Latest Article on Weight Loss
(Please credit John Sammers and link back to this site if re-using this article)
Hi – I just saw on the news a report that claims when you exercise outside you lose more weight because there’s something in the fresher air and the sense of well being created by a connection with nature than burns more calories and speeds the metabolism.
I like it – apart from the fact that I still haven’t got used to cold rain and it rains a lot in the UK. (Australian rain is warmer)
It also reminded me of only a few of years ago when I was not carrying any excess fat at all (unlike now). What was different? I was getting out every morning and following a simple regime, so I thought I’d pass on what I was doing in case anybody wants to give it a try. It was the basis of what I was calling my Regeneration Programme (my own little urban renewal).
Here it is. I will include a longer version in the free section for those who wish to learn about the eating patterns as well.
Up early (so you’ll need to be in bed around 11pm). Drag yourself to the cold tap and splash your face until it is tingling. I used to fill the basin and hold my face in while breathing out through my nose. This would send bubbles around my cheeks and eyes and stimulate/massage the skin there. Does it work? Most people think I look younger than I am and I smoked for 30 years. Who knows? Could be good genes. The point is, I believed it did good things to my skin, so it did.
Trainers on as soon as possible (once the trainers are on, you may as well go…). Don’t forget to dress appropriately – its better to strip off a light layer and tie it around your waist or shoulders than be cold. Make certain the ipod is ready and charged (forward planning). Drink some water (not juice). Get outside and start walking to the park to warm up. While walking do diaphragmatic breathing to oxygenate and cleanse the body, as well as generate a sense of well-being (it works – write to me for an explanation). Breathe in through the nose for 2 counts of 4 hold for 2 counts and breathe out for more than 2. At the same time as this flex and exercise facial muscles – just push it about a bit, especially the muscles under the chin and under the eyes.
Once at the park do some tai chi (if you are a practitioner – I wasn’t doing it back then but will this time around as I am back learning again). Run for 5 or 10 minutes then do 20 press ups. Get back to the running and continue for at least 20mins. If you get tired, just walk for a while until you get your breath back then break back into a jog. It won’t be long until you can run non-stop. Remember, you’re doing this to feel good. Walk, jog – it makes no difference – its about you and the morning starting the day together.
I have to tell you when you are out there and a beautiful day is unfolding with the mist and gorgeous colours of sunrise, it can be a very spiritual experience. So, not only is your body getting a workout but its good food for the soul.
Get back home and do some agility stuff (jumping jacks or skipping – this is totally optional, but I do it and enjoy it) followed by some sit-ups and a large fruit juice (not cold – I pour it when I leave the house). After this a really good stretch and up for a shower. It would usually take between 30 and 50 minutes for the whole routine. If you wake at 6am you’re showered, feeling terrific and ready for breakfast at 7am. Breakfast is fruit and nuts and herbal tea. While chopping my fruit I would be preparing my salad for lunch and mid-morning fruit/vegetable drink. In the evening you can eat whatever you like as long as you are finished by 7.30.
I guarantee you will lose a stone (5 kilos) in a month easily (probably more). You will also feel fantastic.
I’m going to start this regime again. I stopped for a year of chemotherapy and didn’t have the energy for anything, let alone running – and got out of the routine of it. Who wants to do it as well? I’ll start a forum topic and join this to my facebook fan page for feedback and comment. Lets get ready for Summer!! |
