Regular fitness efforts have been particularly challenging for me,nmost especially as an adult and parent with a lot of responsibilitiesnas well as a history of sedentary ways. The recent classes and Mr.nOliver’s black-belt test journey have given me inspiration to get back in gearnonce again (the week of “squats of doom” was the first signal).
Sincenstarting at the dojo in September, I have noticed increased strength innmy modified push-ups, which is great, and gives me a glimpse of anfuture “me” who can better sustain the traditional push-up.nOutside of class, I have been “experimenting” to find a baseline of whatnis achievable for push-ups and sit-ups. On the best of days, thisnseems to be 60 of each. From early last week the trend has been looselynevery other day, so the goal of consistency is readily apparent.
Withnthe end of furloughs comes the reinstatement of the gym membership,njust in time for fall and winter weather, and also an opportunity tonassess this same “baseline” for cardio fitness. The big key for me herenis to get this in before any other claims on my time– during the week Inhave found this to mean getting up and out of the house betweenn5-5:30am. The summer “baseline” was 1.5 miles of walking/running,nagain, not on a consistent daily basis. I look forward to picking thisnup both in frequency and intensity in the comfort of the gym.
Inam also looking forward to: 1) seeing what living out the other blacknbelt test requirements means from my fitness and belt levels, and 2)nbeing able to share the steps of the journey–accountability andnencouragement are always good!
The best place to begin is at the beginning, even if it’s beginning again.