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31 Days of Activity
I decided to set a goal…31 days of activity.
I’ve been feeling like a sloth lately, I’m sure the weather has played into that some, but it’s time for me to start moving again! My goal is to do some type of activity for 31 days straight. It doesn’t always have to be some huge trip to the gym or a fitness class. It can be as simple as taking a walk or playing in the yard with my dogs.
Day One
My 31 days started on Sunday March 4th. I am taking American Tribal belly dancing with a conditioning component on Sundays. This past Sunday was the first in the new session. Class starts at 10am and runs for an hour followed by the conditioning class at 11am for 30 minutes. This class is amazing. Not only am I taking it with one of my nearest & dearests, but it’s a fun way to exercise. I get my heart rate up, learn moves that focus on muscles that don’t get used that often, and it gives me the opportunity to examine how my body moves creating a great deal of self- and body-awareness. I always end up with the good sore feeling the next day.
Day Two
Monday March 5th was just a simple trip to the gym. I purchased new running shoes on Saturday, so I was excited to break them in. I spent about a hour doing interval training on the elliptical. I start by setting a good pace for the first 5 minutes, my goal is half a mile in 5 minutes. Then I start adding in intervals with sprints, running backwards, and running forward with slow down down minute in between. By the time I reached the 45 minute market, I had run 3.5 miles. Not my best time, but it’s been awhile and I’m happy with that given it wasn’t just a straight run. My goal is to move to the treadmill and then outside once it warms up a bit. Eventually, I’d like to do a 5k.
I’ve also started back to the healthier diet again. I made quinoa chili Sunday in the slow cooker to have for the week, dinners and lunmches. Last night I baked some chicken to go in a fun salad that is mixed greens, green apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, nuts (optional & whatever nuts you like), craisins (I got the cherry ones), a small crumble of feta, and raspberry walnut dressing. Plus, lots of water!
I’ll try to find the link for the quinoa chili and share it. It’s really good!
NJTGND
A Note on Being Bendy
I love yoga!
It really amazes me how many people still think the only reason I do yoga is to maintain flexibility for sexual reasons. Let me reassure you, it is not completely true.
I’ve been taking Hatha Yoga for about 10 years now and it’s one of the best things that I’ve ever decided to start and continue. I love that it’s 90 minutes once a week that I focus on me. I clear my mind, turn off the distractions, and relax. The focus on breathing and poses that allow you to stretch and release muscle tension has taught me how to be a calmer person. Don’t get me wrong, I still get angry, and when I do, you better go to church, light a candle and pray. But I’m not nearly as quick to anger, I keep a level head during “crisis” situations (personal and professional) and have a much more positive outlook on life.
Recently, I started spending a lot more time at the gym. I’m in my early 30′s and decided that I need to be healthier. I’m not necessarily concerned about losing x pounds or building tons of muscle mass, just want to live a long, healthy life. That being said, I’ve dropped about 10 pant sizes in the last year and have toned up. Yoga has helped keep that new muscle tone long, lean, and flexible. It also helps after those long sessions at the gym.
I encourage everyone to try yoga. There are many different styles and you have to find the one that suits you and your needs best. I found the one I love, and I’ve tried others (hot yoga like Bikram is super intense). Despite my many reasons for loving yoga, I’d be a liar if I said it didn’t help in the bedroom too! 
NJTGND
