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
Visit the BlogHer round-up page for links to other participating blogs.
This giveaway runs from January 4 – January 16, 2011.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This giveaway is now closed.
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/24558308039860224
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
I am wanting to get back to walking, and try to start my day eating a great breakfast for extra energy.
My number one fitness goal this year is to be a better role mole for my two kids. They look up to me in so many aspects. I want to create a more fit, healthy dad that will be around for many years to come.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
I also plan to give up soda and drink more water. Plus walk the dog farther and more often.
Am going to eat less and excercise more.
I need to get out and walk more. I sit most of the day at my job, and I really need to get moving.
Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/24642380678303745
I’ve started walking on my 10 min breaks at work. Can’t wait til daylight savings time again to walk more after work, but until then, every little bit helps!
WOAH THAT SURE IS A LOT OF CHEESE! I NEED TO CUT DOWN ON THE JUNK FOOD THIS YEAR, THAT’S FOR SURE kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWEET http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/24660470791151616 kytah00@yahoo.com
My husband bought me a used lifecycle for Christmas. I can take a hint. I’m hoping to ride it twice a day for 10 minutes each session.
my goal is to workout EVERY day and to not eat so much sugary food
Being able to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes without pain in my foot or feet would be a great accomplishment for me! Thanks
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
i plan to start doing my stretching video again. it really improves my balance and flexability.
I will remain true to a vegan diet but work in even more whole foods and fresh foods. I will meditate, walk, and do mild exercise regularly..all which I do not do regularly but when I do I feel the benefits!
I will take walks with my girlfriend and stop eating right before bed. I’m currently considering a gym membership where I would try yoga classes, use the bike, treadmill, and maybe pool.
I will walk to my mailbox each day (barring days with snow storms..I have my limit!) which is about two blocks away since I live in a condo complex.
I will cut back on white sugar. I do well in many other health habit categories but this one has a hold on me.
I just joined Weight Watchers and bought Wii Fit. I’m looking forward to incorporating some healthy habits into my busy life as a mom.
i started back exercising in addition to an on-gong food plan. i have arthritis and have to avoid stressing my knees. i’m afraid if i started walking, i’d have to call home to get a ride back! i also joined “the biggest blogging loser” contest, ‘cuz money motivates me.
I just had my son at the end of October so I plan on signing up for the gym this weekend. My goal is to go the gym at least 3 times a week and get this baby weight off! I’m also going to start a food journal and stick to 1400 calories a day!
https://twitter.com/#!/harvester5905/status/25036937093976064
I plan to quit drinking soda~
Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/givekaciestuff/status/25063866614419456
eat out less often, try to cut back on sugar intake! a few of my goals!!
I coach cheerleading and I am forcing my self to do any activity that i have the girls do! ie. run laps push ups ect, (I won’t be tumbling any time soon lol!)
We have full access to the gym at work and they have Zumba classes so I’m going to give it a try.
I’d like to lose a little weight. I think that will make me feel better all around.
I am a “2010 exercise fail” too! We should get together some time and talk about it over coffee and cookies. In 2011 I think I’ll actually turn the treadmill on when I get on it. And I’m not talking about just the TV that is attached to the treadmill. I’m talking about that big nasty black belt thing that touches my shoes.
I always felt weird that I didn’t know how to swim so this year I signed up for swimming lessons at our local community college. Not only will I learn a new skill, I’m hoping to get healthier with some much-needed exercise.
Classes start in February and I’m hoping to be a “Navy Seal” by summer! (and a bit thinner too!)
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/25265440397725696
To eat little meals throughout the day instead of saving up my hunger for three big meals.
I am going to use my treadmill at least 4 times a week.
My goal is to do the couch to 5k program and run a 5k for my 40th birthday.
I am a dork so I read the official rules.
Sounds so generic, but I really just plan on working out more often and being more selective of what I eat. I lost 40+ pounds a couple of years ago, and I’ve pretty much managed to maintain the loss but I’m still in dire need of TONING, like, for real. ;)
I plan on going to bed at a decent hour, drinking less diet coke, and working out 4-5 times per week. Better get going!
My bestie and I have been doing the Biggest Loser Yoga and Bootcamp. Love it!
My health goal for 2011 is to be a better role model for my future college student…….drink plenty of water (no alcohol binges), portion control (avoid the freshman 15), stay away from junk foods (munchies anyone), eat 5-8 fruits/vegetables per day, drink 3 glasses of milk/day, move my body 60 minutes per day (not just walk to and from classes) and get plenty of rest (avoid all nighters). And no sobbing when I drop her of at college……. Do you think my future college student will pick up on the good habits?
I’m with ya Mama…I’ve SO got to get off my bum. We got Just Dance2 for the Wii for Christmas, and it’s *really* fun, so I want to work Just Dancing into my weekly routine. I can even do it with my daughter, and it’s quality time AND exercise!
The water thing KILLS me … I need to DRNIK MORE WATER (or just drink SOME water period).
i plan on eating more hormone free meats, organically grown veggies and losing 15lbs by using my elliptical 4x a week rather than 2x week
I’m trying to drink more water and find ways to move more – especially with my daughters. I know I’m much more energetic when I can do this!
I just need to DO it. Isn’t that a slogan?
My major goal is to improve our diets this year. My husband is stuck on fried things and it’s killing my tummy! I’m learning now about healthy and fascinating foods like quinoa.
I have the gift of genetically high cholesterol, so in addition to my half-pill of meds (I sound like a granny!), I’m eating either oatmeal or black beans every day to see if it helps bring my numbers down.
Walk, walk, walk and drink, drink, drink…water of course!
Exercise 4 days a week. Last summer, I started buying healthier foods and I’ve lost 21 pounds. If I add cardio to it, I hope to lose another 25 by this summer.
I just started a 4 week boot camp two times a week. I. can. hardly. move. If I survive the 1st month, I hope to keep it up!
I want to eat fruit every day.
Signed up for E-Mealz! And plan to Zumba at least once a week.
Staying hydrated and taking my vitamins more regularly.
More hiking and x-c skiing to build up aerobic capacity.
work up from walking to running, eat healthier which includes much to my dismay eliminating real coke.
More exercise!
Keep up with my Christ-centered yoga class. Incorporate more walking and or walk/running. More fruits and veggies. I say that like I eat a fair amount already, but i don’t. Anyway, you get the drift!
I want to add some things to my diet, or really replace some things. I use stevia already instead of sugar and I like it. I want to add raw honey and yogurt and also try some freshly ground cinnamon which is supposed to be very good for you.
dchrisg3 @ gmail . com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/DchrisG3/status/25421007162445824
dchrisg3 @ gmail . com
I like my Leslie Sansone walking DVD’s….
Run and Shred
2010 was a good year for me, exercise wise, and I hope to keep that up. P90X and calorie control helped my lose the 10 pounds I needed. Now in 2011 I intend to keep moving and watch what I eat. Small meals (300 calories) and lots of veggies.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Spend more time with the Lord.
Stay out of the recliner.
Get at least 8 hours sleep each night.
Cut out two meat meals a week.
Last year we made the choice to eat only grass fed, organic beef…and this year we’re hoping to do the same w/ the pork and chicken. Plus add more ‘real’ foods and less processed!
I will monitor my food choices…and bring lunch to work…no more buying!!
Eating healty meals, exercising more.
1) Less diet soda, more water.
2) More sleep.
3) Bike riding and walking.
4) Healthier diet
5) Simplify my life
We bought a Wii and Wii fit with rewards points this Christmas and we are having a ball…and also very sore. I have never been a workout person, and probably never will be, so the Wii is a fun option to get me going.
I just announced my weight on my blog yesterday (who does that???!!!) So I am fairly serious about getting moving.
I plan on making more use of the gym membership I am paying for. I do okay with cardio. I need to do better at weights. Thanks for the giveaway!
I stay in shape by chasing around eight preschoolers for eleven hours each day.
I want to take 20 minutes to myself every day.
Lately, I’ve been concentrating on eating more protein foods, instead of sugary snacks.
I plan on eating healthier, exercising more and training/completing my first 5k.
I’m with you, Boomama! I have an unhealthy relationship with the Diet Pepsi. So, I’m gonna take my inspiration from you and try to drink more water! Sounds like a plan!
I’m going to quit smoking!!
hi
I plan to drink more water and get more exercise!
I’m committing to exercising five times a week rather than three…I feel so much better when I do this, even if it’s just a longer walk with the dog on the weekend rather than a trip to the gym.
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
Drink more water and try to cut down on sugar.
Consistent exercise! I’ll do really well for a month or two and then miss two or three weeks! Yikes!
Exercising is something that my husband and I enjoy… walking in the mornings is one way we keep on top of this.
I will be using the treadmill 3 times a week at least.
My plans to make 2011 a healthier new year is drinking more water and less soda.
I’ve started practicing yoga three days a week. I’m still pretty stiff and uncoordinated, but I have faith that will improve as I continue with the program.
I plan to improve my health and wellness by making a commitment to get exercise most days of the week.
I plan to exercise more frequently
trying to get more exercise, treadmill is pretty boring though
I scored a very nice treadmill on Freecycle but had an injury before I could start using it. I plan to clear off the junk that has found a home there and start using it to gradually get back into the exercise mode.
Tweet – http://twitter.com/willitara/status/26166352590929921
I’ll admit I’m not a very good cook, so this year I committed to them that I would try some new recipe’s to improve our overall eating habits and they’ve jumped into the game. After school and homework, they look up recipe’s online for things they think they would love and write me up a shopping list. It works great for us!
Less beer, more eating at home, more fun exercise. I’m jazzed, actually: this is gonna be fun.
My main health goal this year is to drink more water too.
joined gym, plan on walking at least 3 times a week.
My big thing this year is social health. I have a tendancy to be a real hermit and not get with my awesome friends nearly enough to the point of it being unhealthy. This year, and I have done well so far, I am promising to get with friends more often.
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/26321185516032001
2011 will be better! Like you, I enjoy walking and my goal is to start again.
My focus this year is on organic living. I want to edit my budget and spending habits to allow me to have more money so that I can afford to do all my shopping at the local Whole Foods and make my meals as organic and natural as possible. This will enable me to eat healthy good foods that I enjoy while losing weight without even really trying just by cutting out all the eating out!
my tweet http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/26327832409939969
I will take the time to take a vacation this year
trippyjanet at hotmail dot com
I plan to do some form of exercise at least 3 times a week. I’ve already enlisted a friend to make me do it!
i really want to get healthier i got a kinect for christmas and the active 2 and i love it.