13 Jan Achieving Your Fitness Goals
Hello friends!
I have come to the conclusion, that if I could wipe away January from the Calendar, I would do it! Either that or I need to start visiting tropical climates each year. Don’t get me wrong, I like looking at the snow and do think it is beautiful. Once a twice a year. Amy, of Styling Granny Mama, wrote about SAD ( Seasonal Affective Disorder) recently, and I know it can be hard for people during these months. I used to live in Pittsburgh, and the winters were longer and more grey there than in Charlotte, however, it is still grey here long enough. I find that one thing that can aid in this, and how I feel during these months is to get out and exercise! I am not talking about putting on your running shoes and wicking clothes, jackets etc, and running in frigid temps ( unless that is what you like). I am just talking about doing something to get the body moving.
If you aren’t a gym-goer, but like to work out at home, that is great. I have a treadmill at home, but after years, the incline has broken. As I mentioned last week, I was given the go-ahead by my doctor to lift weights using weight machines. I have always been active and loved to work out. Back in the day, when Step Class became popular, I was a big fan! Then came spinning, which was a great workout-very intense. However, this was all prior to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and I am unable to do these types of activities, but can do others.
I have always enjoyed swimming, and remember the YMCA classes I took to receive my life guarding certificate. The woman that ran it was a drill-sargent! As a kid, I was scared to death of her, but I did it. I continue to swim as I always feel better afterward ( mentally and physically)
So, cardiovascularly, I can swim, walk on the treadmill, use machine weights. I can also participate in Yoga as long as there is not too much stretching, as I have hypermobility and my joints can dislocate, Nevertheless, I want to explain some ways I set out to acheive my fitness goals.
- Keep a diary. Just of what activity you are doing and your thoughts. Sometimes just writing things down can help aid in motivation.
- Don’t just focus on a number. Fitness is not about how much weight one can lose, but rather, setting small goals that are attainable.
- Find acitivities you enjoy. This is key to sticking with it. If you hate the treadmill, you are probably not going to stick with it. Do you enjoy walking your pups? Tried a dance class?
- Variety is going to keep you motivated. If I were to use the elliptical every day, eventually I would tire of it. If, though, I went for a 2 mile hike, enjoyed the outdoors, swam another day, or took a zumba class, it may just keep my interest!
- Have workout clothes that make you feel good. This doesn’t mean you go in full makeup and hair at the gym, but workout clothes that make you want to get dressed to go to the gym. I use Poshmark ( an online thrift shop) to buy clothes from Lululemon, Nike, Athleta etc. It is all about feeling confident.
- Go slowly. Set small goals. Don’t try and do everything at once. It may be exciting to use machines, etc, but take your time and if it is your first time using machines, get the gym staff to show you how to correctly use the equipment.
- Group classes can be motivating and fun! Try a group weight lifting class, dance class, yoga or Pilates. I know when I took group Spin classes, I always felt them to go by so quickly as I was in really enjoying it.
Let me know, what are some goals you would like to achieve? Tell me in the comments.
Have a great weekend!
Jess xo
Lululemon rose print tank, Nike shorts, Asics sneakers, Nike Dry Fit jacket.
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Amy Christensen
Posted at 22:48h, 15 JanuaryJess, thanks so much for the mention! I am so far behind in looking at my emails, so I am glad I got around to reading this. Exercise is a great way to combat those blues. Unfortunately, I get into these funks where I can’t get out of bed early to exercise and then I don’t get around to it later in the day. I’ve got to get back at that. You offered some good advice on the exercise idea. I love to walk, so that is really what I would like to get back to. I enjoy being outside – even more so when it is about 60 to 70 degrees. Ha, ha. Thanks for the good advice and for sharing my blog! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:29h, 16 JanuaryAmy, no problem. I understand about getting caught up, sometimes it cant be helped. I too, get into the mode where I just want to lie in bed and hibernate when its cold and dreary. I think half the battle is getting to the gym! Once I am there I am all for working out, so I understand where you are coming from. Hubby and I walk the pups on the Greenawy often too. xx
Elle
Posted at 19:39h, 15 JanuaryGreat advice Jess! It is clear you have been working out you are so fit looking. I am glad you can do all of those things! I agree with your tips, I go slowly listening to my body, and try to change routines.
Such a well done post. I am glad your doc has said yes to weight lifting!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:33h, 16 JanuaryThank you Elle, I went back to use weights yesterday, and it is easy to overdo. Glad you enjoy the post.I do have to listen to my body as well and take things slowly or else I will end up going backward!
Rena
Posted at 16:58h, 14 JanuaryJess, that sounds like a great plan that you’ve outlined for yourself. I, too, need to get into a regular routine but the inertia is difficult to overcome. Thank you for sharing your plan for achieving fitness goals on my Fine-Whatever link up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 09:34h, 16 JanuaryThank you Rena, I know it can be tough in the winter. When there is grey outside and I want to just curl up under the covers, right!? Swimming is something I enjoy as it is very refreshing, then I am glad I did it.
thestylesplash
Posted at 11:14h, 14 JanuaryI love running in the cold, it’s the wind and rain I dislike. Running in hot weather kills me! It’s not so much the temperature that affects me at this time of year, more the lack of sunlight. I’ve been taking vitamin D and calcium supplements for a couple of weeks and I feel much better – less tired, I haven’t craved sugary snacks as much.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:29h, 14 JanuaryEmma, I can see if I was a runner I would prefer cold to stifling hot! Here in the South we get some hot temps and I dont see how people run in that. SO true about the grey! I get down after awhile and my mom actually recommended a SAD lamp. Vitamin D is crutial as in 10 minutes in the Sun you get 10,000 IU of D, so no sun and there isnt much. Sounds like you have a plan! xx
Hadas Aharon
Posted at 12:40h, 13 JanuaryI seriously need to step up my game when it comes to being fit. been neglecting working out recently..
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Jess Jannenga
Posted at 13:01h, 13 JanuaryI know it is tough in January as it is quite dreary! I think working out helps my mood during these months. Thanks for stopping by! x
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:12h, 13 JanuaryThanks Nancy, sounds like a good plan! I know we had snow for 2 days and now it is 70 degrees! You too!
Shelly
Posted at 11:45h, 13 JanuaryGreat tips! Oh how I loved step class back in the day!! I so agree the number on the scale is NOT the most important measure to me anymore thank goodness.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:10h, 13 JanuaryThanks Shelly, yeah I was a stepping maniac! Right, I think it is best to judge how clothing fits and so many other variables of health to consider. thanks for visiting! x
robjodiefilogomo
Posted at 08:26h, 13 JanuaryI know that feeling Jess….especially when it gets dark so early in the evening—it’s quite depressing!
But you’re so right that getting moving certainly helps a ton!!
We need to get back into a workout routine—ugh!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:11h, 13 JanuaryThanks Jodie, yep! I know it certainly helps mood which is what I need in these winter months too
Nancy
Posted at 03:07h, 13 JanuaryI woke up this morning and everything was white! That is a rare thing here in the Netherlands. I like it, but I want it gone by tomorrow! And also when I woke up this morning I thought about doing stretching exercises every other day, on the days I don t gym. I hope I can achieve that! Enjoy your weekend Jess!