It is that time of year again. The year is new and fresh and crisp and clean and I am again optimistic that I can make some positive changes this year. Those of you who know me are not surprised that I am setting some goals for the new year. Without concrete goals to work towards, I would get much less accomplished. Last year I set goals for biking and other exercise and a weight loss goal. I exercised but I gained weight. Not great. Could have been worse, but not the result I was hoping for.
They say to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result is a good definition of insanity. So, this year I am switching things up and trying again. The overall goals are the same - to exercise and lose weight. Looking over the past year I see my tendency to procrastinate sneaking up on me. When biking season was almost over and my goal was unmet, I started taking longer rides. That is great, but really I want to be more consistent and not just pulling it off at the last minute. Plus, there is nothing like a 20+ mile bike ride to make me think that I have earned the right to eat whatever I want! So this year instead of mileage goals I am going to set work out goals. That will also eliminate the problem of trying to convert swimming to miles on my feet! My workout goal is 4 times a week for 50 weeks = 200 work outs. A work out is at least 30 minutes in length. 2 work outs are possible in one day, a strength training + walk for example or perhaps a 30 mile bike ride would be considered twice a normal bike workout. The goal though is to exercise more consistently not to stack workouts because I am procrastinating! I also want to incorporate more strength training. I am really enjoying BodyPump. It makes me feel strong and empowered. I like having someone tell me what to do when it comes to lifting and to see others sweating it out with me! Twice a week is a good goal, but I think that might be hard during biking season so I hope to strength train once per week at a minimum because I have read that is the minimum required to prevent losing strength. So far I have been 10 times. I started around Thanksgiving. I have increased my weights and am starting to feel like my abs are in there somewhere, so I think it is a positive change for me. Not to mention that muscles burn more calories than fat and I need the help!
As for losing weight, I haven't figured out anything else to do except to actually do what I know I need to. More fruits and veggies, and less white flour and sugar. yada yada yada. I have come up with a few motivating treats though - 5 pounds loss and I treat myself to a pedicure. 10 pounds gone and I get a massage. 15 pounds gone and I buy new jeans. 20 pounds and I faint! hahaha! :)
Wish me luck! I am counting on you to hold me accountable! Happy New Year!
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