This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Reebok.
So if I’m being completely honest, I have to tell you that 2010 was a Major Fail for me in the exercise department. Maybe my worst year yet.
Oh, I did a little walking here and there. And I cranked up a work-out DVD a time or five. But with the exception of a whole lot of swimming back in the summer, the words “daily exercise” weren’t in my vocabulary a whole bunch. And even though I know it sounds trite, and even though I know it sounds like millions of other people, I can’t help but tell myself that 2011 will be better.
(2011 will be better.)
(2011 will be better.)
(If I repeat it over and over, will that make all my fitness dreams come true?)
I have to say, though, that 2010 brought some really good changes in our eating habits. For whatever reason – and this was never anything that we sat down and planned – we gradually made a switch to a much simpler diet. Lots of vegetables, lots of whole grains, plus good-quality meats that are prepared very simply and flavorfully (is that a word?). And as a result of those changes, we’ve felt a lot healthier. My husband paired the smarter food choices with a regular work-out regimen, and he’s entering 2011 about thirty pounds lighter than he walked into it.
But now? It’s time for Mama here to get on board. Which means, among other things, that I may have to dial it back a notch or two on some of my favorite foods.
Oh, it is a blessing.
I know that if I set unrealistic goals (lose 40 pounds and/or fit into a tiny size and/or look like Heidi Klum and/or run a marathon), I’m just setting myself up for failure. I think a better strategy is to find two or three small things that I can do well and do consistently. The mental and emotional battle is just as big as the physical one, so I know that it’s super-important that I take that into account. So here’s what I’m thinking in the way of goals / changes / strategies for a better, healthier life in 2011:
1. Drink more water. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but diet soda and I have a little bit of a thing going on. We’ve had a thing going on for YEARS, in fact, and I really need to loosen my grip on those 12-ounce aluminum cans. The caffeine has a bit of a hold on me as well, so while going cold turkey (I just wrote “gold turkey,” which sounds like a fascinating albeit unrelated issue) isn’t the best option, drinking more water and less diet soda seems wise.
2. Go to bed earlier; wake up earlier. I have an unhealthy relationship with the snooze button. I tend to err on the side of burning the candle at both ends, which means I’m always trying to grab bits and pieces of sleep whenever I can – and because of that I tend to stay up too late and fight waking up in the mornings. This year I want to at least be in the bed at a more reasonable hour, and I’d like to wake up about fifteen minutes earlier in order to make my quiet time more of a priority. I’m a better, more even-tempered, more level-headed person when I set aside that time in the morning, and I want to do a better job of keeping that appointment with myself.
3. Move. I’ve never been a runner. I like the idea of being a runner, but I’ve decided that my transformation into a runner is just about as likely as teaching a cat to bark. However, I’ve had a lot of success in the past with walking. I really do enjoy it when I make a point to carve out the time for it (the time element is huge for me). This year I want to put on my walking shoes again (side note: I’m intrigued by the Reebok Easy Tones – I actually enjoy the process of toning up my legs, and I think the Easy Tones would make that process even quicker) and hit the trails behind our house. Walking three times a week would be a huge improvement for me, and it would also make that second goal I listed a whole lot easier.
So what about you? What’s one way you plan to improve your overall health and wellness this year? Leave a comment with your answer, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Plus, for more chances to win, just visit the Exclusive Offers section over at BlogHer.com
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im walking my dog longer, and trying to start running again
My husband and I are starting of the year doing a Daniel type fast- no sugar, caffeine, white flour, just water, etc. Just for 10 days to kind of regroup after the gorge fest of the holidays.
I am determined to exercise more. I lost weight last year so I want to keep it off my eating healthy foods and staying active. When I get lazy I just remember the weight I’ve lost and improved my health.
Drink more water! Have a huge bottle on my desk right now. Get up and exercise to my DVD each morning (or at least 3 mornings).
I started the week after Christmas walking my dog three times a day. Once in the morning before work 3/4 mile, once in the afternoon when I get home from work 3/4 mile. Then before bedtime just a very short walk in our cul de sac. I need real shoes. I am using an old pair of Keds that are great but they don’t have support like Reebok does!
Oh boy! CONVICTION, Sophie!
I have to do something! This Christmas was eye-opening. Every picture I saw of me…..was disturbing! I cannot believe I’ve let ME get this way.
I plan to do everything you listed and focus heavily on getting moving!
No more sedentary lifestyle! BAD BAD BAD!!
Continuing going to the gym at least three days a week is my plan for the year.
I’m going to move from 20-30 minute workouts 5 times a week to 45-60 minute workouts 5 times a week (with a 6th day for a 20-30 minute workout). I am hoping the extra time and intensity pushes me through the next 2 sizes to my goal!
My plan is to drink more water.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I joined a fitness program sponsored by my employer. The program offers discounts and cash awards for fitness activities. That’s excellent motivation to keep up my exercise program all year long!
I had a tough 2010 also, my dad passed away and it put a damper on everthing. This year I plan on eating very healthy fresh foods and walking the dogs. hopefully i’ll get a wii or xbox and do the dancing exercises
I am walking more
tweet
http://twitter.com/buzz8/status/23119597959909376
i want to be consistent with exercising. i have a treadmill and I use it when I watch any prime time tv shows. so any nights with good tv i am getting my exercise in!
I am trying to walk a small amount everyday. I currently have a major back problem, so I have to be careful not to overdo it, but moving slowly for a short distance does seem to help. Also the meds are being super generous in the gift of extra pounds, of which I already have an excess, so the walking is a must. Plus I am watching what I eat carefully, because at least that is in my control, haha!
I am going to start exercising.
I’m going to stick to my Weight Watchers points and be more active
Our local Y opens later this month and we plan on spending as much time there as possible. Thank you!
I am going to register for 4 5K’s this year and force myself to get faster everytime!! hopefully that will work
I really want to start incorporating diet and exercise into my routine.
Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/01/boomama-reebok-share-your-story.html
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/samasam/status/23154572964925440
I am trying to drink more water and eat less junk food.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/23155923996377088
I plan on exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and losing at least 40 lbs this year. I would like to be in decent shape by the time I get to be 40 years old.
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/rsmstahley/status/23161970421141504
I plan to eat healthier foods.
I do want to walk more…it’s the only exercise I enjoy!
I spent last year taking care of a family member, so this year is all about getting back into my fitness routine (so far so good!) – I understand about liking the idea of being a runner, the closest Ive come is the EA sports for the Wii
I have already started making myself at least one green smoothie for breakfast each day. It’s like drinking a salad and fruit mixed together. Then any veggies I eat for lunch and/or dinner are added bonus.
I have been taking long walks every day
with my drog KC. I have been drinking more
water and eating more fresh fruit.
walk daily
blog http://twitter.com/#!/sodahoney/status/23227873137524736
Sry last entry has wrong link
Blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2011/01/116-tone-up-this-new-year-with-reebok.html
I’m not drinking any more soda!
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/23234925398335488
I’d like to start walking at least 3 miles, 4 times a week.
I’ll try to plan more meals instead of just eating on the fly.
I plan to exercise at least four times a week this year! I am excited about it :)
I’ll be drinking water instead of drinks with calories.
I plan on exercising more and drinking more water.
My plna, like you, is to let go of the diet pepsi with crushed ice and drink more water. Move more, since 0 is my current status, it shouldn’t be difficult. Love the shoes!
Tweet!
http://api.twitter.com/#!/EverydayVibrant/status/23400714164244480
I plan on eating better (less processed food, less calories overall).
I am a pretty big exerciser and plan to continue that, but the main thing I want to do for health in 2011 is cut back on the caffeine. Not give it up or anything, but cut back. I tend to feel very sluggish when it wears off!
My goal is to hit the gym 3 times or more a week. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d like to do a little more hiking, and do some walking inbetween to stay in shape.
The first thing I did was quit smoking, next I am going to get back on my treadmill for this winter, then start walking at the first sign of spring
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/23442606646104064
I will watch interesting movies while I go on the treadmill.
I do really well with the cardio, but I would like to add some weight training. My bigger goal for this year is to try and cut out as much processed food as possible.
I am trying to get started running more. I want to run a 10k this summer.
I am going to move more… less couch potato and more activity
Drink more water, try and drink less Coke, and just eat as healthily as possible! :-)
Wear a pedometer!
I plan to exercise at LEAST 4 days a week this year. I am also going to run my first 1/2 marathon this May and hope to run a 2nd in September.
I am also wanting to cut down on my carby-sweets intake which right now is at an unthinable high. But good gravy those chocolate chip cookies are yummy!!! =)
I plan to do more strength training.
I recently joined the gym because I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. that and eating better will help
I’m going to buy myself a bicycle! And what’s more I’m going to ride it! :)
tweet http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/23791419722309632
Like you, I want to go to bed earlier so that I can get up earlier – also extra sleep can’t hurt! I will do something that gets me moving 30 minutes a day, even if it’s just walking around during my lunch break.
I definately will be walking daily this year and try to stick to a low carb diet.
moonshadow43 at gmail dot com
Tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/moonshadow43/status/23853712925528064
moonshadow43 at gmail dot com
I plan to drink more water and more herbal tea’s. Eating healthy is important to me also.
I am working to make this year healthier by tracking my food more carefully and working out!! Getting back to the basics
Gonna try some Zumba this year :)
I am setting monthly goals for exercise. I’m hoping since I am doing it monthly, I can reach them!
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I’ve been working on this for two years now and have lost 60 pounds so far. My plan is to keep going and get off this plateau I’ve been on. I’m hoping to do that by upping the intensity of my 45-minute walks. Either increasing my speed or adding some inclines.
I’m with you on the walking. It’s the one I love most (next to dancing), and I also have a hard time finding/making time for it… but I’m starting again! I also have a few new DVD’s for dancing/exercising and hope to mix it up a bit with those!
I’m hoping to exercise more regularly and eat less sugar.
The ONE thing I plan to do to better myself is to make time for myself to do the projects I have been meaning to do for quite a while :) Y’know, Me-Time :)
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
I just tweeted this giveaway here :D
http://twitter.com/#!/TimboSquad/status/24016425341419520
Please feel free to contact me at:
allrightyes at gmail dot com
I plan to workout and get more whole wheat products.
tweet
http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/24062484163854336
I plan to drink more water and make healthier eating choices!
I am spending more time exercising for sure and focusing on my diet, such as no more drive throughs.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/24104809380454400
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
More walking, less eating and more veggies
marybug2 at yahoo.com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/24106685471653888
marybug2 at yahoo.com
Count me in please :)
I’m participating in a friendly, online fitness challenge. It’s keeping me accountable!
I started to walk every day with my daughter about 3 months ago. It’s a good way to exercise and spend time together with my baby girl <3
buddhistmom at gmail dot com
I will add more fruits/veg to my food choices and cut back on portion sizes.
I’m trying to cut down on the empty calorie foods and instead eat more nutritious things, like fruits and nuts. Just because it’s low cal doesn’t mean it’s healthy!
I am going to stop drinking diet soda!
Thanks so much!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
http://www.feedyourpigblog.com
I start using the gym at work on my breaks.
I have been replacing regular cheese with soy cheese, drinking more green tea instead of soda, and using my arm weights. A little bit at a time!
I will walk on the treadmill 30 minutes a day
I’m setting aside 15 minutes daily for deep breathing and relaxation exercises. When I feel more relaxed and balanced, I do a much better job of staying on track with all my goals, both health and otherwise, plus I feel better overall.
dogsrock at insightbb dot com
I signed up for a weekly exercise class and am run/walking on the treadmill 2x per week. Like you, I need to cut back on the diet pop but that’s going to be a hard one….maybe for 2013! LOL
tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/24241663622782976
I am absolutely determined to get back into exercising again!
ape2016(at)aol(dot)com
On may 20 my blood pressure was high and so was my blood sugar…..I thought I was 40 pounds over weight. I bought a Glycimic Index for Dumbies book and started walking the dog 18 minutes every morning and 30 minutes by myself every night……by Nov 20th I had lost 35 pounds and both my blood pressure and blood sugar are normal.
PTL……if I can do it anyone can……no gym membership …. No surgery…..I celebrated my 62 birthday by goingnfrom a size 12/14 petite pair of jeans to a 4/6. Pam, South Bend
I will be eating more fruits and vegetables and taking a daily walk this year.
smchester at gmail dot com
We got an X-Box Kinect this holiday. Plan to use it to get and stay in better shape.
Sometimes I make resolutions and sometimes I don’t. This year hubby and I said we were not going to eat out as much. So no more fast food lol
s8r8l33@yahoo.com
I plan to use the elliptical machine twice a week.
I’m actually drinking more cold water before eating a meal. Supposedly helps lose weight.
I am pregnant and due in May, so until that time I’m just trying to eat right and drunk a lot of water…but it’s hard! Once summer comes, I plan to get running again.
I’ll be making small, but incremental changes in my eating habits. First, I’m removing bread from my diet!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com