This has been an interesting experience for me and I’m really glad I participated.
(If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, here’s the original post (with all the entries too).
FYI, I’ve kept track of my daily 15 on a page over here.
At first I wasn’t entirely convinced that fifteen minutes was going to make a difference, or how easily I could incorporate it into my day. I already find it hard to schedule time at the gym. But then, doing the gym thing involves a whole process that is very time consuming. It’s time I don’t often have available to me. I have to get dressed for the gym, walk to the gym, sweat my face off at the gym for an hour or so, walk home, shower, etc. Phew.
Fifteen, on the other hand, is manageable. More often than not, 15 means I’m not changing into gym clothes or taking a large chunk out of my day … it’s simply adding a few minutes onto something I’m already doing. It’s realistic. And easy! (That’s the best part!)
For me, this challenge has not been about weight loss, but I know that’s the goal for some. I’ve been there – trust me! I can tell you from personal experience that the hardest thing about embarking on a journey to good health is taking those first steps and not losing heart. If the first steps aren’t small ones you won’t make it very far.
Fit-in 15 is about making yourself a priority and creating new habits that are cheap and easy, and building on something you’re already doing to get you on that road to good health. That daily 15 can be something as simple as parking the car a little further away at the grocery store, biking to work and taking the stairs (this is something Mark’s doing!), taking the dog out for a walk in the morning instead of letting him out the back door, or walking the kids to school or bus stop.
Walking is probably the easiest thing to incorporate. It’s how I lost all my baby weight with kid#2. When I’m walking I’m not just getting my blood pumping, I’m seeing my environment a little differently and clearing my head and decompressing. It does wonders for my twitchy stress levels. I’d forgotten how good it makes me feel and I’m glad this challenge reminded me.
Anyway, I want to know, how did you do with your Fit-in 15? Was it easy, or was it hard? And more importantly, did it inspire you enough to keep going?
