My New Gym Bag

I've been working out most of my life and during that time I've been using garbage bags or gym bags, that I got for free from one place or another, to carry around my gym clothes/shoes/items.
I've used one of those free gym bags up until recently. The bag was full of holes and wasn't really useful to me as a gym bag anymore.

It was time for an upgrade and for the first time ever; I decided that I would actually buy my next gym bag. I had 2 criteria:

• Rugged - The thing has to be able to handle my workout lifestyle both at the gym and elsewhere. I want to be able to kick that thing around without worrying about it. I want the thing to last me years.
• Size - Big enough to carry everything related to my workout or whatever physical activity I want to do.

After a few weeks of looking online, I came across "TOBWOLF Waterproof Gym Duffel Bag, Travel Luggage Backpack for Men and Women" and it's so good that it made me regret not buying a decent gym bag earlier. It not only meets my meager criteria, it also includes things that I didn't know I wanted from a gym bag.

If we go back to my criteria:

• Rugged - The thing is built to last. High quality material stitched together nicely with high quality zippers for the pockets.
• Size - Not too big, not too small - I'm able to carry my shoes, belts, braces, books, water bottle, earbuds ... everything that I need on any given day at the gym. It is big enough that I could put a basketball in if I wanted to.

Now if we talk about things I didn't know I wanted:

• Separate compartment for shoes - This is a neat idea. Shoes can get stinky so they added a pocket specifically for shoes with some breathing holes in it.
• Water Resistant - Want to bring the bag near water? No problem - it's made with water resistant material.
• Wet Pocket - A pocket was added to put wet items in so that it doesn't touch anything else in the bag.

One thing I wish the bag would of included is a dedicated water bottle pouch that is big enough for a 1 liter bottle. So no, it's not a perfect bag (no bag is) but it's definitely better than any bag I ever owned.
If you're in the market for one, you should check it out!

Good Books can be Read More than Once

"You are what you think you are. Think more of yourself and there is more of you."
-David J. Schwartz

A little while ago, I went on a few dates with a woman that I felt was out of my league. I didn't flatout tell her this but since it was on my mind she could feel it through my actions.

Soon after, I picked up "The Magic of thinking BIG" book, from David J. Scwartz, (for like the sixth time in the past 10 years) and I'm still amaze at how much I'm getting out of this book. While the book didn't change since it was created; I sure did which explains why I'm getting totally different messages each time I pick it up.
What I got from the book, this time, was simply that I need to focus on the big picture if I want to have the necessary confidence to go through my daily affairs. By focusing on the end result, it gives you the perspective in the present.

Would I be with that person today if I would of applied that philosophy? Who knows? Life is still amazing though so be sure to live it fully!

Loosing Weight

Loosing weight is difficult when you don't know how to go about it. What most people don't realize is that going to the gym to exerciser is the easiest part - the diet is the hardest.

The Diet:
I'm not a believer in diets that cut out a specific food groups in order to achieve weight goals. Currently, the "Keto" diet is all the rage but I can't see how it can be sustainable, longer term, considering that your body needs the nutrients that the diet is removing. You can only go so long, without a food group, before you start noticing problems.
No energy? Body aches? Feeling depressed? Those could all be problems related to the diet. The best diets include items from every food groups sized according to your goals.

The Exercise:
It is possible to loose or gain weight simply by dieting but it's best to accompany a diet with a good exercise regiment tailored to your goals. Remember that the diet needs to compliment your workout - not go against it. If your goal is to loose weight, and you're not noticing any changes after 3-4 months, it could be because your calorie intake far exceed the calorie burnt during your working. You can't outwork a bad diet because it's easier to consume calories than it is to burn it. It can take 30 minutes just to burn the calories you got from eating a cheese burger. Think about that next time you eat a burger and you're trying to loose weight.

The Rests:
Resting is important in order to loose weight and is probably the easiest thing to implement. When we rest, it not only regenerates our energy but it also helps with healing our broken muscles.

The Discipline:
Another thing to consider during your wellness journey is the discipline required to reach your health goals. Weight goals are the easiest to make but they are also the easiest to break. "Cheat meals" can turn into cheat days, weeks, months and next thing you know you've quit on yourself entirely.

Loosing weight is possible. Set the goal, follow your diet, exercise appropriately and do it even when you don't feel like it and you'll do it.