Back in January I committed to working on some fitness goals once more after some health set backs. I started off slow and have had to take a few extra rest days over the past two months, but I am starting to see some progress at last! The best thing is that I have strengthened and gotten full movement back in my left leg, something that gave me trouble last year. I am moving better and feel better than I have in a long time. I am also finally starting to see some definition in my legs and abs. This month I am adding some more arm work and hope to tone those up as well. I have even lost a few pounds. I am really working on cleaning up my diet now in addition to the consistent exercise plan I am following. I am also adding in some yoga, for mind and body improvement. I have a long ways to go until I will be to my goal weight, but I am seeing progress and that is only encouraging me to keep at it. Sure exercise takes some time away from my writing and art, especially when I throw the day job into the mix, but taking care of myself is important for my creative self as well as my physical health. I feel clearer and am writing more than I have in a long time.
For those interested in what is working for me, I have been doing workouts from the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home App. Its only 4.99 a month and I have really seen the difference by working out consistently. (I am just happy with the app, I am getting nothing from this plug.) I have only worked up to two miles most days and I have added one pound weighted gloves every other workout. I still have a lot of room to grow with this program and I am super happy about that. My goal is to get up to 4-5 miles most days of the week. Very doable, especially since I am slowly working my way up. I do Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. I am also intermittent fasting and lowering carbs. Not cutting carbs completely, just lowering them especially at dinner time. This is what is working for me. Nothing too crazy or dangerous. My results are coming slowly and that makes me think it will last.
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On Monday I talked about my writing goals for 2018, well today I thought that I would share my health goals for the new year.
I think health goals and resolutions are some of the most common ones that people make this time of year and I am no different. I have some health issues that will never disappear, but that doesn't mean that I can't do things to make my life better and healthier. Now for my own personal sanity, I am not setting specific weight goals and such, but rather just trying to improve my overall health. I plan on walking more this year and attempting to meditate and do yoga most days of the week. I am not going to say every day as that only sets me up for failure. In fact I didn't do much yoga or walking last week as I was fighting one of the nastiest colds I've had in a long time, but I am not beating myself up about it. This is a new week and I am getting back into the swing of things. I had started eating healthier last year and I am continuing that trend into this year. That means eating out less and just cooking more at home and watching what I eat. Sugar is something that I am eating a lot less of because eating it was making me feel not so good. That means I have really cut back on wine and drinking but truthfully I am not missing it. Small changes like this add up and that is what I am aiming for. I want to live a health lifestyle, not a quick fix. And I am so happy to report that my husband wants to join a gym with me so that we can work out 3-4 times a week together! I am really excited for us to get healthy together. Did you make some health goals for this year? What were they? It's been a couple of weeks since I gave a little fitness update. A couple of weeks ago I had a bit of a health scare and ended up in urgent care. Since then I have been resting and taking things rather slowly. I have taken a little break from yoga and been keeping my step count a little lower, but still getting some gentle exercise in none the less. I have also been continuing to eat fairly health and I have lost over four pounds in a month. Not too bad if I do say so myself!
I am finally feeling a little better, so that means this week I am getting back into yoga and upping my step goal once more. I think it will be at least another month before I can join a gym and start going on a regular basis with my gym buddy, but I am still making forward progress and that is what really counts. I have found that having some accountability buddies on Facebook has really helped me keep on track. Having other friends who are working towards similar goals keeps me motivated and having them check in on me keeps me honest with myself and motivates me to get up when I'd rather sleep in. This is a life long journey and I am happy to have some dear friends cheering me on as I cheer them on as well. I am two weeks into my personal fitness challenge and things are going well despite my health trying to get in the way. I have been doing yoga every day and it is getting easier, I feel my body moving better, though balance is an issue for me some days. I still do the best I can each day and keep showing up at the mat. I am also trying to keep up with my daily step goal, though I have missed the mark there some days as I continue to add other exercises to my routine. I am adding abs on most days, and alternating legs and arms, trying to build muscle and strength.
Last Monday I actually went to the gym for the first time in forever. I went with someone younger and in better shape than me, but I didn't die. Okay abs almost killed me, but I was pleased to see that my legs are still strong! As soon as I can logistically figure out how to get to the gym on a regular basis I will be joining and going as often as I can. It felt good to do a serious workout. I have also been making an attempt to eat healthier of late, this included eating more vegetarian meals. Of course I still have a burger a week, but hey a girl can't be perfect! Still, small steps will hopefully lead to big changes. I have managed to lose about 3.3 pounds in the past two weeks and I hope to see the scale moving lower and lower. Well it is one week into my 31 day fitness challenge. I have managed to do my yoga workout each day, though some days have been harder than others. I am trying to just be where I am and be happy with it, but I am struggling to get back into yoga shape that is for sure. Still I feel a little more at peace with myself and that is one of the main benefits that I get from yoga, so that is a win if you ask me. I have also been hitting my 10,000 step goal each day. That has not been easy either, especially on days when I work. I don't get as much walking in at work as I would like, so I have to commit time in the morning and at night to getting the steps in. I know that this is good and healthy for me, but it is taking some time from my writing schedule, which of course makes me feel guilty. I need to learn balance and to remember that if I don't take care of myself then I won't be able to write anyways.
So all in all a successful week one on my new fitness regime. Weight loss was only about one pound, but hey that's a step in the right direction! This week I will continue my yoga practice each day and hitting my step goals. I also need to add in some ab work and maybe some weights. I will either do this at home on my own, or I may see if I can hit the gym with a friend. Said friend is younger and in better shape than I, so I must admit that I am rather scared to hit the gym with him. But my husband told me, "I don't care if you are scared, do it anyways." I think that is what I need to do! I'll have a new update next week! |
AuthorAuthor, artist, jewelry maker and all around creative person. I write in many genres and have a lot of fun doing so. Please take a look around and enjoy! Archives
January 2022
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