30-Day Fitness Challenge

30-Day Fitness Challenge

If you've read my blog post on April 3rd, you already know that I have challenged you (and myself) to a 30-Day Fitness Challenge. If you have chosen to accept this challenge, here are the rules:

Rules: You have to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 30 days (so you only count your exercise days as part of the 30 days). That is 5 consecutive days. It can be Monday-Friday or Tuesday - Saturday...you get the idea. But there are no breaks in between your five days.

If you miss a day, start from the beginning at a new Day 1 (yes, even if you are 25 days in). This is not a punishment. Don't look at it as a set-back. Starting over to have a complete 30 days is creating the opportunity to form a new, healthy habit of exercise.

Exceptions: The goal in this challenge is to make exercise a daily part of your life, no matter what. We all know that life throws us curve balls. But that can't stop us from being healthy and taking care of our bodies. So, with that being said, the only exception to missing a day (and not having to start over) is sickness. If you can exercise through your sickness, that would be best, unless it's in your head or lungs and can cause dizziness, fainting, or compromise your breathing. Keeping your blood pumping and body moving could be beneficial to the healing process. Use your judgment. You know your body best.

Exercise Ideas: Here is a list of different types of exercises to choose from. You can add any that may not be on this list. But remember, for it to qualify as a workout, it has to raise your heart rate and breathing.

• Brisk walking (I love Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds)
• Jogging/running
• Bike riding
• Stationary bike/recumbent bike
• Elliptical machine
• Cross-country skiing machine
• Stair climber
• Stair stepper
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Basketball
• Racquetball
• Spinning class
• Step aerobics
• Kick boxing
• Dancing (you can do this with your kiddos!)

It's a good idea to weigh yourself and take measurements. This is not a part of the challenge, but you may be surprised at how your body changes throughout this process. Areas to measure are: Bust, chest, upper arms, waist, hips, and thighs.

I've done this challenge before and was SO surprised at how I began to love exercise. I NEVER thought I'd enjoy exercise. I hope the same happens for you.

My prayers are with you as you work on this challenge. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it. YOU are worth it. And you CAN do it!

I'll keep you updated daily on how the challenge is going for me. I'd love to hear from you and how you're doing.  And please, make sure you check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. The objective here is to get healthy, not dead.