Believe it or not, it is once again Fitness Friday. For those of you just tuning in, the point of Fitness Friday is to baby step my (or your) way to a healthy, rockin’ body.
I’ve discovered that having lofty long term goals (e.g. being able to pass an Army physical fitness test, having the ass of a Brazilian supermodel, etc.) aren’t effective for me because I easily get discouraged and slack off. With Fitness Fridays, I set small short term goals that over time will hopefully get me big results.
So, how did my first week go?
Goal #1: I will exercise for at least 30 minutes three or more times in the next week.
Achieved. Sunday I did 45 minutes of strength training. Wednesday I did 30 minutes of cardio and 45 minutes of strength training. Yesterday I did 20 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. And I’ll admit, if I didn’t have this goal in place, I’d have skipped at least one of those days.
Goal #2: By next Friday I will be able to do five regulation push ups. Without crying.
In progress. I knew this one would be a huge challenge. I hate push ups and avoid them at all costs. Yesterday I was finally able to do a couple solid sets of “man-style” push ups. The Drill Sergeant Captain says I’m not lowering quite deep enough for Army standards. Adjusting for “Army standards” resulted in a face plant and the decision that I was done with push ups for the evening. I give myself half credit on this one.
Goal #3: I will stretch until I’m loose enough to bend over and touch my toes every day next week.
Achieved. I actually did my daily stretches and can now (most days) touch my toes without an extensive warm up routine. Eventually I’d love to get my palms on the floor, but I’m not going to rush it.
In general, I notice some parts of my body getting firmer, and when I work out I occasionally see evidence of muscles where I used to see a bit of chub. Go me!
Anyway, that was last week. Time to set some goals for this week. Today’s baby steps to a kick ass body are:
1. Despite the holiday weekend, I will keep up with my goal of exercising three or more times in the next week so getting fit becomes part of my regular routine.
2. I will work on those push ups and attempt to perfect my form to the Captain’s satisfaction.
3. I will work on my abs for at least five minutes every day.
If you plan to participate this week, here’s what to do:
First, choose three goals for yourself that are reasonably challenging, yet attainable. Goals can be anything from “taking the stairs instead of the elevator” to “completing this weekend’s marathon.” Whatever is right for you. Fitness goals can also include eating smarter or getting an adequate amount of sleep. Basically anything that makes you a healthier you.
Once you’ve thought of your goals, post them on your blog so you are accountable to work on them over the next week. If you don’t have a blog, write them down on paper and post them on your wall, fridge, etc.
Finally, let other participants know about your goals so we can offer encouragement and congrats as you make progress. Speaking of which, at some point Jewelz will be joining me (after she recovers a bit from her surgery). Make sure to drop by and show her some love.
Until next week . . .
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao-tzu
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