30 Day Challenge – Day 6 and 7

Quick update tonight…

Day 6 was 2+ hours at the park playing with the girls, as we had an impromptu picnic with our friends and their kids at Delaware Park. It was a beautiful day and we all had a fun time. Hopefully there are more days like that this summer!

*Day 7 Update*

Jason:

Finally got back to the elliptical tonight after a couple days of ‘play’ exercise this weekend. Another late exercise session, so I kept it shorter than 30 minutes, but also tried to push past the marks I set in the previous 20-minute session. Bested both, so that’s good to see.

Overall, I am thinking more and more that our life doesn’t fit the 7-day workout regime, as you’ve probably witnessed over the last week! No duh, right? Well, my main thinking was it would help solidify the habit and routine. I think it does accomplish that, but I also need to be realistic – especially given that it’s summer and there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and move.

I also came across a great article on Zen Habits called The Healthy and Fit Algorithm. Definitely worth a read. The points on exercise really hit home, as I thought about this little challenge:

Exercise:

1. Do it 4 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Seriously, doesn’t matter. Basketball, jogging, weights, push ups, etc. Unless you have a specific goal just make sure to get it done!
2. The two day rule! You can’t miss 2 days of working out in a row. You can skip one day. But not the next!
3. Don’t let the “Exercise Monster” build up. When I don’t do laundry for a while it becomes what I like to call the ‘Laundry Monster’. It builds up in my mind and I avoid doing it at all costs. Until finally, I have to. And it’s never as bad as I think it’ll be! Don’t let it happen to you. Follow the two day rule!
4. Don’t focus on exercising at a certain time. Just focus on making time to exercise!
5. Make it fun! Listen to music; join a nice gym; etc. Bonus: If you love working out with music as much as I do, only listen to your favorite music while you workout. I’ve actually exercised just to listen to my music.
6. Focus on how you want to feel. We always feel energized after we workout. Yet, we usually skip exercise when we’re feeling tired! Remember: Exercise will give you energy. Want more energy? Exercise more!

My plan is to try one more week of every day exercise, then consider moving to a four day regime and use the two-day rule if things are still crazy hectic. I would prefer to finish out the 30 days with an every day workout, but I also need to strike a balance with everything else. With that said, off to do the dishes quick before bed!

Day Seven Meta
Weight: Didn’t today, but I did weight myself yesterday was in the same 188-190 range.
Exercise of Choice: Elliptical for 20 minutes (4.32 miles and burned 349 calories)

Soundtrack

• This Are Flashes – Q and Not U
• Close to Home – The Get Up Kids
• Asleepers Union – Les Savy Fav
• One After One – Dananananakroyd
• Cheated Hearts – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Reprobate’s Resume – Les Savy Fav