Today was nice enough to actually get out and ride. I only rode 1 mile - around the block - but at least I rode. I haven't ridden in over 8 years. It's kinda like when Morpheus and the gang first pull Neo out of the Matrix. Sitting on the couch all the time, my muscles have atrophied and I have to rebuild them. Except I'm not using electrified acupuncture.

My Bowflex came in yesterday and I spent 4 hours last night putting it together. THAT was a workout in itself. I was going to wait until this weekend, but I was too excited. I still need to do a little arranging in my "den" so I have enough room around the Bowflex. I still can't believe I bought this thing. What was I thinking?!

As part of my "Getting In Shape" program, I have decided to start watching what I eat. That means counting carbs, calories, fat and all that stuff. I've also realized I'm going to need to start either eating pre-packaged food - pot-pies, frozen dinners/pizzas, etc - or, stick to restaurants that publish their nutritional information. I bought a food scale tonight too.

I also ordered a body fat scale to keep track of my progress. I know they don't accurately measure body fat, but they do help track changes. I'm also planning to purchase a heart rate monitor.

I have also subscribed to Fitness Journal that seems like a great website for tracking fitness activities.

I keep telling myself that I need to get off my arse and get in shape, but I just haven't been able get motivated. Part of it is that I usually go straight home - sometimes stopping to get something to eat - and don't want to get back out. I just don't want to stop at a gym or anything on my way home. Plus, places like 24HR Fitness and places like that are too expensive and it's more like a social gathering place than a work out facility. "Gyms" are a little less expensive, but they're too intimidating.

So tonight, I got a wild hair - I never really understood that term - and ordered a Bowflex Home Gym. We've all seen the commercials - "Build muscle, burn fat, get fit and look great - all in just 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week. See REAL results in just 6 weeks, guaranteed!" Yeah, I'm just a sucker.