One of my new year's resolutions is to end the year healthier than I began the year. That is one resolution I seriously need to get started on. My 2014 has been plagued with injuries (darn you snow!!) and I am finally getting the go ahead to start working out again. So the point of this challenge is to work my way towards having healthier habits.
If you want to join me in this challenge to get healthier, then you should consult your physician. Really you should consult your physician before beginning any exercise and/or nutrition program.
There are so many areas of health I could focus on but I wanted to make sure that I did not set myself up to fail. Knowing myself, my habits, and my physical limits, I designed this program. To be clear, I have NO medical training whatsoever. This is based on past discussions with other personal trainers, health instructors and doctors. The challenge is focused on two areas, exercise and drinking water.
I. Exercise
Being active is an important part towards getting health and it was a no-brainer to include that in the challenge. The question was how. One of my injuries that I am recovering from is my foot and so I cannot run just yet BUT I can still walk. The magic number of steps that is suggested a person should walk per day is 10,000 (a source: Shape Up America!). These are the steps you make from when you wake up to when you go to bed. 2000 steps is approximately 1 mile (a source: The Walking Site). I have a very sedentary job, which has me at the computer most of the day. I can easily get 2000 steps without trying. In fact, if I do not work out, walk the park, or do some kind of activity, I probably get 2000-3000 steps in one day. So the challenge is to get to 10,000 steps by the end of May. The weather should be nice enough for me to walk in the park but if not, I'll need to jump on the elliptical or go for walks during my lunch break. I've spread out my step goals so that I build upon my steps from the previous week. Each number on a given day is a minimum. Kudos to those who go above that number. If you do not have a pedometer, you can get one at your local Target, local sports store, or Amazon. I am using the Fitbit One to track my steps.
I should point out that you should definitely take a rest day once a week especially if you need it. Don't hurt yourself trying to get healthy. That's backwards!!
For me, I am not hard core exercising 7 days a week. I will be taking walks around the park and doing light intensity stuff. That being said, if I need a rest day, I'm totally taking a rest day! 🙂
II. Water Drinking
I have to say no to soda, juices, and other artificial drinks.
I need to start drinking more water on a daily basis. How much water should you drink? Well USNews online had an article on how much water you should drink. On the challenge, I just put H2O, so that I can cross if off, when I meet the recommended amount. I bought a Camelbak water bottle to help me out.
I'm hoping to be able to get back into the gym by mid-month, so once I can do that, I'll add that in. Plus, I am going to start being more mindful about what I eat. No point in doing all this to blow it on poor eating.
If you'd like to participate or know someone who might, please feel free to join in the fun. I'm doing this for me but thought I'd share in case other's were interested in taking it on. You do not have to do this challenge the way I have it set up. The point is to take the next 31 days and work on getting healthier in some way, shape, or form. You do you. But if you would like support, feel free to drop me a line. All my contact info is in the upper-right corner of the site. Just let me know what you need. Some people just need an accountability partner. I'd be happy to be your get healthy buddy.
I will update my progress on Instagram (@aimeej21) and Twitter using the hashtag, #aimeejchallenge for the most part and probably also on my FB page. Challenge starts May 1st. Wish me luck!
If you have questions, let me know.
