Fitness Goals

Time to set some of those fitness goals I talked about in a prior post.  I have been finding I am motivated to becoming more fit but in the past have not setting goals.  I know how important it is to set goals so that one can feel success once those goals are achieved.  And who doesn't like to celebrate a an achievement?  That is exactly what I intend to do.  Keeping the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-targeted) model in mind, my goals are listed below:

1.  Hundred Push-ups Challenge
I have an app that I follow for this one.  I have already begun this six week program and I am half way to doing 50 pushups - level 1.  However, I see that there is a level 2 and 3.  I will keep you updated on whether I continue on to level 2 and 3.  That is up for debate.  :)

2.  Plank
I would really like to work on strengthening my core.  Aside from doing ab exercises 3-5 times a week, I am going to incorporate planks into my workout regime.  Currently I can plank for one minute when I push myself.  I would like to increase this to 3 minutes over the next eight weeks.  So I will check back at the end of March with an update and set a new goal when this one is achieved.  Do you like how I did that?  I am already thinking of achieving this and setting my next goal - positive thinking!  My friend Rachel will be my inspiration here as I have heard that she can plank for ten minutes - a little insane but also very motivating for me to think of that when I push myself.

3.  Running
I never thought I would become a runner.  I remember back to high school when I wished I could become a runner but my knees hurt too much.  I tried again over the years to no avail.  However, over the last year, I have been running consistently and love how I feel after a run.  My goal is to run 10K once a week and at least 5K twice a week.  Working at building my endurance and enjoying the endorphins that come from running.  And...wait for it...I am going to run a 10K this spring/summer.  The first step is that I have written it down for all of you to hold me accountable and have wrapped my mind around it enough to start looking into some upcoming races.  Running a race actually freaks me out - a lot!  I am not exactly sure what it is about running a race that makes me so nervous but I will work to overcome this as I register for my first race and overcome that anxiety.

4.  Weights
I love doing weights and have noticed that I am slowly incorporating more exercises and very slowly adding heavier weight.  I would like to be incorporating three new exercises every month and continuing to push myself with the weight I am lifting so that I will see results a bit faster.  Keeping in mind that I want to focus on form and won't sacrifice form for more weight as I don't want to injure myself.

5.  Mix It Up
It has been said that doing the same exercise day in and day out does not push your body to change.  With that being said, I am going to be more proactive in trying new activities that get me active.  We have recently bought a spin bike so I will incorporate some spin into my routine and hope to do some drop-in bootcamp/fitness classes.  This would also be a fun way to meet up with some girlfriends as well.  So, Leesa and Rachel, what do you say?  No real timeline for this one - just adding some change and making working out more fun while also taking me out of my comfort zone. 

6.  Diet Pepsi
Yes, this indeed is a category all on it's own.  For those of you who know me well, you know that I enjoy a cold can of Diet Pepsi.  My parents have been telling me for years how unhealthy this habit is and I do know it to be true.  So, I am working on cutting down my intake and eventually only enjoying a casual Diet Pepsi rather than one everyday.  I will begin by simply cutting back and not drinking a full can of Diet Pepsi.  Eventually I will buy the mini Diet Pepsi cans and continually cut back until I am only enjoying a mini Diet Pepsi every once in a while.  Timeline for this is by the end of March.  I know this may sound silly but it is a habit that I do want to break as I begin to drink more water which replenishes my body so much better and is the healthier choice.

7.  Snacks
I am aiming to work on eating more fruits and veggies and not snacking on junk food.  It may be a little hard as I love my S & V chips.  But that being said, I am also not going to beat myself up when I do indulge a little now and then.  I am already making sure that I am packing fruits and veggies in my lunch each day.  I would like to say buying less junk food would be a start but not sure Terry would go for that so easily.

I would love to hear feedback from those of you who are also motivated to set some fitness goals and join me in becoming more fit and healthy.  Or simple feedback on what has worked or hasn't worked for each of you.  We can be a support to one another as we encourage each other to grow and challenge ourselves and learn from one another.