The Breathe First and Get Moving Challenge, Prep Day 2: Write down your HOW

So...starting Monday, we are going to challenge ourselves to MOVE every day for 10 days in a row--no excuses! In order to ensure success, we're taking a few days to prep our mind and our environment....

OK, so yesterday, you wrote down your WHYS. 

Awesome.

Now, it’s all well and good to know WHY you wanna do something, but now you gotta figure out HOW to get it done!  

Cuz a dream without a plan is just a wish! 

So let’s plan out how we’ll get it done…

First off…START WHERE YOU ARE!  

• DON’T plan on running a marathon in the upcoming week if you are a total couch potato and have a bum knee!
• INSTEAD, DO check with your doc before starting a new fitness program (especially if you have pre-existing conditions or injuries).  Start out slowly and build as you go!
• DON’T randomly start swinging around 50 lb kettlebells without knowing how to use proper form! DON’T go on tik tok and try to mimic Cirque du Soleil moves performed by an Olympic Gymnast if you can’t (yet!) touch your toes!
• INSTEAD, when starting a new style of workout, DO learn proper form and technique from an expert (in person or online) so you can exercise safely and avoid injury!!

Next...USE WHAT YOU HAVE!

• DON’T count on exercising outside every day if you’re a fair weather outdoor exerciser who lives in a cold rainy climate. 
• INSTEAD, DO be sure to plan indoor back-up sessions for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate!  Eliminate your excuses!
• DON’T sign up for some crazy expensive gym or program if you’re on a budget!
• INSTEAD, DO a little research!  There are TONS of in-person and online programs that are free or nearly free and are presented by qualified professionals!
• DON’T sign up for aerobics classes if you hate aerobics classes! (Duh!) The most effective workout program is the program that you WANT to do!  So... 
• INSTEAD of making yourself miserable, DO choose a style of exercise that lights you up!  Hiking?  HIIT?  Basketball?  Line Dancing?  Hula Hooping?  Who knows!  Whatever it is…Have fun!
• DON’T schedule your exercise for after work if you are exhausted by the end of your day!  
• INSTEAD, DO workout at a time that works with YOUR energy levels.  
• DON’T let others (co-workers, family or friends) crush your efforts.  
• INSTEAD, DO tell folks what you’re trying to accomplish, set aside a chunk of time JUST FOR YOU, and PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR AS BUSY. (Imagine it’s like a dentist appointment…no one shows up THERE to interrupt you…same goes for your exercise time!)

Last...DO WHAT YOU CAN!

For the 10 Day Breathe First and Get Moving Challenge, we’re going to commit to moving EACH DAY for all 10 days!  It doesn’t need to be a big thing…especially if you’re new to exercise!  So… 

• DON’T commit to exercising for 3 hours a day if you’ve got a “To-Do List” that’s 4 miles long, 7 days a week! Who needs that kind of stress and pressure?  
• INSTEAD, set yourself up for success and DO move each day of the 10-day Challenge by picking a chunk of time that is reasonable and works with YOUR schedule! 
• BTW, If you’re an advanced exerciser, DO be sure to incorporate recovery sessions into your schedule!  

We’re gonna do the best we can with the time and the energy we have!  Got it?

So now, with the ideas above in mind…

Write down your HOW…

1. What style (or styles) of exercise will you do?  (Create or pick a program!)
2. How long will you exercise each day?  
3. When will you do your exercise?  (Block out the time on your calendar AND set an alarm!)

Okay…that’s it!

I’m going to plan out my 10 days and share it with you Sunday Night or Monday Morning!  

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post where we learn the third Prep for Success step!