At my last oncology checkup, I had my first physical in four years where everything was actually normal. All of my blood levels are normal, all of my vitamin levels are normal, and my tumor markers are maintaining. On top of that, I feel great.
The next few posts will be about how to take the steps to get healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I hope you follow me on my journey.
Let's start with working out. Here are the tips that I'm using to get fit again:
1) Take pictures before you start working out so that you can see the amazing progress you're making.
2) Take measurements. They are more telling than a number on a scale.
3) Speaking of the scale, do not weight yourself more than once a week. Every other week is an even better idea.
4) Choose activities that you actually enjoy. If you hate exercising, try different things until you find what you like. Personally, it takes me about four weeks to really get into any activity. So, trying something just once is not what I'm talking about here. Really give an activity a chance. My recommendation is to try the activity for three weeks before moving on to the next activity.
5) Create a schedule and set goals. Here's my schedule:
Monday: Run 2 miles with altitude + 100 squats
Tuesday: strength training
Wednesday: Run 2 miles/country run + 100 squats
Thursday: strength training
Friday: Run 2 miles/town run + 100 squats
6) Set reasonable goals. When I'm running, I set goals for myself. Last week, I would run 2 telephone pole lengths and walk 1. This week, my goal is to run 3 and walk 1.
7) Find a workout partner. Honestly, if I didn't have my trainer/daughter, I would definitely work out less. There are days that I'm so busy that I have to be "forced" to take time for myself. She does this for me. Because she is waiting for me, I know I have to set work aside and take care of myself.
8) Pay attention to your body. I know that I cannot yet run the full 2 miles without slowing to a walk. Last week, I pushed myself, because I wanted to prove that I can work out just as hard as a 26 year old. Well, I can. I can also pay for my pridefulness by suffering from a pulled lower back muscle for the entire weekend. Go me.
I was thinking today about why I have set this health goal for myself. The truth is, I'm doing it for me. I used to work really hard to be thin, because I wanted to be attractive. Now, I work hard to be happy. I dress in clothes that I think are pretty, not clothes that will make others think I'm pretty. There are people that tell me they like my hair better curly. Some days, I straighten it anyway, because I like it straight and shiny. I workout to feel strong, energetic, happy, and healthy, not to impress anyone else.
Cancer or no cancer, taking care of yourself is a MUST. You hear me? A must! My goal is to be fit and fabulous at fifty. What's your goal?