Tuesday, March 22, 2011

You Set Your Alarm Clock, I'll Set My Goals

  Last time in "Fitness from rehab" we talked about motivation with a specific relation to change. This time I want to talk about goals and their relation to fitness. Goals are what keep you going once you have decided to make that change. One of the reasons why I had never stuck to any fitness goals in the past is that the focus was all wrong. Instead of concentrating on goals that would be felt and met with a sense of achievement, there was a focus on numbers and looks.
  This go around the approach is all different. Instead of focusing on a number on a scale, I am striving for miles that can be conquered and boundaries that can be pushed. As part of a way to keep myself accountable here are some my Fitness goals for 2011:

- Run the Baldwin Park Half Marathon- pounding out 13.1 miles to prove my indomitable will

- Be able to do 10 pull ups by the end of the year

- Try something new every month  (Stand Up Paddle boarding, Hot Yoga, Etc.)

  These are goals that keep pushing you to achieve, and do not leave you at a dead end. So for all those trying to get motivated or stay motivated in the spring; Remember that it is not what you see in your  body that counts but what you feel. It is a focus on never settling for a number on the scale, or a clothing size. Rather it is a commitment to pushing your limits and your boundaries so that you will always have an area to improve or something new to try. So get out of your comfort zone and try something that you have always wanted and make goals that are actually fun and empowering to accomplish.

" Remember this: Your body is your slave; It works for you." - Jack LaLane

- L

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Modern Day Drifter

  So last night I decided to have an adventure. It was saturday and I had the night off which I assure you is very rare. Deciding to jump on this opportunity I thought that I would go to check out the Moon Circle happenings at Dandelion Communitea Cafe and try to open myself up to new people and experiences there. After noshing on some delicious chili and one quite delicious beverage, (thank you Orlando Brewing  Co.) I ambled outside to the circle. As I gazed at it the most curious sensation came over me. I felt as an outsider looking in, like I was watching what was before me as if they were actors in a movie and I was just the audience. So I did what I do best, I drifted.
  The Colonial Mills area of Orlando is one of the most interesting places to wander. You can see people in Vietnamese restaurants creating bonds over different dishes. People shopping for foods in various markets that carry delicacies not found in other places. There are so many things to see and observe. I found myself making my way up the block from Dandy to my favorite Vegan Bakery Raphsodic. It was one of those rare times you happen upon something wonderful.
  All I really wanted was a cupcake and maybe some pleasant conversation. I stumbled upon one of my favorite things, after cuppycakes, live music. There were two wonderful gentlemen from Gainesville playing everything from the blues, to hymns and even some bluegrass. It was music that you was tangible in the way it filled the room and your body. It was beautiful, real, and honest. It also drew people in that were a reflection of the music in that aspect.
  In addition to listening to that wonderful euphonious marriage of sound and soul, the people I met that evening really made the experience outstanding. They were not afraid to tell someone their story that was a stranger. Although we parted ways still not knowing each others names, it felt as if I had been talking to long lost friends that were imparting the wisdom of their experiences to me.
  As I crossed the intersection and headed back to my car I gazed at the moon that was the original purpose of my outing that evening. While I gazed at it's beauty I realized I had an adventure that had showed me more than most of my previous escapades. That is something that I will treasure forever. So to all of you that find yourself with the feelings I mentioned at the beginning of this post, just remember to explore and wander. Sometimes the most wonderful moments in life are stumbled upon. - L

Monday, March 14, 2011

lets get it started

   So this morning, as I rolled out of bed cursing the U.S. Government for its meddling with my clock, I had no drive to work out. The only drive I had was to hurl my alarm clock across the room so it would shut up. If you haven't guessed I am so a morning person. However I know that if I do not try to do some sort of physical activity before Noon, I know it will never happen. So I looked at my goal sheet, my rewards sheet and decided that today I would do a strength routine for upper body.
  As I did reps of tricep extensions, bicep curls and all other means of movement to give me a goddess like feeling of strength in this region, I started to think about why I pushed myself today. Sure I have kick butt goals and a super awesome rewards system that usually isn't enough for me to say "Whoo HOO Exercise!"
  The closest thing I can come up with is a quote by J.F. K.

" There are risks and costs to action . But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction"

I am tired of not acting upon what I want and the changes I want. I have to take that action to make that change. That accountability, and the awesome playlists I make, motivate me, -L