I love the Facebook group where we track our workouts, training to smash the patriarchy.
I joined the group in 2020, when the goal was to hit 220 workouts. By November that year I had hit 276, and was confident I would hit 300, but then forgot to record the final number anywhere.
In 2021, I hit an astonishing 461 workouts of purposeful movement of at least 20-30 minutes, largely thanks to lunchtime and after work walks since I was working from home. I wrote at the time that 221 workouts “is a body positive and friendly gang, where there is no talk about diets or weight loss, and people define what a workout means to them each day. Some are amazing and some days we count things like ‘I left my house and walked to the store because that is what I could manage today’. Every single one is appreciated for what it is, and celebrated”.
Late 2021 was also when this grumpy eagle going on a stupid little walk for his stupid physical and mental health (#SLWFMMPH) first showed up.
Last year, I was back to the office four days a week so my workouts changed – more cycling, less walking and workout videos. I also stopped meeting up as often to swim with friends. My gang has scattered somewhat and I miss meeting up with them all. Even so, I managed 372.
This year I’m at 392 so far. I’ll make it to 395 for sure, and I am aiming to put in a bit of extra effort so I’ll hit 400.
What does all this tell me about my fitness habits?
- Being active every single day, on average, is now my norm. Retiring is unlikely to change that, except in possibly in the direction of even more movement.
- Being part of a group is vital for keeping me accountable to myself. I have known this for a long time, which is why I prefer swimming with a master’s club to lane swims on my own. I need a social component for motivation, even when tracking my workouts.
- Flexibility matters a lot. Allowing myself to count both an amazing long bike ride and a short walk to the store keeps this from being an all-or-nothing proposition that sets me up for failure. As Christine would say, I am allowing myself some grace, so I get a gold star for my efforts no matter how big or small.
My goal for 2024 will be to continue on as I began, finding joy and ease in movement, and maybe getting to meet some lovely people along the way. And stretching!
What are your fitness goals for 2024? What will you do to maximize your chances of success? I would love to hear about it in the comments.