November is Coming to a Close

November's challenge of 100 push-ups, squats, and crunches is coming to a close.

I am completely astounded at myself but I am glad it is ending.  This challenge bored me and did not give me the fulfillment I felt when I purged my stuff.

What is odd to me is that I like working out.

I like the way my body feels when it has been worked and the muscles are tired...but this wasn't quite enough.

To ramp it up a little I did start a 30 day cleanse and fat flush through Isagenix.  A friend of mine talked about how great she felt and how she loved the feeling of having her body be more alkaline...so I joined up.

                                          

This helped make November a little more interesting.  Thus far I have lost 1 inch off of my waist (that was in 8 days AND with Thanksgiving in there).

I don't say that to brag but just to mention that it took a small lifestyle change to help flush out some of the fat that I've been hanging onto with the three children I birthed (I wasn't genetically blessed to bounce back into pre-baby shape like Gisele Bunchen).

The cleanse has helped me feel better about myself, I have more energy and don't crave sweets or copious amounts of food as I did in the past.

After this 30 day period is over, somewhere around mid-December I will start a second cleanse (why stop a good thing???) but what I am hoping is that it will keep me on track and that holiday indulgences won't be so great and I won't start the new year thinking how upset I am by all of the stuff that I ate.

My challenge next month, along with the cleanse, is to mail a note to a friend everyday.  My husband asked "Do you have that many friends?"  Yes silly boy I have 31 people I would love to send a message to and let them know how much they mean to me and that I really appreciate their friendship.

To prepare myself I already have the post cards (they are ones that I made from a photo I took of some roses)...the picture always makes me happy and hopefully it will do the same for my friends.

The only other thing I need to do is go buy some stamps...yep I am going to handwrite the messages..I think it makes it a little more personal even though e-mail is so darn convenient.

Do you ever send or receive actual letters anymore?  Does it make you feel a little extra special to know someone had to go to a little extra work to send you that message?

Creating Habits and Routine

I must admit I have not been as put together for this months challenge...at least so far.

Last month I had to find items to eliminate but I could do that morning, noon, or night.

I'm find thing that when you expect yourself to do 100 pushups, crunches, and squats you need to plan your day out a little better.

I've had days so far where the I was trying to pack all of this in in the last hour and a half before bed, I've had days where I've forgotten which set I was on, and days where I did some in the morning and then forgot to do the rest until almost bed time.

This had to stop if I was going to feel good about this month's challenge

                                  

One of the chapter's in Greg McKeown's book "Essentialism" discusses routine and how having a set routine lets your mind go on autopilot for that task (i.e. driving to work the same way everyday) and allows you to open your mind to other creative thought.

                                                 

By having a routine you make sure that certain functions get done at specific times.  A week into this challenge and I realize I need to be more regimented with it.

I can do 20 push ups and squats at a time but then I need a little break before I do the next set...so to make sure that I finish the challenge strong and hopefully create a habit of doing exercise at various intervals through out the day I've created a schedule for myself.

The schedule comes with cues...so to start off the day I get out of bed and stretch and then do 20 push ups and 20 squats.  After I've finished my shower 20 more push ups and 20 more squats.  I get all of my primping done and get dressed 20 more push ups and 20 more squats.

Just by incorporating it into my morning routine I knocked out 60 of the 100 reps for each of those exercises.

It left me feeling pretty accomplished AND feeling like it would be no big deal to get the other 40 in.  

I created a routine that is easy to follow and sets me up to succeed.

Do you have routines in your life that you use to help you throughout the day?

Can I do that 100 times a day?

That is a question I woke up this morning asking myself.

Can I do 100 push ups, 100 crunches, and 100 squats EVERY day?

I think it is the push ups that will be the most challenging for me, not to be sexist, but like lots of women my upper body strength is a bit lacking.


                                               

I'm not sure why I chose 100 of each...but that seemed like a nice round number.  Before I chose it I looked on Pinterest, if you ever what some inspiration on exercise challenges take a gander at Pinterest...you will be overwhelmed with possibilities.

My husband surprised me and is going to join me for this challenge.  He wants to recommit to being healthier and the idea of having a partner to keep him accountable is exactly what he needed.

I wanted to make sure that some of my challenges were physical to ensure that I challenged myself both physically and mentally.

Do you know some of the ways that exercise helps?

Besides the obvious getting in better shape it can:

• Reduce Stress
• Release endorphins which give you a boost in your happiness
• Strengthen your cognitive ability
• Boost your creativity
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Builds self esteem
• Make you more productive

I don't know about everyone else...but I could use all of those benefits

My thoughts for this month were to include interesting information about exercise and how it can help keep you healthy and hopefully I can encourage some of you to exercise along with me.