#FitReaders 2016 - A look back at 2015 and goals for 2016

#FitReaders hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and That’s What I’m Talking About is one of the only goal oriented groups that I consistently participate in. It’s low pressure – workout how you want, check in whenever you want, eat what you want, set your own goals – and acts as more of a motivator/support group. I usually do my updates on Twitter but you can blog, tweet, Facebook – whatever…

First a look back at how I did last year.

My goals for 2015 were:

~ 3 days of toning (weights/resistance bands/or body weight)
~ 2 days of stretching/yoga (besides warm ups cool downs)
~ 2 –3 days cardio
~ 1 day adding something for a stubborn area – legs/butt/abs

I hit almost everything out of the park! I’ve really increased my weight/toning workouts, cardio and stubborn area workouts. I kept up on walking at least 1 mile per day.

However – I had done really well pre-2015 with stretching/yoga – mostly because I’m lazy and hated harder workouts lol but that slipped to once a week or never last year and as a result I ended up losing a lot of flexibility. And that’s really important to me as I age (I’m 50) and because my father had Parkinson’s so I know how important balance and flexibility are.

I started 2015 with major back issues so that meant mostly low impact cardio and no squats or lunges. Then I discovered *standing ab workouts*. (Here’s a basic rundown of possible exercises but just type Standing Abs into any of your favorite YouTube workout search engines & you should find something). After a few weeks of doing these types of workouts my back started improving and I haven’t had a problem in over 8 months. An added benefit is I’m beginning to get that sculpted 6 pack look. An outline anyway. lol Same for my hubby. All without ever hitting the floor. In fact, I still can’t do floor ab workouts without causing my back pain to flare back up.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do high impact workouts because of my back/knees but I have been able to add the squats and lunges back in (with small modifications) and after years of massages and different therapies my back no longer hurts!

Of course this may not apply to all back issues and check with your Dr. first.  And also – go easy on the spinal twist type exercises at first! I found the side bend ones to be more beneficial and less painful for my back problems.

Goals for 2016

Same as 2015 but really work on incorporating that stretching into my workouts.

#FitReaders has added a new feature this year, The Virtual 5k, and I’m going to try to get in a few of those during the winter months. I know it isn’t happening in the summer in FL!

So sign up for the #FitReaders Commit to Exersice for January with me!