The SoG needs to move to a beach for some Vit D
What? Ok, this may sound stupid but one of the things that really really bothered me when I got overweight was that I could no longer easily put my socks on in the morning. I am serious! I would sit down and bend over to put my socks on and I could not reach.
The whole thing seems kind of ridiculous but I had to practically become a contortionist just so get my socks on.I would lay on my back, rock back and forth, try to cross my legs and all sorts of other activities. I would end up out of breath with my socks finally on or occasionally I would just give up and ask my wife to do it. When I now picture myself watching myself go through this ritual, I have to chuckle because I am sure it looked ridiculous. I am happy to report that I now have little difficulty putting my socks on again.
The reason I write about this is to point out that sometimes it is the small things that matter. Putting on your socks may seem like a small deal, but it was a BIG frustration for me. If I run into a stumbling block or pause to ask myself “Why do you exercise discipline?” or “Why do you live Primal?”, I just need to remember some of the small things like pulling up my socks.
What are some of your small but important victories?
January 15th, 2009 - 10:16 am
When I was overweight (and a little younger too), I had trouble getting out of the side of a pool. I would either flop onto the deck like a flounder whose lost the will to live or I would just use the stairs. Now I can vault myself practically onto my feet coming out of the water… my kung fu is strong!
All the Best,
Andrew
January 15th, 2009 - 10:20 am
Andrew,
Definitely looks better (especially to the oposite sex) when you agily hop out of the water than having to “beach” yourself. Awesome victory… your kung fu IS strong! Thank you for sharing.
The SoG
January 15th, 2009 - 11:44 am
One thing I’m looking forward to with more weight loss is having an easier time clipping my toenails.
January 15th, 2009 - 11:54 am
Roger,
I can totally see that! It goes right along with me and my socks. I had a hard time clipping my toe nails too.
January 15th, 2009 - 12:28 pm
There are devices for diabetic people that assist with putting on socks! I saw them one day in the “medical supply” aisle of the pharmacy. Even specials socks. Actually, all sorts of tools for nerve damaged fingers, and other diabetic complications. Sure reminds me to keep my BG normal with a primal diet!
January 15th, 2009 - 12:41 pm
Anna,
After my experience with difficulty putting onsocks, I completely believe it. I am glad it never came to needing one of these devices especially since I was looking pre-diabetic according to my doc.
January 16th, 2009 - 8:36 am
Just how big/overweight had you gotten!? In my weight loss/fitness gains, I’ve had many similar day to day events/chores become easier and easier, these benefits just sneak up on you. That 65lbs was impacting mobility in so many mundane ways (and several bigger issues!). I now can recognize that same debilitation in folks moving around me in every day life. I’ve had the audacity to call it to attention of friends and family, their unfortunate choices in nutrition and exercise. Luckily, I’ve not pushed away too many (and I clam up when they are obviously not receptive), and have actually managed to bring a handful of them on board with the “Primal Thing” through various books and blogs (including SOG!). Helping someone “see the light” is a delicate dance between helpfulness and judging them!
January 16th, 2009 - 8:41 am
Tim,
I had gotten to about 245#’s and over 30% bodyfat (I am 6′ 4″ tall). That would not even be considered large by todays standards lol. I have since lost 55-60#’s and now weigh 185-188#’s.
I totally agree on the delicate dance, after many of my friends and co-worker accused me of being “preachy”, I merely don’t offer information. If I am asked for it though I am more than happy to oblige.
January 16th, 2009 - 8:52 am
Carrying my groceries up the hill I live on (in my defense, it’s a very steep hill). After two weeks of Tabata intervals, suddenly it wasn’t so bad! Now I zip up my hill, passing people on the way up, even with two full bags of groceries
January 16th, 2009 - 9:08 am
I hear folks around me mention they want to lose “15 or so pounds this spring….” and I have to bite my tongue that they really need to lose more like 40 or even 50 lbs of fat! I only realize that now, as I initially was shooting to drop from 225 sub 200 when I got on board with some weight loss (thanks to a friend that spoon fed me the info he used to lose weight the year previous to my effort), a reasonable 20lb loss, that’ll do the trick! I ended up going from 225 to 160, losing fat, gaining muscle and refining my diet and exercise in the process. So knowing what I had on me (65lbs of fat fat fat), I now see other folks a little more critically.
Push this info people! Everyone who has it figured out (the “PRIMAL THING”) should grab a buddy, a family member, a co-worker, an acquaintance that seems receptive and team up with them. It helps you focus and refine your own nutrition/exercise AND you genuinely may change a life for the better! Just be perceptive when to push, when to back off, you’ll know the right situation, the right person. And get them to pay it forward as well!
Again, thanks for the great Blog! I think I’ll go clip my toenails.
January 16th, 2009 - 9:11 am
Rachel,
Definitely a victory! Day to day things getting easier is always a plus. Easier living is one less stress on you every day.
January 16th, 2009 - 9:15 am
Tim,
Congratulations on your success! That is awesome and so is your “share the wealth” attiude.
January 16th, 2009 - 11:35 am
In my heaviest days (260-270 lbs on a 5′5″ female) I remember every once in a while how turning over in bed became a huge ordeal that would result in a raised heart level at the very least, and lots of “oof”-ing and out of breathness at the worst. And, just last night I was reading a personal journal entry I’d made at the start of my health/fitness journey, where I commented that I could only do about 10 minutes of cardio activity before being seriously out of breath, and how my workouts would result in achy joints/ankles/hips for days afterward.
I’m so glad things aren’t like that anymore.
January 16th, 2009 - 2:49 pm
I use putting on my socks as a balance exercise. Do it while standing on one let at a time. Your balance soon improves.
January 16th, 2009 - 2:51 pm
I mention it here: http://conditioningresearch.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-do-balance-training.html
January 16th, 2009 - 3:36 pm
Sarah,
I am glad for you too! Congrtulations.
Chris,
I am going to have to give that a try.
Leave it to you to turn putting your socks on into a workout on purpose
January 17th, 2009 - 12:44 pm
SOG
That is the saddest story i have ever heard
Ur poor wife. Bet she is happy to not have to do that chore anymore.
January 17th, 2009 - 12:49 pm
just noticed the slip on shoes too LOL
January 26th, 2009 - 4:19 am
Yes I remember that. Also the holding your breath as you lean over and tie the shoe laces.
January 26th, 2009 - 7:15 am
Dr Dan,
Even my dress shoes.. are slip-ons for that exact reason. lol