Magic Bullet

I have always had a fascination with researching and organizing fitness plans. The problem is I spend hours researching the "best" workouts and rarely find time to complete the workouts. One things I have learned is that the best workout plan will not produce results unless I actually complete the program. I would love to spend an hour a day working out, but it is just not possible right now.

As I was doing work on this blog, I was reminded about my previous run streaks. I miss the routine of running everyday and I have decided to start a new Run Streak. Fitness has to be easy or I will not do it. Life is too busy right now with everything else that is going on. So, I am keeping it simple. Run everyday (at least a mile) and add some strength exercises. I am trying to use our treadmill more while we spent money on it and have been doing intervals and using the incline.

Monday - Upper Body

Tuesday - Abdominals

Wednesday - Lower Body

Thursday - Upper Body

Friday - Abdominals 

Saturday - Lower Body

Sunday - Rest (Softball for the month of September)

There is no magic bullet.  Consistency and effort while working on correct skills lead to success. Last year my district had the Quaver Curriculum. I enjoyed using the curriculum and it worked well in the setting I was in. This year I have made the transition to 'The First Steps of Music' with my younger students and project based activities with my older students. This curriculum works better given the schedule constraints of my current schools. Each situation is unique and lends itself to different curriculum structures.

Morning Yoga

One of my fitness goals is to work on my flexibility.  I decided to start each morning with a quick Yoga routine.  YouTube makes accessing workouts and videos very easy.  Right now, my playlist includes only Tara Stiles workouts.  I find her to be laid back and her workouts are effective, but easy to follow.  Plus, I appreciate the variety of workouts and the fact that many of them are short. 5-15 minutes is the perfect length for me in the morning.

What is the Goal

In education it seems we are always looking for the best curriculum, technology or teaching strategies to use in our classrooms and schools.  There are many different options and each of them comes with their own set of success stories.  The same is true for other areas of my life.  I am excited to work out again after many months off and I was creating my plan I realized that there are so many choices. 

How can I possibly know which is it the best?  This reflection reminded me of all the technology tools that are available.  There are so many choices and the most important thing is that the technology we use aligns with our goals and what we want to accomplish in our classrooms.

There is no one correct answer. There is no magic tool that will fix all of my problems.  The main question should be, what do I want to accomplish?

Fitness encompasses many aspects. When thinking about a fitness plan it is vital to think about what you want to accomplish. This was an "ah ha" moment for me recently. As an athlete, it was always simple. I wanted my workouts to make me better for my sport. Now as an adult, things are a bit more complicated. I don't have a sport dictating what I need to do.

My fitness goals include increasing my flexibility and becoming stronger.  I enjoy running so that will also be  a main part of workouts.  My main goal is to be in shape so I can play with my kids.

Fitness Goals
Overall Strength
Flexibility

Chosen Activities
Body Weight Exercises (ex. XBOX workouts)
Yoga
Running

What are your goals?  What tools are available to help you reach your goals?