If You Want to Reach Your Destination, You’ve Got To Know Where You’re Starting From – Part 1: Physical

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First thing’s first – where are we at today both physically and fiscally? Well, in my case I know I’ve got a gap on the physical aspects, and fiscally we’re in much better shape, but with room to improve. That’s why today I’m going to focus on the physical.

It’s tempting to create a detailed spreadsheet (ok, it’s only tempting for the Finance guy) with all of the different attributes of health and fitness, and track each of those going forward with goals for each. But just thinking about that is overwhelming, and then trying to action each piece is even harder, and sometimes you just don’t want the perfect idea to get in the way of the good. There will be time for nuance and optimization, but right now I have an emergency for the physical side:

  • Weight: 274.4 lbs
  • Height:  5’ 11” (71 inches)
  • BMI:      38.3, Obese (woof, but also note, you can use this handy BMI calculator)

Body Mass Index (BMI) Categories:

  • Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
  • Overweight = 25–29.9
  • Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

They also have a handy BMI chart, so we can look up and see at what weight is for your height at each category. For someone 71 inches tall like myself, it shows that 208-215 pounds (corresponds to a BMI of 29/30, respectively) is the range when I’m no longer considered obese, just overweight. Now, there are many limitations with BMI and it doesn’t take into account body composition (fat vs muscle), but that isn’t really the point. The point is I have a huge fucking problem here. Carrying this much weight isn’t comfortable physically or emotionally or healthy, and I have a son now and I want to set a good example.

Adding a bit more complexity, my weight is a symptom of a few key things within my control:

  • My reaction to stress from work, life etc,
  • Lack of physical exercise
  • Alcohol consumption as a way of dealing with stress

I will be totally truthful – this wasn’t easy to write out or think about. However, I have a few options right now:

  • Ignore the problem and pretend it isn’t there;
  • Complain and blame the societal forces, work stress, the political climate, tin-foil hat theories, and the like as an explanation for my weight;
  • Take action into my own hands and change my situation today!

The third option is the only logical one, and a big part of why I’ve started this blog. Stay tuned, things are going to change.