Week 2- My Motivation for Change

So far I have worked out once this week. My roommate talked me into trying out this workout tape series called "Insanity," which consists of a series of several intensity building workouts meant for cardio and strength training. I have to say doing the first series of this workout was very difficult for me. Within the first three minutes of warm up time I was so out of breath that I had to stop and take a break. I felt like giving up but decided to follow through with the whole workout, I did slower versions of the exercises presented on tape. This happened on Sunday, and today on Wednesday I'm still sore. I have to admit, doing this workout really did show me how out of shape I have become and it is motivating me further to keep up with my exercise goals. I have read that "Insanity" is one of the toughest exercise tape regimens out there so I don't feel too horrible about not being able to keep up.

I do want to talk about why I felt so motivated to make exercising regularly a goal for me this semester. For most of my life I've defined health as not being sick. However, lately I've personally come to believe in a concept of "wholeness." To me this means being mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. In fact I have learned from some of my grad school courses that the World Health Organization defines health as, "A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This is the definition of health I have adopted as well and refer to in my language as "wholeness." I believe that "wholeness" is one of the keys to not just maintaining good health but to leading a happy and productive life. To me "wholeness" is the next step above health, it is not just about being healthy but living one's life to the maximum potential. Since I've been understanding and learning about more of the concept of "wholeness, " I have committed to eating right and thinking of ways to relax and wind down from stress, and these are goals that I have been able to achieve. I am very motivated to add regular exercise to the formula so I can further reach "wholeness." On that note, I think I'm ready for another workout tonight.

Getting Back Into The Grove

When I was back in high school I used to play basketball and run track. During my undergraduate years in college my physical activity levels did decline compared to high school but I still remained active as I did not have a car yet, so I had to walk most places. Ever since I moved to California my fitness levels have taken a total hit as I drive most places now. Thus I have decided that I want to be physically fit again.

My goal for the next 16 weeks will be to exercise for at least a half an hour four times a week. I am picking the number four because this number seems reasonable as in the past I have aimed too high and have not met my expectations thus far. Aiming for four times a week should get me used to being physically active again. At the same time picking half hour blocks is also possible to squeeze into my schedule.

I am also thinking of ways that I can realistically come about achieving my goal. I think doing the same activity four times a week will be hard for me to repeat and will be boring. I want my activities to be things that I will look forward to doing each week. Since I've always enjoyed hiking but never really go as often as I should I'm currently looking for a hiking group to join in my area, ideally this will be something I will partake in once a week. I'm also looking for a possible yoga class to attend once a week as partaking in yoga regularly will not only help me to be fit but will help me deal with stress as the semester gets busier. The other two times a week will be spent walking and running outside in my neighborhood. I may end up mixing things up as the weeks go by and will not always end up doing these three things every week, but my goal is just to exercise four times a week for now.