#getfitjanuary

[photojenicphotography]

A lil ‘Get Fit’ January humor.... #lol #treadmill #getfitjanuary #exercise #fitness (at Jen’s Casa) https://www.instagram.com/photojenic1/p/BstXIvoAPrp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1klo3vzffyk3w

[aberdeenskitchen]

Finally on board with “get fit” January 🏃🏼‍♀️👍🏻starting with a healthy, 20 minute recipe: Peanut chicken lettuce wraps with cilantro lime rice 😍. Quick, delicious, AND good for you! Get the recipe at aberdeenskitchen.com #aberdeenskitchen #healthyliving #getfitjanuary #peanut #chicken #lettucewraps #asianfusion #20minutemeals #easyrecipes #f52grams #feedfeed #buzzfeast #huffposttaste (at Seattle, Washington)

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January Round-Up

With January at a close, I took the time to reassess the progress I've made throughout the past month. Little as it may have been, I am proud of having gained even that small feat. Starting out my walking-fitness journey, I ached, pained and all out felt beyond horrid after the 30 minute session. I had already dreaded the workout program even before I got through the first week. I knew right then and there that if was to get through the month, I would need some form of motivation- a push to through each day. Mine came in the form of a quote, that I now have as my lock-screen wallpaper. My constant reminder of why I wake up early in the morning each and every day. "When you feel like quitting, remember why you started." I practically eat, sleep and dream that quote. And it is something I shall never regret. When I unintentionally noticed the reduced cellulite on my thighs and ass, and the noticeable slight tone of my legs, my best pal was reduced to a half hour by-play of my ass and legs. Throughout this entire month walking has made me be in tune with my body way more than I had ever been before. I listen now, and try to understand each and every ache that I experience. The result, I can now do a 20-minute jog without hyperventilating every five minutes. Though I am not 100% where I would like to be, I am proud of my little achievements, and I can't wait for is next. Awelst!

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Walk-Run-Walk

Day 5 Week 2 and I braved the art of running. It was during a high intensity workout that varied between a walk, a brisk walk, and back to a walk. 

I chose to switch it up a little that day, and opted for a light jog during the fast-paced interval. The result, pure and absolute exhaustion. 

My breathing was shaky and non-existent at best, and it felt as though I was using both my physical and mental energy just to get me through the one and a half lap.

Despite the agony I felt, I did not regret running. It showed me so many things about my body that I would have not realized until much later. 

I now know the areas I need to work on, and I am hopeful that with time and continued practice I will be in a marathon soon!

Awelst!

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Close of Week 1

Day 7 week 1 of my fitness goal. I am beyond happy of the improvements I have made- little as they may be- they are improvements nonetheless.

My posture was one of the things I noticed. I have stopped looking down, and slowly curbing the habit of slouching forward or backwards. 

With the new changes, I noticed how much better I was feeling. My pace increased and my breathing was not stunted anymore. 

The best part of the entire workout, I got to do it with my mum, one of the biggest fitness junkie’s I know, as well as one of my biggest motivations. 

I look at her and how far she has come, and how much adapting a healthier lifestyle has changed her life, and I want to be as fit and strong as her at her age when I grow older.

Throughout the workout, she challenged me with her quick pace and high energy, while motivating me to be better. Looking back on the logs, I burned more calories that day than any other the entire week. 

I now look forward to when we will workout together again.

Awelst!

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The Posture Realization

I’m not sure how many others are out there who’ve  made the same mistake I made, and assumed that posture doesn’t really matter. 

Dived into the workout only to ache the day after. If you are in the same boat as I, I completely feel you.

Day 2 into my workout, and I was sure I had given myself permanent back-ache. It was towards the end of my walk- after altering my body posture- that I realized with proper posture, the discomfort had reduced, and my stamina was significantly better.

Studies show that proper posture is essential while walking because it allows you to walk comfortably, breathe easier, and also increase your pace. 

Things I came to notice days later.

Despite this, implementing the proper posture proved to be the challenge. I would sometimes find myself forgetting everything I had read and regress back to the slouched position I had grown so accustomed to.

Just as expected, any forced change in habit, it will take time, and constant reminding to be able to adapt to the new change. 

Patience in essence is the key to achieving your goal. I constantly have to tell myself that despite the discomfort in the new position, having to not feel the aches and pains far outweigh a few weeks of trial and error before success. 

For more information regarding the right posture whilst walking, check out this article by Wendy Bumgardner at: 

https://www.verywell.com/how-to-walk-walking-posture-3432476 

Hope you enjoy the read, and be sure to share your fitness journey, and how good posture has improved your workout.

Don’t forget to share your fitness journey with #getfitjanuary

Awelst!

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Strength does not come from physical strength. It comes from an indomitable will.

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The Tight Comeback

Post day 1 of my workout, and I was feeling fantastic!

I was energetic, happy and all out blissfully happy that I had lost 230 calories, according to my fitness app.

Things in essence were only headed up from here, and I could not wait for the next day.

The only setback was the tight muscles. It had taken me only the warm up pace to realize how tight my body was. Granted I did not stretch before the workout, I still felt abominably tight post workout.

Extensive research showed that stretching before a  walk is not necessarily a must, especially for those who are pretty limber. But if you feel slight discomfort, it is advisable to stretch out your muscles to avoid injury.

I have taken to doing a full body stretch before and after a workout out. I also try and stretch out during the course of my day or before I sleep. 

Incorporated stretching throughout my day has made me feel rejuvenated and I realized that I sleep much better. The tightness that I felt during my workout gradually eased, and now I can say that I rarely feel it.

For those who do not what sort of stretching is good for your body, I would highly recommend a simple full body stretch to begin with. You can find them on YouTube quite easily, and before you know it, you’ll be doing them without any guidance.

Share your workout experiences with #getfitjanuary.

Awelst!