This week’s chapter on fitness, may be one of my favorites, and I’ve taken a lot from it. The very beginning of the chapter provides some insight on what we should be doing to meet physical activity guidelines and we’re given options! Who doesn’t love being given a choice? To maintain a healthy status we should be working out moderately for 150 minutes a week, or with some more intensity, we can drop that down to 75 minutes.
When I think about my workouts for the week, I notice I’m really out doing myself, and am actually benefitting from it far more than the average health standard. I work out 3 days a week, at least, and for an hour if not more at times, if I’m really in the mood.
My work outs consist of cardio warm up for 20 minutes, prior to this I am stretching of course, make sure you all do the same! To follow up, depending on the day, I move to legs, floor workouts, or upper body. My favorite thing right now is using the 7 Woman app on my phone, and doing select, timed, floor workouts provided through the app- catering to my desired goal. The options through the app, are all encompassing, and I can do work outs that satisfy varying parts of my body, and they all are different combinations, keeping things interesting and challenging every time.
The chapter talks about getting motivated, which can be a huge obstacle for a lot of us, but it did provide some tips on what to do for those days we don’t want to get up and get moving. For me, lack of time, is one of the biggest obstacles in getting up and getting active. Between work and school finding the will to do even more work just stresses me out. I think the running around I do at work at times can suffice- and to an extent it does because I’m constantly running around and on my feet. However, that’s probably just keeping me afloat, and not actually helping me gain any more health benefits.
The FITT principle provides a lot of take away’s for those of us that need some help devising work out plans. I’m not sure what all of you are looking for in a good work out plan, but for me, I am looking for a mixture of it all! The chapter highlights that these principles require a mixture of frequency, intensity and time, to meet its standards. The tricky part is knowing the difference. The work you’re putting into cardio, may not be necessary when trying to gain muscle and endurance. Everything is relative and special made for your needs so be mindful.
Setting up SMART goals is important in maintaining your objectives for this fitness journey. Making sure you’re being Specific in your plans and having Measureable characteristics to the work your doing, whether it be counting calories, or time. Other aspects include being pro-Active in the work you’re looking to do- don’t just say it, DO IT. Also, don’t fool yourself with these high standards; be Realistic, know your limits and what you’re willing to do- and make sure you’re setting aside the Time to do so.
This week has been extremely hard for me. I have lost a lot of motivation and have been getting stressed out. It’s nauseating to think about all the work I have to do for school, the work I need to do at work, to then manage enough time to stay healthy and sane. Little advice to anyone in school full time: if you can afford not to work full time, or at all, do so. Focusing on you and your health pays off more than you know.
Monica's Road To Health 