Building Better Habits, One Step at a Time

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Last week was pretty good! I finally got up to doing 100 leg lifts a day. My daily workout includes five sets of 10 push-ups, sit-ups, arm curls, and leg lifts. It also includes one minute of a posture exercise against the wall. In the evenings, I do the same workout again.

For the Superman exercise, I focus just on my upper body. Right now, I’m using 10-pound weights for curls, and my push-ups are modified since I do them on my knees. I also aim for 10,000 steps each day. On weekends, I skip the evening workout to let my body recover.

One thing that got me into this routine was reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book talks about setting up habits that stay the same every day. This is why my morning routine is the same from Monday to Sunday. The book also explains how to create easy wins, which has helped me stay motivated. This week, I plan to increase my curl weights from 10 to 12 pounds. Next week, I’ll focus on something else. Small changes keep my workouts fun and manageable.

Of course, it’s not always easy. When the weather’s bad or I’m not feeling motivated, I’d rather sit down than work out. But the book also advises getting comfortable with boredom. This approach helps when I’m low on energy or when the weather’s terrible. For example, last week I was sore from gardening and speed workouts, and it rained a lot. But instead of skipping exercise, I just told myself, “Do something…anything.” So, I started my routine without worrying about speed or quality, and before I knew it, I finished everything. When it came to getting my 10,000 steps in, I grabbed an umbrella. I went out anyway. I got a little wet.

By Friday, I was proud to see that I hit all my goals for the week. I had an extra cheat day on Sunday while apple picking. I enjoyed cider donuts, cookies, and apple pie. I still met my targets. I use an app called Renpho with my smart scale. For the first time, all my metrics were in the green! That felt like a big accomplishment and motivated me to keep going.

Looking ahead, this week’s weather should be nice, so I don’t expect many challenges. But with winter coming, I’m considering buying an under-desk treadmill. It costs around $180-$200. It would let me get my steps in while working. This could save me an hour every day. I might build a desk for it since I have some extra materials from my garden projects.

This week, my main goal is to increase my curl weights from 10 to 12 pounds. That might not seem like much, but I believe in making small, steady improvements. I also follow tips from another book. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson states that small actions add up over time. This way, I can make progress without getting overwhelmed. Each small step makes me a little stronger, and that’s what keeps me going.

I’ve been on this fitness journey for about two years now, and I have a big goal: by the end of January, I want to lose my belly fat and finally see my abs. This has been a long-time goal for me, and I believe I’ve figured out how to get there. It may seem like a superficial goal, but it’s important to me, and I’m excited about reaching it.

I also believe in enjoying the process. I’m not trying to lose all the weight by rushing. I’ll still indulge during holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but I know I’ll reach my goal, even if it takes a little longer. This approach helps me stay happy and enjoy the journey without feeling like I’m missing out.

Ultimately, I hope my progress will inspire others, especially my boys. I want them to see how important health and fitness are. My habits have already started to influence my family, and I hope that continues.

To sum it all up, this week’s focus is increasing my curl weights and exploring new exercises to help me run stronger. I’m excited for what’s ahead and staying committed to my goals.

Until next time, stay healthy and happy!

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