Surviving Fitness

My goal is to make small changes each day toward fitness. I have resolved to make at least one healthy eating choice and aerobic movement each day. Here are five easy things I did this past week.

1. Became a Bus Rider: My work provides free bus passes, so this was a no-brainer. I found a route that takes me less than one block away from the office. I also discovered that the bus ride is only 10-15 minutes longer than if I drive the commute. I am not only saving money and wear on the car, I am doing my part for the environment. I even get to read while someone else deals with the traffic! Bonus #2 – It automatically requires movement by walking 1 block to the office in the morning, and when I return there is a 1.5 mile uphill climb back home.

2. Dead Man Hill: When I get off the bus on my daily return trip I have now decided to brace myself and take the challenge to walk home instead of call my daughter. It is 1.5 miles. That does not seem too bad, except I have to travel uphill the entire way. And then comes “Dead Man Hill”. This stretch of road extends for approx 4 city blocks straight up. No reprieves and no mercy. It is definitely not for the faint of heart – and let me tell you, I think mine nearly leaped right out of my chest a few times. But, I DID IT! So far, four times in a row. The view from the top is a great reward. My glutes and hamstrings are really feeling it today. (photo below: Ok, this is NOT dead-man-hill – but it’s good example of the same grade and length until I can add the real deal)

3. Dog Walk: Even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes, I make sure to take Joey out right after dinner. He is in seventh heaven, and those extra steps add a little boost to my evening.

4. Water: I have started drinking it again. I just carry the water bottle with me in my bag now, and take a sip here and there – working my way up to the 8 glasses needed per day.

5. Logging It: I am keeping a daily record of everything I eat and my movement. I log in to thedailyplate.com each day (usually for a couple minutes in the morning and once in the evening). This is a really cool site – quick and easy to use.

I am banking that all these little changes will add up! It’s only been a few days, but I am sleeping much better at night and feeling more awake during the day.

What small changes have you tried that have made a positive difference?

Still Surviving, HK

Filed under: Fitness Tagged: | change, exercise, Fitness, Health, walking