Not exactly sure how your workout challenges are structured (but I do know you set goals and reward yourselves.) So forgive me if I'm posting the workout challenge wrong.
I used to work out religiously (at least 5x/wk for at least an hour) and after my surgeries I didn't have the stamina to jump back into my routine. My body is really suffering with the 0-2 lame workouts per week I have been getting in. I need to push myself physically instead of coddling myself. The stronger I get, I know the better I'll feel. Just getting in 2 of my old workouts this weekend has made me feel SO much better -- I'm really excited about getting back in shape. So please don't post that I need to take it easy or slow -- that's actually the worst thing for me - that's what I've been doing the past year and a half and I cannot tell you how much back pain I have from the deterioration of my back muscles (those with scoliosis will know what I'm talking about...)
Anyway, my goal is to get back in my old habit of working out -- I have vowed to work out every day for an hour for 18 days straight (weights, cardio, and floor exercises, i.e. sit ups on a ball, standing lunges, etc.) and yes I'm mixing up my routines.
They say you can form a new habit if you do something for 18 days straight. I have Saturday and Sunday down - so that's 16 days to go!
Anyone else have a workout challenge (this week or longer?)
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Count me in D! I started off really well in January cuz I took an open fitness class at my college gym, so I was working out 4xs per week. However I found I cannot work out with my classmates/friends. Half the time we were talking and not working out hard, so I wasnt seeing any results.
Now that the class is over I'm coming in an extra 1/2 hour early to work so I can leave early and hit the gym alone. I have vowed to work out at least 5xs per week and start running again. My knees start to hurt about 10 mins into my run so I have to stop in between jogging and start up again or else I'll quit. I've been alternating with the ecliptical machine, but I find I get real lazy on it and dont push myself as much as I should or a trainer would, so I'm really motivated to start jogging again. I want to eventually put in 5 miles a session.
I'm hoping in 6 weeks or so I'll start to see a change, however I want this to be a lifelong commitment. My MIL was staying w/us visiting and she was doing all her yummy (fattening)food, but she is gone now so I can start cooking healthy stuff again!
I met my goal for last week plus some. My reward was new workout clothes and weights (or was that last week?). I cheaped out on the weights ($20-30 for two measely, little weights?!?), but got some new pants - thank god. I have safety pins in my favorite, old ones that I have apparently loved to pieces. Still working on more tops but those are not as high priority given the many, many t-shirts I have.
I've started doing cardio tennis 2x per week, in addition to regular workouts, which totally kicks my ass. I'm loving those.
My goal this week: 4-6 cardio sessions & 2 weight sessions. (I have a really busy week and I want to fit in 6 but I realize I might only be able to do 4 and I don't want to feel too, too guilty if that happens.) If I accomplish my goal, I'm treating myself to a mini-spree at amazon for some new cds and books (2 each - have to maintain control). If I hit the high end of my goal, I'll also treat myself to some non-needed beauty supplies at Ulta.
I'm away from home now and my intent was to eat well and get a couple of workouts in, but that so hasn't happened (I was dilusional for thinking it would). It's also been way freakin snowy and cold at home and I haven't wanted to leave the house, so I haven't been meeting my workout goals. I want to lose 20 pounds by the end of April, so I've really got to get going. We're flying home tomorrow, so on Thursday I will start the 18 day thing. I really need to stop being a lazy ass and make this a habit. I think my reward will be a new pair of shoes.
I'm away from home now and my intent was to eat well and get a couple of workouts in, but that so hasn't happened (I was dilusional for thinking it would). It's also been way freakin snowy and cold at home and I haven't wanted to leave the house, so I haven't been meeting my workout goals. I want to lose 20 pounds by the end of April, so I've really got to get going. We're flying home tomorrow, so on Thursday I will start the 18 day thing. I really need to stop being a lazy ass and make this a habit. I think my reward will be a new pair of shoes.
ooh - new shoes are a good reward (and will fit regardless of your current size and future size )
I have completed 4 days straight out of my 18 -- 14 more days to go to ensure my new habit!
My big challenge this week is also travel. I'm flying to Florida on Thursday (I plan on getting up early and getting my regular work out in on Thursday) and I will not return home until the night of the 20th. I am going to bring my running shoes and maybe a workout mat -- I'm hoping my mother has something heavy around the house that I can use for weights since I don't want to pack them...
Food is going to be an issue with this trip too - emotional eating goes hand in hand with my mother... I plan on taking my carnation instant breakfast (sugar free) and getting "my food" at the grocery store when I arrive (non-fat milk, hummus, whole wheat pita, fruit, veggies, and shellfish) if she cooks, I just have to make wise choices in regard to what I eat and their respective portions.
I vow to be strong and work out every day and make the right food choices while I'm away!
__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase