A Merry Life - The Pursuit of Healthy & Happy » Health

Should Gym Staff Be Healthy?

Mary — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:06:43 +0000

Today during my workout I watched a personal trainer train a client.

Then after he was finished I watched owner walked outside and smoke a cigarette behind his car. I was still in the gym working out but could see him from my location.

At first I was a bit shocked. Was the trainer really out there smoking? After he just spent an hour training a guy and giving him advice on how to get healthy? I’m pretty sure he didn’t advise him to start smoking. So why would he go do that himself? Especially where gym members could see him?

After watching this incident I started thinking about the question of whether or not gym staff, and gym owners, should be healthy.

I know not all gym staff are healthy. Technically my first job out of high school was at a gym (YMCA). I weighed somewhere between 255 and 260 pounds, wasn’t active, and I wasn’t healthy at all. My job though was to greet people at the Y and do paperwork. I wasn’t out there training people or even working on the gym floor so it didn’t seem like a big deal (side note: one thing I love about YMCAs is that they have staff of varying sizes and ages so exercise and healthy living is very inclusive).

But shouldn’t the people at the gym in charge of helping people train and get healthy… actually be healthy?

Obviously I believe you don’t have to be thin to be healthy but should you be at a normal weight/thin if you own a gym? If you are a personal trainer? Should you smoke? Should you engage in other unhealthy behaviors?

I thought about Marci who despite owning a gym ended up on The Biggest Loser. Obviously gym staff and owners deal with the same issues everyone else does. But should they promote a healthy lifestyle if they aren’t living it themselves? If a gym owner smokes on his breaks should he be telling clients smoking is bad and they need to avoid it to run faster and workout harder?

I don’t exactly have answers to this but I do think gym staff should be healthy. Or at least give the appearance of being healthy (er, smoke at home at least?). Maybe I’m wrong though… I’m interested to hear your thoughts:

Should gym staff be healthy?

Should Gym Staff Be Healthy? is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

“At Least I’m Not Obese”

Mary — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:47:17 +0000

It’s been on several blogs and fitness news sites now, but in case you haven’t already heard: a new Gallup poll of over 1,000 adults found that the average American weighs about 20 pounds more than the average American did 20 years ago.

Surprised? I wasn’t. And I don’t think you were either.

The study explained that not only has the actual weight increased but so has our perception of what our ideal weight should be. That has increased almost 10 pounds over 20 years, possibly in part to the actual expanding waistlines.

I wasn’t going to write about this little nugget of news because I don’t find it particularly helpful or anything. But I do find the questions attached to it interesting… mainly this one:

Is being overweight more acceptable today?

The answer in my opinion is yes. Although some people are unluckily judged and teased for being overweight I’ve found that in general it’s more accepted these days. Perhaps it’s because so many of us are overweight that culturally we have shifted to accept a few more pounds on people (this isn’t everyone as some people are and will always be judgmental and rude about overweight people).

I think this cultural shift can be summed up in one single phrase that I’ve heard hundreds of times from many different people from many different walks of life:

At least I’m not obese.

It’s the ultimate justification for an overweight person. It’s also an example of how being overweight is more acceptable today. It’s okay to be overweight now for this reason – while it was previously looked down upon it is now accepted because there is the much worse condition of obesity.

Is being obese or super obese more acceptable today? NO WAY. Not even close. Watch The Biggest Loser for one season and you will see the major contempt for obesity on display even from the obese people themselves. There is a new villain in society – obesity – that lets us all feel better about being *just* overweight.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase “At least I’m not obese” lately. I’ve read it on more blogs than I can count. It’s generally used when a blogger gains a few pounds or comes to realize they don’t want to push themselves to lose the last five vanity pounds. People usually always agree with the statement and with reason, as the person might be overweight but usually isn’t faced with major health risks.

Personally, I hate the phrase and mentality of “At least I’m not obese.” Perhaps it makes overweight people feel more accepted in society or happy with their own bodies but it is also a jab at those of us who are or were obese. It’s a subtle way to insult obese people in an effort to make everyone else feel better about themselves. How is that a good thing?

I don’t know, maybe I’ll feel differently when I’m finally not technically classified as “obese” from my BMI. Moving from morbidly obese to just obese was pretty exciting, so maybe the jump to just overweight will have me screaming from the rooftops “At least I’m not obese!” Or maybe not. Actually, definitely not because I wouldn’t want to say something so insulting.

What are your thoughts on the study? Do you think it’s more acceptable to be overweight these days? Do you ever use the phrase “At least I’m not obese”? Why?

“At Least I’m Not Obese” is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

The Urge To Crash Diet

Mary — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:15:28 +0000

Two weeks before a big event is the time when you crash diet, right?

That’s what I’ve always heard and seen people do. I have a couple friends that did it before every big event where they had to wear a pretty dress or be in front of people. I even did it myself once though it went horribly wrong and I’ve never done it again since that ill fated attempt (again this was an experience where a friend encouraged me to join them on a diet).

Yet, I feel that desire there. I feel that pressure to lose another couple of pounds.

It’s a ridiculous feeling for many reasons: I don’t know what exactly I weigh, I know it will make me unhappy, it will make me weak and cause me to lose muscle, it’s not healthy, it’s not really what I want to do. It’s ridiculous and I won’t be crash dieting before the wedding like some brides, but I can’t deny the thought isn’t there.

I’m not sure the thought would be there without all the outside influences though. Magazines and movies and even friends’ experiences tell me I can lose 5 pounds in 7 days and if I skip carbs completely I’ll be so much better off by the event. It feels almost like I’m supposed to be throwing a last ditch effort into losing weight right now. Because it feels like it’s what “everyone does” it feels like I should be doing it too.

That’s silly of course. I’m sticking with my healthy habits and eating multiple meals a day with lots of fruits and veggies and plenty of protein for my super awesome muscles that I love. I’ve been doing well for months and feel as healthy and as strong and sexy as I ever have. I’m around my smallest size ever, fitting into some but not all of the pants in the stack (though not well enough quite yet) and looking awesome in the dresses I love to wear.

I’m healthy and I’m strong and there is no reason to resort to unhealthy, unsustainable methods of weight loss just for an event… yet that feeling is there. Urges to do things you shouldn’t happen and that’s okay. I’m not following through and won’t be. But it’s something that is on my list of things to be constantly vigilant about, just like the urge to binge.

Note – This isn’t something I’m thinking much about but I felt the need to acknowledge that feeling and share that I’m dealing with it and not resorting to unhealthy methods. Nor will I. I’m in this thing for the long haul and looking towards developing great overall health for the rest of my life, not just for a couple hours and some photos.

Do you get the urge to crash diet before an event? Have you ever?

The Urge To Crash Diet is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

Numb

Mary — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:55:23 +0000

There must be something about me. Maybe I’m cursed regarding dental appointments.

I went yesterday. They were rude and embarrassed me and refused to see me even though it was their mistake. So I had to reschedule at a different place for this morning.

3 hours, 3 shots to numb just one side of my mouth, and 3 cavities later… I’m done. Well, done for now. I have to go back tomorrow for some gum work but I’ve at least taken care of the fillings for now.

Luckily I sucked it up after the first failed appointment (that sent me into anxiety overload) and did it before it became a root canal situation. Thank goodness for the small things! It really is important to do these things and not ignore any part of your health and well being. I’m trying these days to have a more holistic view on things and take care of all my body parts and overall health, teeth included.

But right now I’m completely numb on a good portion of my mouth and face hours after my appointment. I’m the numbest I’ve ever been because he gave me multiple shots to make sure I couldn’t feel a thing. That was great but now it makes it impossible for me to eat or drink which is a bummer because I’m super hungry!

Since I’ve got a ton of work/life to catch up on after the dentist appointments took a lot longer than I expected I’ll go now and leave you with the best post dentist video ever.

That kid cracks me up. Kinda reminds me of how I was post wisdom teeth removal.

Have a good day friends!

Numb is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

Doctor Day

Mary — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:22:37 +0000

Between my little brother getting in an accident (he’s fine), working some overtime, and not having internet at home, my weekend didn’t go as planned. Needless to say, I left the weekend feeling like I have even more on my to do list this week.

The first thing on the list? Doctor visits!

Today’s fun involves a eye doctor visit for contacts (I actually prefer contacts but have been wearing my glasses more lately because I ran out of contacts and couldn’t refill my prescription) and the dentist of some fillings (because I almost always have multiple cavities).

I dislike going to these two doctors in particular, much more than a regular doctor visit. But I know that they are part of the overall health puzzle and I need to get it done. I put off the dentist visits longer than I should which is why I always end up having multiple cavities instead of just one or so. Wish me luck because it’s not going to be a pleasant visit.

I hate dentist visits.

Always have.

Maybe it’s because I’ve always had cavities. When I was younger my 3 brothers and I would eat the same foods but we all wouldn’t get cavities. Somehow my teeth just weren’t as healthy. Oh well.

I’m off to the doctors to get checked out and complete my round of doctor visits before leaving the US in a few weeks. Other than the cavities I know I have I’ve got a clean bill of health. It’s all good! :)

Just curious… What’s your least favorite doctor to visit? Mine is the dentist for sure!

Doctor Day is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

I’m Healthy! A Workout & A Vlog!

Mary — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:17:24 +0000

Cardio & Abs Workout

This morning I did a cardio and abs workout. I went to bed with the idea that this workout was going to happen. Even though I was tired this morning I still made myself go. Here’s what I did:

20 minutes intervals on the bike

20 minutes walking the track at the gym

weighted side bends

weighted torso twists

crunches with legs in air

weighted stability ball crunches

weighted decline bench crunch

lying leg raises

superman exercises for back

Several sets of 12 for each. :) I also did a little bit of yoga and pilates stuff at the end for balance and stretching.

I usually do a couple abs exercises every day, mostly planks, so I didn’t do any today and focused on other stuff. I think my abs are going to be a bit sore tomorrow.

Abuse & Strength

Last night was not a fun night for me.

I sometimes question my sanity for letting myself stay in a situation where someone intentionally tries to hurt me through yelling at and berating me. Therapy has helped me so much for these situations though – the whole time I kept remembering the things my therapist told me and I didn’t binge or eat anything to soothe my feelings after the verbal abuse and fighting was over.

Instead I stood strong because slowly but surely I’m dismantling the biggest insult that keeps getting thrown at me by certain family members (my weight). Some family might keep trying to hurt me, but I’m stronger than they think. I might still hear the insults with my ears, but I’m no longer listening.

I also refuse to admit that stuff like this doesn’t happen. Dirty laundry or not, people should treat other people with respect. Especially family. Note to everyone: Treat people kindly and with respect and your life will probably be a lot better than you expect.

I’m Healthy – A Vlog

I’ve been thinking a lot about being healthy and what that means. You know what? I’m healthy. I am.

I’m active and workout 5-6 days a week. I lift heavy weights. I do cardio. I move my body often during the day too.

My body fat is continuing to drop. My blood work is all good. I have no diseases or major problems. I am for all intents and purposes a very healthy 25 year old. Even at 200+ pounds.

Those thoughts yesterday ended up in the following vlog. I was just so excited when I finally read my results from the doctor and no one was around so I turned to the camera.

It’s exciting to be healthy!

Love you all! Have a great day!

I’m Healthy! A Workout & A Vlog! is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!

The Health Numbers: Body Fat Percentage

Mary — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:45:04 +0000

Several years ago, on the first leg of my healthy living journey, I had my body fat tested.

My body fat was 43.5%.

I cried.

I actually cried even more when I realized I was probably at 50% or more before I started exercising and eating better. I cried because I was almost half fat even after several months of healthy living. I cried because when I weighed 255+ I probably was half fat. I cried because those numbers hurt.

I know body fat isn’t completely accurate. I know it’s even less so when you are just doing the basic measures like an at home machine or a skin fold test instead of the fancy schmancy tests. But this is another number, along with the scale, that gives you an idea of how healthy you are. Several years ago I cried because I wasn’t very healthy at all.

Today I got my body fat tested again. I did it on a whim, hoping for something in the 30 percentages. You know, because I am still over 200 pounds and all.

My body fat today is 27.5%.

That blew me away because I was expecting something much worse! I asked the trainer if he was sure twice and checked out the numbers myself. I was not expecting to see a 2 in the beginning of the number, but all the measurements taken pointed right to it: 27.5%.

For a lot of people that 27.5% number would be horrific. It’s still not great but it’s something that has improved greatly and will continue to improve. Since I’m not weighing in right now I’m going to use this number as my measurement and hopefully improve it by the wedding. I plan to get it tested again either before or after the wedding.

Depending on which chart I look at online I fall into either a “Normal”, “Acceptable”, “Above Average” or “Obese” range of body fat percentages (confusing, right?). I guess there is no standard chart of body fat percentages like there is for the BMI measurement. If there is a standard one used by most people please let me know in the comments. Regardless, I’m so much closer to what I know are healthy numbers!

Man. I’m so glad I did this today. Getting that measurement totally made my day! It’s so awesome to see progress and know I’ve been losing fat and gaining muscle. Win! Win! Win!

The Health Numbers: Body Fat Percentage is a post from: A Merry Life! If you aren't reading it via RSS or on amerrylife.com it has been stolen!!