Monday, April 1, 2013

Be your own Inspiration and April's CHALLENGE!

Some people just don't exercise. They just don't want to. Or, don't see the need in it.
But for many...they just fear it.

They fear the idea of changing what they're used too. They also fear the possibility of failure. The number one procrastinator, the number one reason why some people are not exercising is the horrible
"what if I can't" syndrome.

be your own inpsiration, heart shaped sweat


This is the time of the year we see bikini's hit storefronts, advertisements in higher frequency for quick fix weight loss aids and for some of us, we see shame. Media and society are quick to show us the ideal figure. The size 2, curvy yet slim, strong yet sleek. While it's nice to think we've moved away from that, this figure is still pushed. There are sites devoted to fitspiration, some thankfully boast 'strong is the new sexy' but most are picture after picture of itty, bitty bodies. If you logged a journal of your eating habits and exercises would you like one page for your notes and the other page to view a sexy chic? Do you think that you'd find encouragement day after day by looking at a new "sexy" girl as you logged your accomplishments? For some of this, this would work, perfectly. For others this would cause damage. I lean towards the idea that daily pictures of what the media uses to influence us would actually cause an incredible amount of self doubt. We have one person to impress and that is ourselves. We have one person to challenge, again that is our self. We have just one person to answer to, ourselves. Be your own inspiration.


There's also some smack talk against those that do exercise regularly. Some may say we're obsessed. Some may think we're bragging. And some are simply being rude. When a person commits to working out, taking on daily exercise, they create habits. Each of their days include a routine, part of that routine is spent to better themselves and focus on their health. Not only does accomplishing this make a person happy but exercise is known to release the happy hormone. Ever want to turn a deaf ear to someone who is always talking negative? Ever want to point and shout Debby Downer? We all have those friends and at times they're real turn offs. But how often do you find yourself turning away from a friend who is genuinely happy? It doesn't happen. People who exercise are happy, they are thrilled with their accomplishments and want to share it. We're not all of sudden cocky athletes or know it alls. I guess some really do become the latter but most of us are just happy and reaching out for accountability.


It's proven that fitness and healthy living are easier done when surrounded by like minds. This is a huge reason why group fitness classes are maxed out each day and races are paced in waves to handle such large numbers. There's power in numbers. There's strength in teams.

I'm one of those numbers. I'm part of that team. I believe in daily exercise and conscious eating, I believe in group fitness classes and solo mind freeing runs. I'm also one of those that talk about it. I try to inspire and motivate others to jump on the exercise party train. It's a fun place to be.

Our team is growing daily. There's no official sign up. No waiver or try out. There are no guidelines to fit inside or judgement to curtail. There's just an open space to share, cheer, and do.


Surrounding yourself with motivated people will help you see ahead. There shouldn't be a feeling of competition but a feeling of support. Accountability should never be viewed as descending but uplifting. Together we are much stronger than any of our fears.

be more active, join the team, heart shaped sweat


So here's my new challenge for the month of April. It's quite simple and of no new news...
Be more active than yesterday. We can do a little bit more of anything, it's not going to kill us. 
When your body burns and yells quitting time, tell it to wait just a few more seconds, a few more minutes.
The benefits of pushing yourself to be better than the day before are unmeasurable. Each day you will be improving your endurance and adding to your strength. By months end you'll look back and smile at the growth mentally, emotionally and physically by just dedicating "a little bit more" each day. 

The list of ways to be better than yesterday is endless and totally up to you!!!
A few ideas...

-sprint hills in your daily run//walk, incline the treadmill a notch higher. Go a bit further.
-another push-up, another crunch, another curl.
-add 5 pounds to the weight you normally lift (try it for just one set, see how you do)
-find a new exercise and commit to it for a week (wall balls, box jumps, jump rope, inchworms, wall squats)
-park further away, like the last parking space further away.
-fruit for sweets, say no to candy.
-pickles instead of chips

I'm sad to take down March's challenge, it brought together strong and beautiful ladies, one of whom kicked that challenge in the butt and today took it a step further. Tyah set out to accomplish her 30 miles in 30 days, we caught up with each other via Instagram and today she introduced AprilFoolish50. She's using the hashtag and blogged about it in this post here, a perfect example of being more active than yesterday.

Quick recap on the ALL the March Madness goals set for myself and inspired by the awesomely beautiful Janna! Her linky challenge helped many of us stay accountable and organized with our goals....

1// FAIL. I didn't take//make//find the time to try a Barre Class, keeping it on the list for April.
2// SUCCESS. Completed 30 miles in 30 days.
3// SUCCESS. I think I've finally found the perfect 6.1 mile trail and am recording my pace, still sitting at last years pace of just over an hour but that's ok!
4// SUCCESS. Was totally at the gym 2-3 times per week.
5// SUCCESS. hello, this girl found the hook up to my instructor cert. I'll have much more to report on this over the next month, but lets just say I'm beyond excited about June.
6// SUCCESS. My personal FB page has lit up with race events, we're sending out an SOS for babysitters and adding up the fees. There are so many races we'd love to be a part of this spring/summer!



Remember, BE YOUR OWN INSPIRATION :)


And if you want to join in the #BeMoreActive challenge grab the button, pin it, IG it, tweet it, drop a line...or keep it private. 

I don't care how you do it, just give it a try! 



post signature



Linking with Operation Summer Shape Up and.....
Monthly MeasuresYolo Mondays, Monday Morning Gossip, and JUST Because!
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55 comments:

P!nky said...

I'm TOTALLY IN!!!!! xoxo

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I'm looking forward to being more active again! I have let that part of my life go the last several months, but I am ready to reclaim it. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Kayla Peveler said...

I am so motivated right now. You are amazing! Can't wait to begin pushing myself little by little, day by day! How can I put that button on my posts?! The "April Challenge" one?! :)

Jill said...

Most definitely in! I have been down in the dumps and I KNOW it's my lack of fitness. You are SO right about being the connection with happiness...and I need this challenge right now! Thank you hun!

Jen said...

Such a great post!! :) Happy Monday!

Anonymous said...

I NEEDED this kick in the butt! I am definitely going to hop on board for some motivation!

MorganizewithMe said...

I love this as a simple way to keep improving!!
xo
Morgan
MorganizewithMe.blogspot.com

Kaitlyn (Keeping up with Kaitlyn) said...

I'm definitely in the "fear" category. But I'm going to try to do this!!

Heidi said...

Thanks for this post! I have such a hard time motivating ymself :(

Annie said...

This is wonderful, Kristine!! You are such an inspiration to all of us--I'm in :)

Alex[andra] said...

I love this post!

We actually already committed to parking further away to force us to walk. We choose carrot sticks and hummus instead of chips and dip. But, we'll definitely keep working on more ways to improve!

Martha said...

I'm all in! Hip flexor is rested, it's time to hit the ground running (literally), and the gym.

jackie jade said...

great post! i'm already feeling more motivated reading this (and the fact that it is slowly getting warmer and the days are getting longer too). can't wait to push myself more and be healthier each day :)
-- jackiejade.blogspot.com

Beth K. said...

Love this challenge... being "more active than yesterday" sounds so manageable and less threatening than some of the insane workout plans. Count me in!

Jessica Miller said...

Such a great/inspiring post!! I'm joining in on your April Challenge!! I started Pure Barre on March 1st and will take my 20th class today! Absolutely LOVING the technique!

xoxo
Jessica
blissfullymiller.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

I'm absolutely in! I challenged myself and completed last month with #30MilesinMarch and this will help me in April with my new goal of 40 miles!

~Anchored In Christ~ said...

I dread summer b/c well I dont look like a super model like most people do or try to do. I'm sometimes happy with my body and sometimes I'm not. all depends.

Unknown said...

Awesome, awesome, awesome! I enjoyed this post (stopping over from the Monthly Measures Blog Hop)! I'm definitely in those numbers and part of that team. I love the idea of a monthly/periodic challenge. Thanks for the inspiration!
-Natasha @ Lovely you
lovelyyouboutique.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Visiting from the link up. Would love it if you stopped by and checked out my blog and said hello :).

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

kate @ a journey in style said...

I find your blog so inspirational! I totally agree that we should be our own inspiration, but I sometimes rely on what's external to give me that umph. I love the "be more active than yesterday"-- with the exception of the days I play soccer. Those are brutal :)

Rikki Sophia said...

Hi Kristine,

I'm a new following from the I Heart Bloglovin' hop. I love this challenge - it definitely makes getting into an exercise routine more palateable. Your blog is so inspirational; I'm glad I found you.

Rikki from lbyrikki.com

Ashley Robyn said...

I'm so in and excited about the Aprilfoolish50!!! I started reading your post and then literally got half way through and got myself up off of my and went for a run! It was what I needed to just go do it! I always feel better after getting outside and running off my feelings!!! Thank you friend, for inspiring me to inspire myself.

Unknown said...

I love it, count me in!

Julie-Becoming A Navy Wife said...

I just love this post!!! I love the challenge! I am a true testament to those who exercise are just happier! I hit the gym for the first time since I left Hawaii and I can't tell you what it has done to my spirit in just one day. I can't wait to go back tomorrow. I love reading your posts about how healthy you and your family are. It's inspiring!

Unknown said...

I would love for you to come link up to my Tuesday Blog Hop!!

xo Tori

http://www.mythriftychic.com/2013/04/lucky-fabb-anything-and-everything-blog.html

Unknown said...

This post came at a perfect time! I was just thinking of doing this and I'm running a contest to win $50 for running shoes. Thanks for the inspiration!!
http://www.themummychronicles.com/2013/04/upping-my-game-finding-new-challenges.html

Melissa said...

Hey girl!! This is such a great post and looks like you got a great response! You are truly inspirational! Great job at completeing 30milesin30!!! You are inspiring me to run further! I just did my all time farthest run yesterday :) woop woop! Congrats on all your accomplishments last month and i'm sure you'll kickbutt on everything this month!

Adrienne @ The Art of Being Black and White said...

So true! Love this! The only way something will be sustained, like a vow to exercise or get healthier, is if you do it for yourself. If not, then it will be another fad and interest will be lost! Great post! Love the pic that you took!
Adrienne

Because Shanna Said So said...

You are constantly pushing me to better myself and my life!! The people who talk crap are just jealous and ashamed that they are sitting on their booties eating chips...keep up the inspiration!!! xoxo

Amy Powell said...

oh I LOVE this post. so inspirational & so true! I recently joined the "daily exerciser" category & it is definitely changing my life. thanks for sharing more tips on how to keep down that path!

xoxo, Amy @ Interpret As You May

Allie @ Between Dreams said...

loved this post, gorgeous! hit the nail on the head. you have to be your own inspiration! let those pesky fears guide you, rather than stifle your true awesomeness. because it's just WAITING to be released!! our ideal life is within our reach - we just have to put in the time and create it.

so happy to have found you via the blog hop today! xx

Janna Renee said...

I love how inspirational and motivational you are! We ALL need it! You did a GREAT job on your goals too ;)

JP said...

New follower here! I LOVE this idea and you are so right about being your own inspiration!

Jill @ Bluegrass Belle said...

Definitely give barre a try :) I am a BarreAmped devotee and recently certified to teach the method. It is my favorite and the only thing I've stuck with in a LONG time. I recently ordered a Tabata DVD that I'm really excited to try. I expect it will be super challenging but definitely a change of pace that will hopefully help me blast some extra fluff, ha!

Unknown said...

I love all your motivational and inspirational posts! I will look forward to your may challenge when I plan on jumping back on the fitness wagon :)

Samantha said...

This post was so motivating! I have just gotten back into a good fitness / healthy eating routine and was feeling a little discouraged today. Reading this made me so motivated for my 5:30 am trip to the YMCA. Thanks for sharing!

PS - I've wanted to try a barre class ever since I heard about it last fall and have yet to do it, too. I hope to try one this month :)

Rachael said...

Great post! I am so looking forward to getting back into the gym once I have this baby. I am missing the elliptical like crazy!

Stopping by from Desire to Inspire! I hope to see you next time!

Sending you sunshine,
RACHAEL

http://thegrowingtreeblog.blogspot.com

Traci said...

woohoo!! yes yes YES! love this post :D

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