Hi folks!
The time keeps sliding away. We've already hit the first of March, yet it seems that the year has just begun. Today is the last day that I will cover the fitness section of the Daniel Plan.
I want to go back and elaborate on several aspects I hit on when I first introduced this module.
The first is planning. It's a harsh but simple truth: if you don't make time for exercise you won't do it with regularity. Keep in mind that people respond and function better with exercise at different times of the day. For instance, I am a morning person and like to get in a long walk with the dog to start my day.
Whatever your time is, put it in your planner or commit to it in another way, but each week evaluate how you did and try to balance your schedule to allow for your fitness time.
Second, chart what you have done and try to gradually increase your reps or distance. Your body will become accustomed to what you are doing so mix it up, and try to find something else that you can enjoy as a physical challenge.
I want to digress here to talk about something that I think is important, and something you probably weren't aware of.
Most people assume that when they are working out they are burning calories (which is true) of fat (which almost always isn't!). So let's look at this a little more closely. If you recall our discussion about blood sugar, we said that cells always use sugar (specifically glucose) for fuel.
The body designed by God, the master engineer, would never use a more difficult mechanism (fat metabolism) to provide fuel when there was a simpler one available. This simpler mechanism is the sugar in the blood and the reserve of glucose stored in the liver as glycogen. Recreational athletes seldom get past these available stores of energy to tap directly into fat burning, contrary to what advertising and gym membership salesmen would have you believe.
Most fat burning actually takes place in response to increased activity levels during the deep phase of sleep particularly between midnight and 4AM the night after a workout. It is crucial to both be asleep at these times and not have excessive insulin activity (say as the result of a big dessert) during these times. It is important to note that the body will NOT burn fat in the presence of insulin for the reason listed above. Namely, if there is already fuel available, why switch to fat burning?
Something to think about and factor into your scheduling and planning.
Keep at it! If you don't quit you can't lose!
Daily Bible verse:
““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””
-Noel