If you are just tuning in, I’ve decided to tackle my New Year resolutions head on this year. The first step will be to stay on top of the ones that are year round. With that in mind, I’m going to report my exercise activity weekly to hopefully motivate myself to move my booty.
Exercise Breakdown
Here’s what I’ve been shooting for – I will work out (walk, jog, run, play an active sport, etc.) 30 minutes or more at least 3 times every week. My diet is important, but constantly focusing on food is stressful and has me thinking about food all of the time. But beyond that, I also would like to tone my upper arms and my stomach at least a little bit. So I will try to maintain a balanced diet, and concentrate on activity instead. To boil down my weekly goals:
- Walk or do the equivalent at least 3 times a week.
- Start or end that work out with 10 pushups and 10 situps. Move that up as they become easier.
- Concentrate on portion control but go back on Weight Watchers if I start gaining any extra pounds. This means I will be weighing in weekly as well.
- If I’m following my own rules, I should be able to lose 15 pounds by September 1, 2013 (weigh in at 150 or less).
Week 2 Update
- I walked for 30 minutes on Wednesday.
- I participated in our bowling league Thursday.
- I did 0 pushups.
- I did 0 situps.
- My portion control was a bit off, but I continued to eat lots of vegetables along with my normal stuff…
Specifically with food, we started keeping track of our food budget with a sheet on the refrigerator again, so we’ve been eating mainly at home and lunch is leftovers. So even though homemade nachos and leftover potluck dishes are not the best meals ever, it has been better than fast food.
As for the lack of exercise, this past week was a little crazy and I have not been feeling 100%. I’m not worried about failing at all…just have to get back in the walking spirit. 
Summary So Far
Weight
- December 31, 2012 – 165.2 pounds.
- January 13, 2013 – 165.4 pounds.
- January 20, 2013 – 164.4 pounds
- Total Difference – 0.8 pounds down
I really was not expecting to lose a pound this week but it was a super happy surprise!
Exercise Sessions Completed
- January 2013 – 4
Next Week’s Goals
- Actually hit 30 situps and pushups this coming week.
- Walk at least 3 times.
- Monitor my weight. If it goes above 165, I’ll be getting back to Weight Watchers.
If you have anything you’d like to tackle this year, please join on in!
I ran twice this week, 3 miles and 4 miles. First time I’ve run that far since I broke the ankle. I wasn’t running as fast as I used to, but the speed will come back. I’m also meeting with one of the gym instructors next week to set-up a new strength training routine. Needed some motivation to get back into that. Keep up the good work Crystal. As long as you make it a priority, the exercise will get done.
@MikeS, glad you are getting back to running! I was a bit worried on how your ankle would do, so yay!
Start walking to run your errands if possible. Even with a focus on exercise, people in the US are not getting 10k steps per day in, though in places where walking is the main mode of transportation, they are.
Even though they are $100, consider a fitbit crystal. They are super cool.
Good luck!
Hey Crystal, you know what I just thought of. What about swimming? I haven’t gone swimming in a while, but some of my friends swear by it for getting in shape.
MikeS, couple years ago, in 2011, I compound fractured my ankle while riding a bike, ouch! I immediately started swimming, rotation exercises and strength exercises. By end of 2011 I had the hardware removed and it barely gives me a twinge now. Both my knees and ankles (twisted them so much when I was younger) are a mess, so I cant run much, so I am jealous. Keep up the good work!
I have not lost or gained this week as I strained my leg tendons and muscles while working last week. Am working up to biking 6-10 miles a day again and walking. Walked a mile last night and am in pain today, guess need a bit more rest. If I could lose some weight, it would put less strain on my legs, guess that’s my conundrum.
I did use a pedometer a few years back and it did help Jeff. I was amazed how competitive with myself I could get! They even have combo watches which will keep track of steps and pulse now. Gadgets sometimes do provide a bit of motivation, but I seem to forget about them after a few weeks, sigh. WTG everyone who is trying for better health! Have a good one. If I find my old pedometers and they work I could lend you one Crystal, lol. I think I broke two of them, but they were not $100, more like $6. Have to look up a fitbit crystal…. Last real , honest to goodness following a diet I did; I would track my blood glucose levels 2x a day, measure my arms and waist every week, and kept a diet and exercise diary. It was almost a vegan diet (no white starches though no high fat dairy, no red meat, once a week chicken or lean pork, mostly quinoa, high protein grains, salads, vegies, fruit, and eggs). Lost like 25 pounds in 5 months and kept it off until I broke my ankle. Mybe its time to try again, but the rest of my family is under weight and they lost weight too. Not good when a 6’4″ guy gets down to 160 pounds. I was just thinking that having improved blood glucose readings, lower blood pressure and pulse, and seeing the loss of inches/weight did help motivate me to stay on track; just as much as trying to get 10K steps on the pedometer helped. Cooking veggies and fish and eggs was a lot simpler than my usual fare also; so I spent less time in the kitchen. Started a herb garden, flowers in front, and planted some fig and lemon trees. It was fun, and I still enjoy the trees and flowers. I guess losing weight and feeling better is more than dieting, its changing life styles and finding things that just seem to perk up your spirit. Nothing like picking your own fruit, or having fresh rosemary, basil, mint, and oregano right outside your door. Maybe next week I will have a new garden or pot going….sounds like fun. What would you choose to grow, if you wanted a small garden? I have some sprouted potatoes on the bar…maybe throw them in a bin of compost? I love hunting for potatoes, like a treasure hunt. Maybe I could use that old garbage can in the back… Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Have you tried doing your exercise first thing when you get up? Then it’s done and no excuses.
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