Biking is a great option and I'm on the hunt for a bike.
2010 Couple Goal: Exercising and Being More Active
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We're trying to reach our health goals with sustainable change. It's been hard to make some changes and I still have to make myself keep to my exercise routine, but it's easier when you do it as a team.
Biking is a great option and I'm on the hunt for a bike.
My Fitness Goals
By mid June, I'd like to:
- Weigh 12 lbs lighter
- Be able to do 4 pull ups
- Tone up my abs and strengthen my back
So not only do I want to lose a bit of weight, I'm trying to get more muscle. changing and improving our diet is a huge help and I hope to complement it with an exercise routine.
I'd also love to increase my energy levels, sleep better, and become more flexible.
His Fitness Goals
My husband's goal is to lose a 1lb/week until he gets down to his ideal weight. Right now he's ahead of schedule and he's losing 1-2lbs/week. He'd like to be under 200lbs by mid June.
He's mainly focusing on controlling what he's eating. He hasn't developed a work out routine and knows that's something he has to get done to help him reach his goals.
How I Work Out
My focus with working out is being consistent with the routine. I want to be able to keep my habits after I reach my weight goal, so I focused on getting practical routines.
Two Minute Jump-start
The Belly Off Diet has a quick routine that is great for me on weekday mornings, no matter how pressed for time I am. It's only 2 minutes and it's a little jump-start to my day. For those curious, here's the 2 minute routine:
- Jumping Jacks
- High Knee Skips
- High Knee Runs
- Side-to-Side Hops
- Pushups
- Crunches
- Mountain Climbers
- Bodyweight Thrusters
I'm using the beginner rountine over at Nerd Fitness. My biggest problem is time. What I've tried to do is get some exercise in very day, whether it's structured or not. Steve's plan is great and very easy to follow (but not do – it's definitely a workout!)
If you want to skip out on the video, here's the routine:
I'd say pretty successful with keeping my workouts, but I've skipped some days. To improve it, I'm trying to incorporate in the middle of my work day as a way to energize myself. I can't always fit a workout first thing in the morning and after 5pm I don't feel like working out unless I have a partner.
I'm also trying to get more activities included into my workouts. I'm not a big gym person and I like to mix things up a bit and I'm walking and jogging more. There are plenty of parks around Raleigh and we're really close to one that also includes a bike trail. I'm searching on Craigslist for a decent used bike and trying out that since the weather is getting nicer.
Your Thoughts on Fitness
Nerd Fitness is a great resource for me and if you're looking for information onbodyweight exercising, join the rebellion. I'd like to get your thoughts on improving your fitness. What's your favorite way to stay fit? What has been the hardest for you?
Photo Credit: Dustin Diaz
I started Ice Hockey twice a week a couple of weeks ago and my wife and I are starting the P90X program tonight. I’m stoked to be doing it together because we have a much better chance of holding each other accountable that way. This will be the summer I’m finally fit! Best wishes to you and your husband Elle!
Thanks Paul for sharing your work out. P90X is an intense work out and wish you two the best on it!
I simply joined a gym down the street from my workplace. So far, I’ve been going 3 times a week for the past two weeks. My husband and I are trying to improve our diets, too, and are eating more fruit and veggies. Good luck to you two!
Thanks Nicole for sharing your fitness tip!
Good luck Elle! 12lbs is a lot, and you don’t look out of shape at all! Maybe that’s too much weight?
The main thing I did was just eat less and lighter. That changed my physique more than working out ever did. Kinda funny that way.
Sounds like a sensible approach to your fitness goals. If time is a factor, you can compensate by working out with more intensity. One option is TABATA training. You can find a little more info on my blog post http://www.flatoutbuddy.com/2010/03/tabata-4-minute-workout.html
It’s basically a set of 8 x 20 seconds of all out intensity with 10 second breaks in between. Do this with a solid warm up, and good cool down and you have a good short intense training session.
I completed p90x and it was awesome. I went from 0 pull ups to 6 throughout the program. Now I am doing Insanity which souns quite similar to some of the workouts you are doing.
Weight loss is slow (don’t need to lose that much) but I am in pretty good shape right now.
Good luck on your goals…. I am sure you will do it.
I’ve started by walking 30 minutes during lunch every day at work, but I’ve found that it’s not intense enough for me when I’m trying to socialize with co-workers at the same time. We’re also involved in a fitness challenge at work, so that’s helping, but I decided to take the CouchTo5K approach starting next week. Good luck with your fitness goals!
@Financial Samurai: Thanks Sam! I’m trying to lose weight and tone my core. I was into sports and was very active, but after college, I kind of developed a lazier lifestyle. I’m hoping to lose the belly fat and gain some strength.
@Jim: Thanks for the tip. Mid June is my vacation time, so that’s my motivation to really push it. If I’m off by a few weeks, it’s no big deal though.
@Forest: I need to get back into p90X, even if it’s just using it for the core synergistics routine. That program kicked my butt and I only made it 2 months out of the 3 month program. You’re my hero for finishing the program.
@Flexo: Good point Flexo, I think I could up my cardio intensity. Socializing with friends motivates you to go out more, but may not push you like you want. I’m trying the CouchTo5K too. My schedule will be Sun, Tues, Thur. Please let me how that works for you.