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
I am turning 49 this year – last year I did my first of 5 cycling centuries! I even completed the STp (Seattle to Portland Ride) in a total of 13 hours on the bike (took 2 days). This year, I am training to be one of 10% of all the women who do this ride in 1 day – that is 229 miles in the saddle! I am motivated by my strength and my peace of mind! and these days – we really need peace!
I write my excercise time down in my daytimmer, just like I would any other appointment. If I can keep my Dr’s or hair appointment, then I can keep my excercise appointments. It works! it really works!!!!!!!!!!
This year, will be my healthiest yet. Not only will I continue my 4:45 AM workouts (the only time it fits in my busy schedule), but I will strive to help those around me achieve their fitness goals. I will be a healthy role model for my children, not only in diet and activities, but in spiritual and humanitarian ways as well. And I will cherish every fleeting moment with them for they are growing so fast. Living healthy is my way of life, I want it to be theirs as well.
Instead of the excuse that I can’t exercise because I have to do x, y or z I try to say I can’t do x, y or z because it’s a priority for me to exercise. Seems to work for me — at 49 I am still freakishly flexible.
My commitment is to spend one hour outdoors each day. Once you are out there you can’t help but move around and enjoy the day.
I didn’t have to think about this when the kids were small and we lived in Berkeley, or even when we moved to Manhattan where we spent lots of time outdoors walking to and fro. But, now that we have moved to the suburbs of NYC, I notice that it is easy to go whole days without spending meaningful time outdoors – just to and from the car. So now – with my new commitment – I walk to the gym and to town and on the weekends, we go for walks as a family just for fun. All good.
I am 48 years old, turning 49 this year. I have been an athlete most of my life. After having children, I became very involved in their lives and activities and my physical fitness took a bit of a back seat. I would occassionally take a walk and when I was younger, that was good enough. Two years ago, after my two oldest kids left for college (with one still at home) I began feeling a little unsettled (not necessarily because of the kids leaving, just feeling a little ‘lost’ in general). I had a friend who kept encouraging me to get back in the gym, telling me that it would improve my mental state and make me feel stronger physically. I resisted my friend until I started gaining weight without really eating more. I went to the Dr. who, not so gently, told me I needed to exercise and lose 15 lbs. My cholesterol level was a bit on the high side and I had gained belly fat, mostly because of my very sedentary lifestyle. At first, I was offended by the Drs. comment! That’s not what I wanted him to say! The game changer was that he gave me a choice, I could pop a pill or I could try to reduce my numbers through exercise. I wanted to avoid taking medicine if at all possible so, I finally made the commitment to myself for my health. It just wasn’t about losing weight to look better in my jeans. My exercise decision had a bit more urgency. I realized that I had to be in charge of myself and quit making excuses. I decided to go to the gym least 5-6 times a week for at least an hour. It wasn’t easy at first, I was pretty out of shape. I took the advice of a trainer at the gym and in order to keep myself excited about the exercise I would take as many of the different classes as I could. Today, I am a certified gym rat. I do step, yoga, toning classes, and can actually run for 30 minutes on the treadmill! It feels great and I genuinely feel younger, mentally because of my accomplishments. I have gained muscle (making me actually weigh more) but I am in a smaller clothes (which is fantastic!). The best part is that my cholesterol levels are within normal range now so I do not need to take medicine. I am considering doing a triathalon this summer in honor of a swim friend who died in a car accident a few years ago. The idea of a triathalon is scary but I think if I put my mind to it, I can do it.
I am committed to swimming a mile three days a week and swimming at least half a mile two days a week. I always feel better after a swim. Am 68 with a bad back. So swimming is a great activity for me. Keeping in shape is so important as we age.
I am turning 40 this summer. I’ve run 4 marathons, but its been 3 years since my last one. I’m now registered for, and training for, the Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke, VA on April 24th. This run is described as one of the toughest in the Eastern US, with over 6000 feet of elevation change. I’m looking forward to proving to myself that I can still run a marathon, and that 40 isn’t anything close to old. I’m ready for my 5th decade of life!
61 now! That’s a surprise. Of course there are all kinds of unexpected health issues that come along with those advancing years. I have an active, on your feet kind of job and along with that, I do Pilates once or twice a week (love the girls and teachers that brings into my circle of friends) and swim and water aerobics now and again. I walk a lot–Homer, my constant companion border collie appreciates every step and I take a friend or a family guy whenever I can. The wonder of movement is that it makes more movement easier. And the creek and the ducks and the herrons would all vanish from my world if I didn’t get out there.
I spend so much time working my body (I teach Spinning, am an avid runner and 5k girl, lift weights, take classes, etc.) that I realized it was time to focus internally and find some peace. I started back to school (Masters) last fall and LOVE it. I am going working towards my PE Certification (because moving is what I love) and I find my brain full most hours of the day.
With the new year and new decade, I made a commitment to myself to finally delve into Yoga, after many years of saying, “I need to try Yoga.” Well, I tried it; I love it. I feel so at peace with myself and have finally found a way to quiet my mind, even if just for a few hours a week.