‘Tis the time of the year when many bloggers publish a review of the last 12 months. If truth be told, I botched up the first 11 months and the less said about it the better.
That’s not to say I haven’t looked back at the mistakes, choices and decisions made and considered what I should have and could have done differently. I have spent significant time ruminating about where I am now and how I got here.
Here and Now
Here is 309lbs (only 45lbs lighter than my heaviest weight back in 2011, albeit with more muscle) with a “dodgy” knee, imposter syndrome, a neglected blog, a pinch of self loathing, and a partial eclipse as a belly.
However, I can either continue down this path of self destruction or I can excuse myself from this pity party for one.
That Lie
I won’t lie. Seeing 309lbs on the scale frightened me. I’ve had many chances to reverse this gradual weight gain but I have always used the excuse that “at least I wasn’t over 300lbs”. I have continuously lied to myself that I was in control, that I was not in danger.
Well, now I am and you might be wondering what I am going to do about it.
Normally, I woud chastise people citing this reductionist view, but I am simply going to eat less, move more and create more.
And hopefully win more (I have a cunning plan).
Time for a Cunning Plan
December is traditionally a month of parties, long lunches and general gluttony (well, for me at least) but this year I am going to do a Hyprr Fitmas Advent. 24 (minimum) days of being physically active and posting daily about my progress on Hyprr.
One of my excuses has been a lack of time. Yes, I am working on a few projects (more about one soon). Yes, I do also have a day job and yes, I am trying to spend more time with my family, but I am also spending too much time watching Netflix and too much time looking at expensive jpegs. I am then working late into the night/early morning (ironically writing this blog).
Yes, I am tired and yes, I am struggling with motivation but I cannot remain at this weight. My knee needs less load on it and the memories of being 354lbs have never left me.
So, what is my cunning plan and how can you help me and even take part?
FlexFM and Hyprr Flexmas Advent
My friends at London radio station FlexFM and at new social media, entertainment and NFT platform Hyprr are giving away gaming consoles, Merlin passes, spa breaks, shopping vouchers, HYPEs to spend on Hyprr.com, and much more every weekday from now until the 24th December.
All you have to do is create an account on Hyprr (available on desktop, iOS and Android), follow FlexFM and look out at 7.30am (yes, 7.30am) each weekday when they will ask the daily question. Comment with the correct answer on the post, then stay tuned to the FlexFM Breakfast Show and wait to see if you’re selected at 8:15am when you’ll join DJ Miss LA and DJ Sollie live on air to check behind the advent door for your prize.
And HERE is my plan.
I’ll get up early (from Dec 1st), comment on the FlexFM post at 7.30am, work out till 8.10am and win a prize at 8.15am, giving me time to shower and have a proper breakfast and prepare lunch before work. Every weekday. It’ll be my very own Hyprr Fitmas Advent.
Simples.
Best Laid Plans
However, we all know that it isn’t quite that simple. It requires preparation, commitment and consistency. And for me, a little bit of fun.
And this is where you come in. Every day, I will be posting a Hyprr Fitmas video of my workout, thoughts of the day (there may be expletives) and updates on my progress (possibly more expletives) on my Hyprr profile. And every day from Dec 1st to Dec 24th, I will award 1 HYPE to my favourite comment on my update.
And, if you want to, share your own Hyprr Fitmas video workouts using #HyprrFitmas. On Christmas Day, I’ll award 20 HYPES to my favourite video.
Whether it is going for a walk, doing some yoga or crossfit, or watching Netflix on a treadmill (it all counts) let’s all move more this December and spend less time on Telegram, Discord and PancakeSwap (mmmm…did someone say pancakes?).
Oh, and as a reward for reading this far, guess what my weight will be on Dec 24th and the closet will win a Garmin vivofit 3. Simply reply to this blog post before Dec 7th and the closest will win.
Terms and Conditions. Hyprr and FlexFM competition is only open to UK citizens aged 18 or over. My #HyprrFitmas competition is open to all Hyprr users (with an active wallet) while the winner of the Garmin VivoFit 3 needs to reside in the UK. Should more than one person correctly predict my weight, I will do a live draw on Hyprr.
3 comments
Sounds like a wonderful plan Stephen. I wish you all the best with it. I am currently working nights for the Royal Mail and so won’t be able to join in directly with your timescale although I do intend to have fewer indulgent moments this months and, combined with the loading and unloading aim to shift a few pounds. 7.30am is out of the question to me though as my 11/12 hour shifts tend to end around 6.30 and so sleep for me is essential. At least I am giving you a better chance in athe Flex FM question competition so good luck with that too….lol
Thanks for the support, Jon. And totally get your situation. It sounds like you are intent on making a few small changes. All that packing will also help. Why not upload a video of you loading? being active isn’t just about playing sport or going to the gym.
Great post Stephen, I really enjoyed reading about you approach and plan. Keep up the good work and all the best!