Well, it is one month into 2011. It amazes me how fast time flies! But one month is in and I can proudly say my New Year’s Resolutions are staying strong. How are yours holding up?
I have officially gone 31 days now without soda. My body no longer craves them and I actually feel better and less bloated from the carbonation. It’s been a pretty easy switch and thank goodness for crystal light! These little packets are lifesavers when plain water just gets plain boring!
I also have successfully completed a 5k and look forward to my next 5k and the 8k in May. To accomplish and stay true to New Year’s Resolutions is something I’ve always struggled with. But, to be able to keep them- now that is just something that is not only empowering, it is motivating. It keeps me going to the gym and it keeps me going strong when I just want to give up. It slowly is building inside of me a greater strength than I ever realized was deep down.
It amazes me how every year about this time, the gym is just empty. Up to last week, when I would go to the Y, at 5 pm, you couldn’t get to a treadmill or elliptical. Less than seven days later, the place was empty. Last night there were only 2 other people in the Y with me. It just baffles me how quickly people give up. It’s the same with my WW meetings. They have been packed every Saturday morning this month, but will become half as full this month. Why do people just quit? You had the motivation- why not do everything you can to continue your healthy streak? Stop with the excuses- everyone has them from being too tired or too busy. However, honestly, I say it is just an excuse to be lazy. Anyone can make time for themselves- you just have to stop with the excuses. This is the only life you have- don’t you want to live it to the fullest and live long? With obesity rates skyrocketing (Alabama- we are number 2 in the nation for being fat), why in the world would someone be content with just sitting and not doing something to change their lives for the better?
Like I said, I know we all get busy, I know life gets in the way. But to me, I feel like I’ve made this change to become a better me. I know what it is like on the other side and I don’t want to go back. I just wish I could figure out a way to help more people stick with it because ultimately, it is worth it. It is your life after all. Can you stick with it? Can you make this February being fit and fabulous? Everyone has got drive inside of them- you have to just find it, stop making excuses and do it. It’s not going to be easy, but it is WORTH IT. And a favorite quote to end… “If you are interested, you will do whatever is convenient. If you are COMMITTED, you will do whatever it takes.” Are you COMMITTED?? I'll see YOU AT THE GYM! :)
Hey Emily - Loving your blog. I continue to be inspired by your journey. I too have been on WW for a while now. It has been an up and down journey but I'm not giving up. Have you thought about being a WW leader? I bet you would be fabulous! Question - on average how long do you work out at the gym each time? And how many days a week? I typically go to an hour long class that kicks my butt, but I wonder if an hour is enough. Just curious what you've done.
ReplyDeleteHey! Thanks so much and I am glad you like the blog. It is a long journey, but one that is definitely worth it. Keep up the good work yourself- you can do it- I know you can!!
ReplyDeleteAbout exercise- I started slow and worked my way up. I aim for 5 days a week of cardio and 2 days a week of weights. Cardio ranging from zumba (which I HIGHLY recommend), spin class, interval work on the elliptical or walking/running on the treadmill. A typical week for me is this: Spin class on Monday, Running and weights on Tuesday, Zumba on Wednesday, Running and weights on Thursday, elliptical on Friday and Zumba on Saturday. Each time I am doing cardio for 40-60 minutes.
How many days a week are you going? An hour of cardio is plenty- as long as your heart rate is up. However, doing interval work on the elliptical and/or treadmill is also a great alternative to a class. And a great way to break through a plateau. If they have zumba- take a class, it is a full body workout that gets your heart rate up. Spinning is not for everyone, but they are calorie scorchers and can really get you feeling strong.
I think the biggest thing to focus on is getting your heart rate up with cardio at least 5 days a week. How often do you take the class? Have you incorporated weights into it? Let me know what you are doing and I will see what I can suggest. I am about to be certified to teach classes, so I will have more info on what to do.
Good luck and keep up the hard work!
This is Emily (Shore) Silvola, by the way. I don't think my last name shows up on the comment. Thanks for your input! I've never tried an interval workout on the elliptical. I will give that a whirl soon! I too love zumba, depending on the teacher. And I've just started going to spin but am having trouble with my knees. I'm doing body pump (weights) twice a week and other wise its either zumba/step/spin/elliptical or occasionally swimming. There were about 5 straight months last year when I didn't exercise at all so its like I'm starting from scratch. I need to give myself time. I've been back at it in the gym for about a month now. For me, the food is the biggest struggle, BY FAR. It is an every day struggle, but I am determined to make it to my goal this year. Hearing the success stories of you and others helps keep me going!!
ReplyDelete