The goal of the 223 workouts in 2023 group of which I’m a member is simple, really.
Here’s the basic idea explained by Jason, the group’s founder:
“WHAT: The idea is simple. In 2023 there will be 365 days. We will challenge ourselves to work out 223 times in those 365 days.
WHY: (1) Consistently doing deliberate exercise is one of the most important factors in developing good health and fitness. (2) Choosing to complete a workout or not is something we can control.
HOW: (1) Workouts are defined as any form of deliberate exercise/movement. That’s right, this challenge is about fitness freedom. You are the boss of your body, and if you deliberately choose to do movement, it can count as your workout. Some examples are deliberately parking a few spots farther away from the door when shopping, lifting weights, taking the dog for a little longer than usual walk, taking the cat for a walk (good luck), doing gymnastics, a CrossFit WOD, a hike in the great outdoors, doing a plank during a commercial break, practicing a martial art or yoga. Taking a dance class or playing rec softball with the folks from work also counts. Do what inspires you to move your body. (2) Use a spreadsheet, a habit-tracking app, or a notebook and give yourself a check mark for every workout you complete. (3) Share your progress with the group.
Let’s get cracking!”
Some years, I’ve struggled to make it, doubling up December workouts, but not this year. This year, I’m at 337 workouts so far in 2023.
Here’s 337: “Personal training, first time back at it. Moving but still taking it easy.”
And 336.
Workout #335 was a long walk in the woods with Sarah and my youngest adult kid.
Workout #334 was one of the new Zwift routes, Going Coastal.
There are 60 days left in the year.
So, with one workout a day, I will make it to 397. Three bonus workouts are needed to make my goal of 400.
I think I can do it. I was worried recently with my recent illness that wasn’t covid but still made me miserable. But I seem to be on the mend.
What’s the secret to my success? Two knee replacements and a ton of physio. That’s definitely part of the story. But also sheer joy at moving again after the knee replacements.
Cheddar is loving ❤️ all the walks. I’m especially enjoying walking, both the everyday tromping around campus variety and the more rugged walks in the woods.
I’m excited to be back in the gym strength training too, and it’s not all focused on rehab. And, of course, it feels good to be riding my bike.
It helps to have a team supporting me. Thanks to all the friends and family who’ve joined me on walks. Thanks to Estee, the world’s best physiotherapist, and Cody, the young, keen personal trainer who is specializing in rehab.
I’m going to try to add some new things to the mix for November. I’ve got the cycling challenge and whatever challenge Livestrong and Nicole/Tracy throw my way. But I’d like to try one new thing a week during November. I need something to distract me from November.
Got anything you’d recommend?
Having lots of variety makes it pretty easy to keep up a busy workout schedule for me. Like you, I look forward to my time on the bike, or walking, or (sort of look forward to) some running, or yoga, or strength training. I turned 72 today & dragged my husband out for a 60 mile bike ride including some bird watching. Tired but happy.
My odd one is tap dancing. I LOVE rhythm and music & when my kids were young & taking tap I got jealous & started classes myself. That was 40+ years ago & I am now taking 2 or 3 classes a week. I think all sorts of dance would be good. I am not good at movement, so tap is my thing, but I know lots of others who do jazz or modern or hip hop or even ballet & can’t wait to get to class.