Fitness Road Map
Since we have had several “getting fit” blogs recently it dawned on me today, just like any trip we need a road map and a destination. We want to enjoy the trip as much as possible and end up where we want to be. Let’s take a few minutes and do an inventory that will help us plan our trip.
1. What is it you want to accomplish?
Do you want to be able to run a marathon in 6 months or is your goal to be able to
walk up two flights of stairs without panting?
2. In what time period do you want to accomplish this?
2 months, 6 months, a year? Is this realistic? Remember you aren’t 16 anymore.
3. Why have I chosen this goal?
Think of at least 6 reasons and one cannot be because someone (other than your dr.)
said you were fat.
4. Think about your personal strengths and physical abilities.
Good endurance, good mobility, flexibility?
5. What physical activities do you enjoy? You might have to think back a few years…
If you can’t think of any then think of one you haven’t tried and try it!
Is there something you used to do that you enjoyed (jumping on a trampoline,
dancing, volleyball , bicycling?
6. What has been effective in the past when you wanted to lose weight or be more
active?
7. Do you currently have any major pain or injuries that might prevent some activities or
make these conditions worse? (See a doctor before you start a new activity if you
answer yes to this question.)
8. How much time am I willing to dedicate to physical exercise? At what time of day and
what days of the week am I willing to commit to this?
9. Is there someone who can help you accomplish this goal?
A friend who will participate with you, Co-workers, Trainer , family member, support
group like TOPS or Weight Watchers?
10. One year from now what would you like to have accomplished? What fitness goals
will you have obtained? (BE REALISTIC !!!)
Will you have lost a couple of dress sizes (10 lb = 1 dress size)
Will you be able to walk without getting winded?
Will your body be more toned?
11. What will you need to keep track of to see your progress?
Food diary to document diet changes, kinds of foods eaten?
An exercise diary for keeping track of increasing minutes exercised or amount of
weights lifted, push-ups done
Body measurements?
Scales for wt. measurement ( no more than once a week !)
12. What strategies will you use to keep you on track and overcome obstacles?
And Finally …………………….What is your mission on this trip? State it, Write it down and Share it ! Make this into something that can become a way of life !
Let the answers to the questions above be your road map. Know your destination, what you need to make it happen, how long its going to take and what you ARE going to accomplish.
I looked at picture I had taken 5 years ago. While I don’t ever want to be that thin again (too much weight loss) I miss the person in that picture. I want to feel better in my clothes, and not constantly be thinking about my weight and my sizel, look healthier in the mirror and have being active second nature again.
My current progress report – Exercised 1 hour 3 days out of the last 4 ( two days with a walking video 3 miles each and 1 day of yoga video).I also sent the chocolate cake (and it was sooooo good) home with my step-daughter so I wouldn’t eat it. I have increased my water intake as well. I’m looking for some ways to incorporate more raw vegetables into my diet that doesn’t resemble a tossed salad ! Hold your applause – the week isn’t over yet.