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
We have a group of 7-10 of us that are training to walk the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in April. We found a training schedule with daily activities to keep us focused and motivated.
I think having a goal to work toward besides “I want to lose weight” or “I want to be healthy” is really going to help us sail through to April. And hopefully by then our commitment to fitness, our bodies and our souls will be ingrained.
I receive your catalog and found your message very inspiring. I’ve cut it out and shared it with our entire group.
I gave up “working out” about the time I gave up “working.” Oh I stay fit, and I earn a living, but the vibes of both are far from labored. I replaced the workout with beings and activities I love that require athleticism. I adopted three dogs who require daily long walks. I adopted a horse and began riding to develop agility, strength and stamina. Twice weekly, I dance “Global Soul,” a combo of Latin and African dance, and weekly Pilates to keep the core of all intact. But it is the love of my animal time and activities that inspires my fitness above all else. I work to minimize injuries that would keep me from this play time, and assure I can continue as I age. At 48, I’m in better condition than even when I was a professional dancer in my twenties, and all just by pursuing a life I love.
Don’t waste time on what you think you “should” do, actually enjoy your healthy lifestyle! If you hate sweating on the elliptical, grab a jacket and try the “free gym” just outside your door. If you’re not a runner why torture yourself just because it’s good for you? Take a kick boxing or a dance class, or take the cheaper route and get a DVD or take the cheapest route and load up your mp3 and find a (private) place to cut loose! Join a city sports league; you can workout with a team and get to know your neighbors.
It has been so freeing to realize that I am under no obligation to workout in a way that I don’t love. You don’t have to force yourself to do something you love–and you have a better chance of sticking with it come February. If you love something, you just do it–unless of course you’re spending all your time on things that you don’t love.
I am committed to enjoying life! But of course that includes working out 4 to 5 days a week. Jogging, lifting weights, TRX, Zumba, Yoga, snowshoeing, hiking, cycling and playing volleyball. But I cannot forget to do my nutritional cleansing. Keeping my body healthy on the inside, toxin free and a strong alkaline environment is super important too. Here’s to a healthy 2010 for everyone!
I think finding something you really love to do makes a commitment to fitness so much easier. I started getting into yoga about 6 months ago and am totally hooked. If I had the time, I would go everyday. But I have been pretty good about going at least twice a week for a few months now. In 2010, I am excited to look forward, as opposed backwards. I don’t want to get down on myself about all the times I didn’t do last year. But instead think about all the fabulous things I want to do this year and truly make it happen. I think my commitment to yoga is about feeling good and have the inner- and outer-strength to accomplish all my goals.
I started the a fitness regime before the new year which has made it easier to follow through with a continued fitness program. I also have partnered up with a fitness buddy and we keep each other motivated.
A motivational tool I’m using this year is a journal–I write down my goals, then increments to reach those goals. I need to lose about 35 lbs., but I’ve broken it down into 10 lb. increments, so it seems more doable. Every day when I get back from the gym I write down what I did in the notebook. I also mark my calendar with stars on days I work out. So far, it’s working great. I also like being able to see my progress from day to day. Even if I don’t lose weight, I go faster and farther, so I’m always moving forward.
I am committing myself to fitness because if I don’t this 40 something will get left on the sidelines of life. Watching her 4 kids run, bike, swim, ice skate, blade, snowshoe ,etc. past me. I want to be able to play with them, heck keep up with them would be nice! And I want to truly form a intimate relationship with myself with each yoga pose I do. I am committed for my family & myself.
At 52 and one of the early women to benefit from Title 9 itself, working out is in my bones. That said, I am amazed by how easily a few days can go by without a workout and a few pounds add on. So my mode of operation:
I make my workouts part of my schedule. While I don’t have a strict schedule, but given time contraints with work and children, I need to schedule each workout opportunity in to insure it happens. On days when my husband is home, I know that I have more freedom from child demands so those days get longer workouts. Then there are a couple days each week when we both work so my workouts are harder to get done – particularly in the winter. So, I need to know if each day will afford me the opportunity to workout.
Variety is my second thing. Seasonally: Winter – nordic skiing. Spring – soccer. Summer – hike and bike. Fall – soccer again. Weekly: variety with the previous activities but mix in gym spin class or a run from home or a rainy mt bike ride.
Thirdly – I am a social person and do more when I am with a friend. I have been on the same soccer team for 20+ years. It just as much the friends as it is the game. Maybe more the friends.
Finally – Now at 52, I keep thinking that I am 40 but that menopause thing rolled in. My body shape is changing and I can feel the aging creeping in so I am motivated to maintain my fitness.
Have fun!
My commitment to fitness is simply necessary! I had ACL reconstruction surgery and meniscus repair on 11-17-09 and I want to get back to my fitness activities that I had to modify in 2009. I love to downhill and cross country ski (as a matter of fact that’s how I ruptured my ACL) and will not be able to this winter. I am also an avid golfer and put the clubs away because of the instability of the knee. What I found though was biking! I was able to rehab my knee to complete a 442 mile bike ride across the state of Iowa in July. My inspiration was the package that my order from Title Nine came in before the bike ride. “You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Thank you for the support!