I have spent a lot of time thinking about living a healthy lifestyle. However, it has been really difficult following through with my goals. I tend to start off strong, but something always comes up and I fall off the workout/diet/self-care wagon. Parenting a toddler and on-and-off health issues have also presented challenges to staying motivated and consistent.
For the past month or so, I have tried really hard to buckle down. I made a vow to walk on the treadmill every day regardless of how busy/tired/spaced out I felt that day. At one point, I was bleeding pretty heavily for over a week, and I had to take a day or two off. But I didn’t beat myself up, and got back on the treadmill when I felt better.
My endometriosis seems to respond angrily to jogging or running, so, for now, I am stuck with brisk walking. I block off about 20 minutes per day and walk about a mile to a mile and a half. For now, this is all the time I can realistically sacrifice. My body is looking slightly more fit. Mentally, my work out time is something positive that I do for myself. The scale hasn’t moved much, but I know I can’t expect much given my current level of output. It’s very much a work in progress.
Here are a few tools that are helping keep me on track. I hope they will continue to push me toward my goals in 2016.
I downloaded the Nike+ Running App because my brother told me about it. I forgot about it, and did not consistently use it until November of this year. I logged about 15 miles for the month of November, and I logged about 30 miles for the month of December. I look forward to trying to increase my mileage to 40+ miles for the month of January. The app is easy to use, and fun because you can add your friends and compete!
L and I gave each other “his” and “her” FitBits as Christmas gifts! I am obsessed with my FitBit, and don’t really go anywhere or do anything without it now. As a stay-at-home mom, I am very busy and on the go, but I am still struggling to hit 10,000 steps per day! That is sort of embarrassing, but the truth. My FitBit serves as a very obvious reminder to keep my body moving, and I can even track my sleep patterns! I have the FitBit app on my phone and also have it synced with my laptop so I can stay accountable.
An at-home treadmill was one of our big purchases for 2015. I have been dreaming about having a treadmill at home, and finally got my wish after we moved earlier in the year! So far, I have used it almost every day so it has been well worth the investment, and I love the flexibility that comes with being able to work out at home.
That’s all I’ve got for now! Hopefully it will give a few of you some ideas if you (like me) continue to grapple with how to achieve your health and fitness goals. Good luck!
