I started 2016 with three main objectives for bettering myself (I will not use the “r” word), and before I talk about 2017, let’s check in on how I did this past year. Although I would like to start a dumpster fire with much of 2016, there are definitely reasons to feel accomplishment and pride. Let’s have a look.
My Health: I still ate too much sugar and about 300 too many bagels, however I prepared healthy, home-cooked meals for dinner more nights than I ate out. Let’s call this a win.
My Mind: Nothing is without setback, but I am pleased to announce that I have recently accepted a new role at my company that I am absolutely thrilled about. My work life was great in 2016, and I was lucky enough to be a part of some epic activations. I dealt with some pretty big emotional hurdles in my personal life, but I feel stronger because of them. Another win.
My Body: My body and I worked together to accomplish some awesome things this year. I PR-ed in two 10 mile races, and for the most part felt great all year. In the past couple of months, I’ve noticed some new old lady aches and pains, but I’m taking them in stride! It’s a draw.
I can’t say that I’m sorry to see it go, but I can say that I am excited for 2017 and the endless possibilities it holds!
Each morning, I awoke to reminder message in my iPhone. The reminder took me directly to that day’s workout plan. So seamless! The program gave me a balanced workout that was thoughtfully prepared and included stretching and rest days. Those Nike folks must know a thing or two about fitness.
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS:
200m sprints: It’s been years since I had a proper track workout and it felt amazing to stretch out my legs with these 200 meter sprints.
Stretching before sprinting = smart.
Drop Squats: Start in the standing position, drop down to a squat touching one hand to the floor while the other stretches out behind you. Jump back up. I love squats, nuff said.
Lateral bear crawls: This exercise isn’t as difficult, coordination-wise, as it sounds. But it kicks your butt (and back, and core, and hips)!
Bear crawls are the bees’ knees. Or something like that.
Chest press with dead bug: The dead bug may make you look silly in the gym. But combine it with a couple dumbbells and you’ve got yourself a hard-working move.
Rear foot elevated single leg squat: Put your back leg up on a box or curb, it doesn’t need to be high. Squat down, similar to a lunge and feel the burrnnnnn!
Diagonal bounds: I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. These little jumps (or slides, if you have the proper equipment) are a daily must.
Leaps and bounds!
AND YET:
As with any workout, there were a few things I avoided. Burpees, for instance. I fail to see the true benefit of burpees. Without perfect form, you’re much more likely to hurt yourself than do any real good. Burpees = the plague. Keep back! Another activity that I was cautious with was sprinting at the track (surprisingly, this was also my favorite activity). But I am 31, and about 12 years past my last track workout, so in the early morning cold temps, I was pretty nervous about pulling something while trying to prove that I was once a good sprinter.
All in all, I’d say that Nike’s 21 Days of #BetterForIt was a success. I learned a ton of new activities to add to my workout regime, and there was something motivating and exciting about having a little personal trainer in your phone that wakes you up with new workouts each day.
If anybody is interested in doing the 21 day routine, I’ve got all of the workouts saved and would more than happy to send you the details. Comment below if you would like me to share them!
LOVE YOU ALL!
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This time of year always makes me cringe a little bit, especially when marketers try to capitalize on our insecurities by pushing “fitness resolutions.” Don’t get me wrong, getting healthy should most definitely be a top priority, but not because 2016 is upon us. It should be a priority because you only have one body and you need to treat it right. All year, every year.
My “resolution” this year is to recognize that my health, my mind and my body are a constant work in progress and I cannot accomplish everything at once. Just as I did in 2015, I will work on each of them but will not expect any certain results.
My Health: Anybody who knows me knows that I am a pretty unhealthy eater. This is an area where I have a TON of room for improvement. I cannot resolve to give up sugar, because I will fail. But I will consciously work to make more home-cooked dinners with more vegetables. The goal is simply to feed my body more of the nutrients that it needs to meet the demands I put on it. My Mind: This past March, I made the decision to leave a very toxic work environment. The decision, which was not a New Years resolution, was one of the most important choices I have ever made and has proved to be a very big step in improving my mental health. This year, I will continue to find ways to let go of unnecessary stressors, which will not only impact my mind, but my heart as well. Here are some tips on ways to improve mental health every day.
My Body: The biggest thing I noticed as my twenties passed me by was that my body is different day-by-day. The body I had when I was 21 is very different than the body I have now at 31. I can’t expect the same results, and I cannot make goals for my 31-year-old body that are based on 21-year-old me. These days, I am working on being more aware of how I feel. I am trying to see how my diet and stress may impact my physical output. I am always working on tightening and toning, but I am also thinking about recovery and proper care for my muscles. My roller is one of my best friends these days. RELATED: Have a Body-Positive New Year
Those are my “resolutions.” They’re not really measurable, and they do not have an expiration date. They’re fluid and always changing as I learn more about myself. So instead of a New Years resolution in 2016, I challenge you to take a holistic view of your health, your mind and your body. Self-improvement doesn’t ever end, and it is defined differently by everybody. #YouDoYou.
Happy New Years, see you in 2016!
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Today I ate a donut for breakfast, but that’s not why I worked out. Getting your sweat on shouldn’t be a reaction, or a one-time-thing. Instead, it’s gotta become part of your regular schedule.
Here are a few easy steps to get your foot in the door:
Flexin’, because somebody with a camera told me to. 🙂
1. Find your motivation – A wedding, a vacation, a healthier lifestyle, confidence booster, getting toned, losing weight, New Years resolution! Whatever it is, make sure that you know what is driving you. But once that immediate need has passed, keep going with the workouts. You’ll thank yourself later!
2. Find your space – Not everybody is a runner, not everybody belongs to a gym. Yoga can get pricey, and sometimes joining a coed sports league isn’t really a very good workout at all (I’ve shotgunned many beers before rounding the bases). But there are plenty of ways to get a regular workout for really cheap, or even for free. I’ll talk more about this in some of my upcoming posts. But if you’re into running, check out what Paige has been up to!
Catch the sunrise, it’s worth it.
3. Find your time of day – For me, waking up and getting my day started with a good workout is ideal. I’ve got a ton of energy in the mornings, and then I’ve got my workout out of the way before the day even begins. It isn’t easy to get into the habit of waking up early enough to squeeze it in before work, but like most things, it will get easier day-by-day. *Added bonus, waking up early makes for amazing sunrises. Not a morning person? Start packing your workout clothes and get after it directly after work. If you avoid going home first, you’re more likely to stick to the game plan! The key to afternoon workouts is to eat enough calories throughout the day, that way you’ve got energy at the end of the day to get you through.
4. Warning – Routine is good. Obsession is bad. Missing a day could bum you out, but listen to your body. Missing a day might be what you need. I aim to get 5 good days of working out a week. That leaves time for a break, and for me, a little extra sleep.
5. Voilà – Now, all that is left is to keep at it. Like I said, each day will get easier and soon working out will be a habit.
Boots Bikes + Barbells 