In years past, I’ve made some big fitness goals- like running 13 half marathons in 2013 or doing my first triathlon. This year, I’m focused on building sustainable, healthy habits as opposed to pulse periods of intense focus on a goal- a goal that usually means I’m burned out afterwards!
For 2015, I’ve teamed up with Kohl’s to #MakeYourMove and cultivate a healthier, happier life. Small, sustainable changes lead to big results and I’ve learned that changes do not have to be dramatic in order to be effective. Small tweaks in your habits can lead to gradual weight loss (instead of crazy yo-yo dieting) and investing 10 minutes a day into a fitness routine can make you feel as good as an insane marathon training schedule, without the burnout afterwards. This year, I’m focusing on sweeping changes, not yo-yo failed resolutions and I’m already feeling better!
Here’s what I’m up to for 2015- how will you #MakeYourMove?
I have decided that it’s not the sugar I’m after, I’m really looking a bit of flavor and some carbonation to help make staying hydrated more palatable. I’ve been weaning myself off soda for the last few months by buying carbonated water- which usually is around .78 cents or $1 per bottle. Eventually, I’ve decided that I’m going to make the habit stick and cut back on my plastic waste (and let’s be honest, lugging the bottles home from the store every few days) by investing in a SodaStream.
Keeping a few lemons or limes in the house- or berries if you’re so inclined, is a great way to have 0 calorie fizzy water that makes hydration delicious.
I’m horribly inflexible. After a biking accident as a tween that left me in a wheelchair for a year, I’ve never really been on balance or even flexible, whatsoever. I like the idea of stretching for 10-20 minutes before I start my day, as opposed to heading to a yoga studio (cold winter nights and snowy sludge are not ideal times for me to start new habits, let’s be honest.)
I’ve invested in a yoga DVD along with some yoga gloves from Gaiam at Kohl’s so I can stretch out in my living room before I start my day. I hope to build up to getting a yoga pass at a local studio, but good habits need to be built realistically and intelligently- I know myself well enough to spot that when it’s nicer outside, I hope to have my yoga habit locked down. Until then, I love the idea of incorporating ten quick minutes into my morning to make flexibility a priority.
I have an inner Girl Scout. I like merit badges, milestones and little celebrations. Many of my friends are using FitBit simply to ensure they combat their innate laziness (to which I am a queen of), especially as winter beats the drive to get up and get outside out of us. It’s time to get my accountability back. To take the stairs, to offer to meet a friend for coffee within walking distance instead of a place that requires a drive. It won’t be winter forever, but I can start being healthier now.
This year, I will be partnering with Kohl’s on my journey to get my stress levels in check and live a happier, healthier life! Join me as we explore fitness and wellness together and#MakeYourMove for healthier beginnings in 2015!
Follow the Kohl’s #MakeYourMove campaign on social media, Facebook & Twitter to see how others are tracking their goals and making healthier choices together this year. Join us for a healthy new year together.
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Kohl’s.
My goal is to eat healthier and to work out at least every other day. I actually think it’s been working already! 🙂
Awesome!
Great tips!! I am drinking at least half my body weight in ounces. I have also been eating low carb.
Amazing job on the water drinking! It can be difficult to drink so much, but staying hydrated is important.
To be consistent in my workouts. I slipped up last week (though it certainly didn’t show on the scale today!), but now that I’m feeling super motivated, I can’t wait to go to the gym tonight (despite how crazy busy it was last night. YIKES!).
Way to stay motivated!
It was great to meet you last night at the Windy City Bloggers event! I’m glad we connected and that I was able to learn more about your blogging experiences!
My healthy goal for this year is to get into flossing & drinking more water (1/2 my body weight in OZ daily!) . Fitbit is on order, and I’ll track that first, then set goals!
Great meeting you, too! I’m excited that you have a FitBit on the way. Let us know how it works for you. Flossing is a great goal to have; our overall health is still important.
Good luck with your goals! I love my fitbit. One of my goals is to drink more water. I used to only drink water but last year started incorporating way too many calorie laden drinks. Time to get back to basics!
Water can make a world of difference. Good luck!
Yours are very similar to mine- I know I can run, but I’m not good in the flexibility department.
I love my fitbit, it has really changed how I view fitness and sleep.
I must try the soda stream– so many people love it, it really does sound like a great way to satisfy in the flavor dept without all of the unhealthy sugars.
Glad to hear the FitBit has helped you! I’ve seen some other bloggers using the soda stream, so I know I’m not the only one who prefers it!
I am so on the FitBit train with you just to track daily activity. I know I get my workouts in, but I sit all day other than that…that must change in 2015! Happy we’re on the same page 😉 Cheers!
Great! Good luck with getting more steps in.
I hear ya about the inflexibility! I have a chronic pelvis/hip issue and I really need to do better with stretching. As a personal trainer and fitness instructor, I totally know better, but when you’re short of time, it’s always the first thing to go. I yell at my clients/students about it so I really need to start being a better “role model.”
It seems like time is always an issue! Stretching doesn’t seem as “important” in getting fit, but it definitely makes a difference.
We’re yoga twinsies! I love Rodney Yee. This year I am focused on managing stress as a huge part of the fitness equation. And I REALLY need to get more steps in throughout the day.
Good luck – those are both great goals!
I work out like a monster, however, this year, I am really focused on making each of my runs in particular count, rather than running junk miles. Each run has a purpose, a pace, and a goal of where I should be! Excited for what this means for my marathon in the spring!
That sounds like a great way to approach a marathon! I think it’s better to plan your runs out as opposed to winging it.
Water is the one healthy habit I’ve been able to keep up with no matter how bad I ate. I have debated investing in a fitbit. Do you like yours? My big goal this year is getting my eating under control and hopefully my half marathon time down with it.! Goodluck with your changes!
Great tips and I love the idea of the soda stream. I’m not a soda drinker, but I’m a fan of flavored waters. My goal is to change things up in the gym… I get stuck doing the same thing every week. I actually changed things up today!
That’s great! It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine when it comes to fitness, and it’s important to keep challenging ourselves.