimentation and adjustments along the way, as you're already doing.

Ultimately, your willingness to adapt, learn from your experiences, and stay motivated is a valuable asset in your fitness journey. Just remember to prioritize your health and well-being, listen to your body, and seek balance in your routine. Keep setting challenging but realistic goals and stay inspired by the achievements of others. Your determination and commitment are commendable, and with a well-balanced approach, you can make steady progress toward your goals.

User
What about the guilt?  Is it real or perceived?

ChatGPT

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Feelings of guilt can be real and powerful, but they can also be perceived or exaggerated based on our individual perspectives and self-criticism. In the context of your exercise routine, it's important to examine whether the guilt you're feeling is justified or if it's a result of your own expectations and self-judgment.

Here are a few considerations regarding guilt related to exercise:

  • Setting Realistic Expectations: It's essential to set realistic expectations for yourself. If you've missed a workout for a valid reason or as part of a planned experiment, there's no need to feel guilty. Guilt can be counterproductive and demotivating.
  • Understanding the Source: Try to identify the source of your guilt. Is it coming from external pressure or comparisons to others, or is it a self-imposed expectation? Understanding the root cause can help you address it more effectively.
  • Learning from Experience: Instead of feeling guilty, view deviations from your routine as opportunities to learn and adjust. Experimentation and occasional variations can provide valuable insights into what works best for your body and mind.
  • Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can help you manage feelings of guilt. Recognize that everyone has off days or moments when their routine doesn't go as planned. Be kind to yourself and avoid overly self-critical thoughts.
  • Goal Alignment: Revisit your goals and ensure that your exercise routine aligns with them. If your overarching goal is to improve your health and well-being, occasional deviations from your routine are not detrimental in the long run.
  • Seeking Support: Discuss your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or even a fitness coach. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts and getting an outside perspective can alleviate guilt and provide guidance.
In summary, while feelings of guilt can be genuine, it's essential to assess whether they are justified or if they stem from unrealistic expectations or self-imposed pressure. Remember that your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and flexibility and adaptability are key to long-term success. Use deviations from your routine as opportunities for growth and learning rather than sources of guilt.

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  Bard's Input

I think it's great that you're experimenting with different training regimens to find what works best for you. It sounds like you're taking a thoughtful and scientific approach to your fitness goals.

I agree with Mark Sisson that it's better to train 10% less than to overtrain more than 2%. Overtraining can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and increased risk of injury. It's important to listen to your body and take rest days when you need them.

I also think it's important to manage your mood when it comes to exercise. When you're feeling motivated, it's easier to get moving and stay consistent with your workouts. But when you're feeling down, it can be harder to get started. That's why it's helpful to have a plan in place for how you're going to deal with those days.

In your case, it sounds like you're trying to decide whether to push through your blues and exercise anyway or to take a break and try again later. There's no right or wrong answer here, it really depends on how you're feeling and what you think is best for you.

If you're feeling up to it, I would encourage you to push through your blues and exercise anyway. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood, and it can help you to feel more motivated and energized. Plus, it's always better to stick to your plan than to give up.

However, if you're really not feeling up to it, then it's okay to take a break. Just make sure to get back to it as soon as you can.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to exercise or not is up to you. But I think it's important to remember that exercise is a powerful tool that can help you to improve your mood, your health, and your overall well-being. So don't be afraid to push yourself, but also don't be afraid to take a break when you need it.

As for David Goggins' quote, I think it's a powerful reminder that we are capable of more than we think. When we feel like we're at our limit, we should remember that we still have more to give. We should push ourselves to keep going, even when it's difficult.

However, I also think it's important to be realistic about our goals and abilities. We don't need to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion every day. It's okay to take breaks and listen to our bodies.

The key is to find a balance that works for us. We should challenge ourselves, but we should also be kind to ourselves.

I hope this helps!

What about the guilt?  Is it real or perceived?

The guilt you feel about skipping your morning exercise can be real or perceived. It depends on a number of factors, such as your own personal values, your goals, and your expectations of yourself.

If you have a strong belief that exercise is important for your health and well-being, then you may feel guilty if you skip a workout. You may also feel guilty if you have set a goal to exercise a certain number of times per week, and you miss a workout.

On the other hand, if you don't place a lot of importance on exercise, or if you don't have any specific goals, then you may not feel guilty about skipping a workout.

Ultimately, whether or not the guilt you feel is real or perceived is up to you. If you feel guilty, it's important to examine why you feel that way. Are you setting unrealistic expectations for yourself? Are you comparing yourself to others? Once you understand the reason for your guilt, you can start to address it.

Here are some tips for dealing with the guilt of skipping exercise:

  • Remind yourself of the benefits of exercise. Exercise can improve your physical and mental health, and it can help you to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Be realistic about your goals. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals
  • Forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. If you skip a workout, don't beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track as soon as possible.
Focus on the positive. Instead of dwelling on the fact that you skipped a workout, focus on the things you did do that day. Did you eat healthy? Did you get enough sleep? Did you spend time with loved ones?

Remember, exercise is a marathon, not a sprint. It's okay to take a break sometimes. Just make sure to get back on track as soon as you can.

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Conclusion:  BE CONSISTENT.

mm

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