Happy 2016!!

Hey guys! Happy 2016! Did you have a good Christmas? Was Santa good? How about those New Years Resolutions?

I had a great Christmas! I ended up getting a Fitbit Charge HR, which I adore so far! I’m still learning all the cool things that I can do with it and will write a more detailed review soon. So far I really love it, which makes all the worrying I did wondering if the Fitbit was worth it totally a waste of time! I need to stop worrying so much. So much energy spent getting all nervous over things I have no control over! 

My New Years Resolution is to continue on this journey of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, worry less about things I should not worry about, and just try to enjoy my life. I actually went to our local Chinese joint to get some food and I thought it was quite fitting. I don’t actively talk about this, but sometimes, I just really struggle with all this healthy lifestyle stuff. Sometimes I am far too strict with myself; not giving myself time off to let my muscles heal, telling myself no to a treat. I’ve recently been doing much better about that, but it still is very hard sometimes. I constantly am reminded by friends (and I remind myself) that I will not lose over three years of hard work if I take a night out and eat at a restaurant, or have a slice of cake, or whatever I indulge in. Constant indulgences might be an issue, but every once in a while? It’s okay! So I thought, you know, why not start the year off with a nice treat to myself? Gotta live! Live more, worry less! So far, it’s all right. So in addition to worrying less, I’ve also decided that in the year 2016, I want to be on the move, and I want to get in 1000 miles this year. When I run, I generally run just slightly over four miles. I think 1000 is a good number, if I were to run four miles for 366 days (Leap Year!) that would be 1464 miles in a year. I know that there are going to be days where I don’t feel like running, whether I’m sick or injured or whatever, and that gives me 464 miles to play around with. ;) I actually need to get better at taking a day off - it’s that whole worrying thing again. It’ll all come with time. 

I’ve been doing Killer Body again but only the Upper Body workout although I might add in the dreaded core workout, and start doing the lower body also. I missed doing it. Using five pound weights feel like nothing now! Great feeling when I think back to how heavy they felt in the beginning. I’m not sure if Shred It With Weights helped build me up or what. Despite it all, I feel like that’s a non-scale victory! I can definitely notice a difference in how heavy I can go! Gotta invest in some heavier weights now! Even with doing Killer Body, I’m still looking for something more, and I think I may even be ready to branch away from Jillian and look into other at-home DVD’s. I’d like to be able to get to where I can lift heavier and really start building up some noticeable muscle this year. 

I have lots of dreams this year and my hope is to be able to accomplish them all! I’m grateful that I’m at a place where I feel like I can accomplish the dreams and goals I set for the year. I don’t see myself falling off the bandwagon. Even a few weeks ago when I fell slightly off the bandwagon for a few days after the illness that never was, I was still able to get back on it (thanks again, fictional guy). With that said, think of those who might not have the support or determination you or I do. I’ve come across many memes, jokes, and articles in fitness-inspired groups and just online in general making fun of the people who have fitness and health related goals as their resolutions. I’ve seen so many articles about the “New Year Gym Rush” and how they wonder how long the new people will last. Why are we saying this? Why are so many people so sure that someone new can’t do what we did? We all began somewhere! I began in August 2012, rather than January 1 on some random year, but I started at the bottom. We all start from the bottom. Yes, many people resolve to make changes at the beginning of the year. Sure, some people don’t stick with it. Some people do, but why are we discouraging others? Lets build one another up and not make another feel as tall as a blade of grass. I became a fan of PrayFit on Facebook, and I saw this, I thought I would end my post by sharing it here! Happy New Year! 

“I said it last year, but I can't help but already notice – from Twitter to chain emails – the avid exercisers mocking the new faces at the gym (or those they will soon see.) And they all have the same, general theme: “Oh those resolutions. I wonder how long they will last…”Aren’t we glad God doesn’t say the same about us? “Oh, here’s Jimmy again. Same sin, same confession, I wonder how long this commitment will last.”Guys, if it helps, think of the new face at the gym or on the road, or in the pool, like a visitor at a crowded church on Christmas day. Acknowledge them, welcome them and tell them you’ll see them next time. They may not be familiar with the gym's layout, but they'll know where to find grace. You never know, your words of encouragement might be what saves their lives. Remember, it takes courage for them to show up. Now, it’s your turn. -JP #‎PrayFit(It also takes courage NOT to show up. Join us at prayfit.org from January 1-10 for our retreat; from the gym, from the road, from movement, from activity. But it doesn't mean we won't be "training.”)”