Turning Up the Resistance

So, I was at the gym the other day, enjoying a Gilmore Girls episode, while plugging away at the elliptical...and guess what happened? I didn't feel the workout. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I'm getting in better shape. So, I turned up the resistance. I've lost some weight recently, so I had to add some back via my cardio equipment. This is a good thing, but it also reminds me that you really do need to check in with your body when exercising. Its so easy to get into routines and fitness ruts. Many exercise gurus suggest never doing the same routine day in and day out, and I do get that, BUT its better to commit to 30 minutes on the elliptical a few days a week plus some toning than skipping out because you're worried you're working out the same muscle groups. Right now, I'm happy to have a gym routine that works for me, with an eye down the road at varying things come Spring. Still, its important to notice what your body is telling you. In my case it was: you need a harder workout. Sometimes it might be saying, "slow down" or "ouch." All of these signals are important for life-long fitness regimes and self-care.

Healthy Resolutions Challenge

So, my work--a University--has put out a 55 point, 6 wellness credit change through our Healthy You program for the month of February. The three items they want us to track are:

1. Sleep--at least 7 hours per night
2. Relaxation/Meditation--at least 15 minutes of time out of your day
3. Nutrition--eat at least one cup of fruit and one cup of vegetables per day

Now, I'm pretty good on the Sleep category--I try to aim for 8 hours per night. I'm also very good on the veggies, though making sure that I eat a cup of fruit will require a bit more attention. The relaxation/mediation component is what I'll really need to work on, but I think that a challenge like this is exactly how to go about it. After all, it takes 21 days to form a habit, right LisaD? In order to receive full wellness program credits at the end of the year, one must participate in at least one of the monthly challenges. We track our progress in an online system.

So, how about it readers--anyone interested in taking this challenge with me? Let me know in the comments and I'll try to arrange a reader give-away from a sponsor if we get enough responses.