No, not another resolution but a real commitment. Not something that fades away with the waning weeks of February but something that becomes part of who we are. A commitment to make time for a fitness that feeds our body and soul. A commitment to not just make time for fitness but a commitment to build it into the fabric of our days and lives. A commitment to ride to work or a commitment to a wind-down, afterwork walk. A commitment to learn a new sport or re-acquaint with an old one.
It all starts to sound a little less daunting and a little more fun. Now that’s a commitment I can keep.
What’s your tip for committing to fitness? Share it with us below.
Happy New Year,
Missy Park, Founder
Well, the baby is almost 5 and it’s time for me to take off the 40 extra pounds. I’ve been strength training for a year and started running (well, actually walking) in Oct 09. Now I can actually run for 10-15minutes continuously. I love feeling strong, I love having an hour or so to myself (even if it is at 5:30 a.m.) and I love listening to my music. My kids are so important to me, but how can I be effective with them if I’m tired and/or short tempered all the time. It’s also important to show them that movement, fitness, healthy habits are a part of every day life.
I renew my committment to my health again for 2010.
As a lifelong athlete, I’d taken fitness for granted. After 4 kids and very little consistent exercise, I was delusional thinking I was fit. But then, one of my kids got sick. I discovered a half marathon event through which I could raise money for the disease. With a cause to run for, my exercise wasn’t about my vanity anymore. I found the reason to push myself everyday for 16 weeks. I finished the half marathon in 2:05 and raised $10K for the disease. I also discovered that the strength I’ve always had on the inside was more accessible to me when I was also strong on the outside. I now look for races to enter so that I can’t get lazy. I’ve become happier, healthier, stronger and a great example to my children. It all came together because I found a cause that really mattered to me – – beyond vanity.
My commitment to fitness is two fold. When I choose an event whether it be rowing, swimming or running I have made a commitment to train myself for it and therefore have to fit it in. The other thing that allows me to remain committed to fitness is training for many of the same events with my wife. Because the alarm is going to go off for her to get up and go then I might as well go with. Now most days we just do it together but knowing that she is getting up to work out on those days that I really don’t think I have it, helps me avoid blowing it off! Finally…we have surrounded ourselves with people who have similar goals. From the women I have met through my online rowing program who I write to almost every day to keep our weight in check to the real life friends that we run with at least once a week to the best friend that I email my food intake to all day long to keep myself accountable. Its all about the company you keep!
My friends and I wanted to support each other in our effort to run frequently but we live on opposite coasts (Maine, DC, San Fran). So we started a “Jog Blog” – each of us blogged on a single personal blog when returning from a run. That way, we each get to see each others’ success and challenges and get to shout each other on, answer questions (“I got the wrong size sneakers…do either of you wear a size 9?”), and encourage each other through the rough patches. It works great! If some fails to blog for a week or two we pick up the phone…
I am a 53 yr old Respiratory Therapist, RRT and work 36 hrs a week approx. I was only doing yoga, walking the dog and aerobics once a week each. I am committing to each one, twice a week. With the option of mixing it up to equal 6 days a week. And trying a fun quilting class once a week. :> Encinitas, Ca
Its my time, to be a winner in myself ! I do declare!! I am a favor of the universe.
As a collegiate athlete many years ago, exercise/fitness was always a part of my life since I was a little girl. 20 years later and a darling 2 year old later, I’m starting this year to integrate fitness back into my life. It’s who I am and who I will always be. To have let it out of my lifestyle was a big mistake but one I can correct. For all the moms out there who don’t put themselves first needs to remember the flight attendant that says “put YOUR mask on first; then assist others around you.” If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to breathe and take care of those you love around you. You ARE worth it!
I’m training for the Butte to Butte in July. I need to drop the extra weight and get fit again for me, my marriage, and to be an example for my daughter. I feel so much better with the little steps I’ve taken and the loss of a pant size. I am changing myself both inside and out.
Hi. My name is Erin, and I’ve been working out since I was about 12 years old. Now at 31 and 9 months after having a baby, I am recommitting myself to fitness. I of course want to lose the baby fat, but what I’ve realized is that just losing “fat” does not make you fit or strong. I’m back in the gym teaching strength and conditioning fitness classes, running and XX-Skiing with my dog and 9 month old, and sneaking in any other physical activity I can around my son, husband, school, and work. Its been challenging at times, but I’m motivated. My husband and I are registering for a relay race (Mountains to Sound) that takes place in June. I will need to be able to road bike 50 miles and run a half marathon in the same day. I’m up for the challenge and excited to be able to race with my husband.
I have been active all of my life. The rewards of exercise are tremendous. I always feel better when I am moving. Today I took a long walk down a snowy trail just for a change of pace and to get out of the house. Exercise does not have to be done at a gym, you can do it anywhere! Start slowly and work your way up to where you want to be. Do it for yourself.