Why We Need Specific Exercise Goals

Eat Less; Move More.  Words to live by.

But what does move more MEAN?  I made a conscious effort at one time to get off the couch and move more.  I would actually play or follow my kids around more at the park rather than scurrying to the closest bench.  I would get up and dance with the kids rather than sit in my chair and watch.  Some days I would do some pushups on the sink and do a few leg squats holding a baby.  Some days not.

That was moving more, wasn't it? 

At the end of the day, somedays I would be moving more than before, somedays, I couldn't remember what I had done.  While all that certainly helped some, it wasn't anything close to an exercise plan.

I admit, I've NEVER been in a good habit of exercise. Never. I've gone in treadmill streaks.  I've been on it for 4 days a week for about a month and could certainly feel improvement in my legs and was getting faster.  Then I'd stop.  Then I'd go on the Wii fit for 3 weeks straight, every day. And then stop. I've never been able to do something consistently.  I have a couple of exercise videos, I'll play them for a day or so, then fall flat.  No consistency.

So here it is challenge time and it's time to set some exercise goals.  I have to be more specific than just "move more".  If I don't, it won't work. 

The weather is in my favor and I've been walking more.  Like trying to increase my speed and distance kind of walking.  I plan to do this 3 times a week, minimum, though shooting for 4.  I have specific things that I am going to do each day of the week. 

I think one of the most important things is to schedule it.  Don't try to fit it in.  It won't work, believe me.  If I schedule it in, like I would a dentist appointment, then it will actually get done.

I'm still working on the specifics but when it's time for the Slimmer This Summer challenge to start, I'll have put in place some goals for 12 weeks.  Twelve weeks is certainly longer than I've ever done exercise consistently (pathetic I know, but true.)  We still have a week and a half to figure out our goals and put them into place.  I'm already putting mine into place and seeing what works and what doesn't.   Plus, I'm really hoping to add and increase to my goals throughout the summer. 

So what are your exercise goals??