Last week, I shared the phase I’m in on my journey towards my dream of optimal health. Although it’s labelled death, on a positive note, resurrection is sure to follow in some shape or form. This is keeping me moving forward regardless of feeling incredibly stuck at times.
I’m thrilled to report, things got exponentially better as the week progressed. I forced myself to move more which can be unnecessarily difficult for me. Unfortunately, my energy is sapped from years of abuse to my body.
Months ago, I ordered myself a Fitbit Charge HR to be delivered for Mother’s Day. When I received it, I posted this picture on Instagram with my cute new Converse, also purchased as a Mom Day treat for myself.
I’ve been wearing it pretty consistently ever since, but not really using it as I should, until last week…
Here’s the exciting news. Look at all the stars I got! How is it that little stars for good behavior never get old?
After I shared my frustrations and hopes for my current health journey last monday, I decided to start actually using my new Fitbit as the awesome little tool it can be. I set 2 goals: at least 10 flights of stairs per day and as close to 10,000 steps as possible.
Here’s a summary of the quite fabulous Tuesday:
My son and I went for a hike that day. I must admit, I absolutely had to fight with everything in me to get up and take him on that promised hike. My laziness is deeply embedded at this point, but I did it. That precious time with my son paid off on so many levels, emotionally and physically.
I didn’t make 10,000 steps every day, but I’m ok with that. It happened most days and I consider that a definite win. The week ended with this beautiful Friday summary:
Look at all that green…
Here are 2 tips which really helped me strive towards my daily goals:
- Use my stairs as often as possible. I have always been one to send my son to get things for me upstairs. Last week, I forced myself to fetch my own needed items. By the end of the day, if I didn’t have 10 flights yet, I just ran up and down the stairs. This always led to wanting to pass my 10 flight goal.
- Walk on my trampoline throughout the day. Remember when I set that mini trampoline beside my couch back in the February update. It’s still there, and it’s finally being consistently used. Again, if I was short on my step goal by the end of the day, I just hopped on it and walked or jumped around while watching TV.
I took off my Fitbit on Saturday because I like to have a day off not wearing it. This long weekend was honestly a bit lazy and over fed. Today is a new day though, and last week shows the possibilities of consistent exercise in my life.
If you want to learn more about the Fitbit, check it out on Amazon
What tools do you use to stay active? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
I’ll leave you with a verse posted by a friend on Instagram last week. It really helped me press on…
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
~Romans 12:1
If you are new here, my plan and part of my food addiction story can be found in An Addict’s Journey or you may want to check out some of the other monthly updates in the Turning to Food series.
Yay!!! I’m so proud of you. It can really be hard to get 10,000 steps in each day. I need to work on getting in more steps too. I’m so glad to hear that things are going good for you
Thanks so much, Sonya! I’m always shocked at how hard it is to get in 10,000 steps. It’s the recommended daily amount, but I’m certain not many people are hitting that mark. I have to be really intentional to make it and I’m definitely not successful every day.
Super job, Candace! I’m proud of you! That takes a lot of will power. I don’t use any gadgets, but I do try to walk 5-6 days a week for about 20-30 minutes a day. Because of a chronic lung condition, I don’t do well on stairs, so I applaud you. 🙂 You go, Girl!
Stairs would definitely be out with your struggle, Trudy. I completely understand. They literally take my breath away. 5-6 walks a week is awesome! That’s truly one of the best exercises we can do :).
Hi Candace! My sister loves her Fitbit. She came to visit last year, and bought one. She was just here visiting again, and never took it off!
What a great feeling to know that you are working toward your goal! No better feeling in the world. Good for you!! I’m not quite at 10,000 steps yet, but as my leg heals completely, I know I’ll get here. You are my inspiration!!!
Blessings,
Ceil
You will get there, Ceil! You definitely need to completely heal before pushing yourself. I really love the Fitbit as well. I have an Up band too but wanted the heart rate feature of the Fitbit. It’s so helpful and encouraging to see a daily summary of my activity.
Super Candace, charts have always been super motivating for me. I guess that’s what the Fitbit is, basically an electronic tracking chart. My motivation mostly comes from having weekly appointments with friends to walk/exercise. Accountability helps. You are making awesome progress. I bet your son was thrilled with that promised hike. You are getting out there and LIVING. (A far cry from death….) Keep on keeping on by God’s grace, you are a great encouragement to me and many others. XO
Thank you, Allie! Accountability is huge. I need to find a walking group. My son and I had a blast on the hike. He always cracks me up. We are hoping to find some cool places to hike this summer. It’s really the only form of exercise I truly enjoy, and it’s so good for us on many levels.
Wow, Candace … I’m feeling mighty motivated as I’ve read your post, my friend. This could be a big key for me. Maybe a 60th birthday gift this summer?
Now THESE are stats worth tracking!
😉
It’s a wonderful tool, Linda. What a perfect gift for your 60th! You deserve a celebration :). It really has motivated me to move more. My health goals are about so much more than weight. I want to be able to go up and down stairs without feeling so winded! I can already feel a difference there.
I’ve been eyeing the FitBit – it seems like such a cool tool to monitor exercise and wellness goals.
You’re doing great and I’m inspired by your shares and activity.
Good for you!
xoxo
Thanks, Jennifer! I love my Fitbit. I had the Jawbone Up band before, but I wanted a heart rate monitor built in as well. I hate the chest strap one I was using. Honestly, the jawbone sleep tracker is much better in my opinion, but I need to focus on the fitness aspect. I’m already a pro at sleeping ;).
Stars never get old! I don’t have a Fitbit, but it sounds like a great tracking tool 🙂
They really don’t, Akaleistar! They still make me smile big :). The Fitbit is a wonderful tracker. It’s one of the best presents I’ve ever gotten.
I saw your Fitbit picture on Instagram! Yay! I would love a mini trampoline, but I think I would have to fight the kiddos to use it!
My son takes mine over every once in a while, Jen :). It’s good to see him up and exercising too! He’s a major gamer.
I ma going to get a Fitbit to celebrate my retirement. I know I deserve it and so does my body. I am trying to decide which one will be best for me. You’ll have to tell me why you love the Fitbit Charge HR. Hope you are doing well. It sounds like you are moving in the right direction.
What a perfect retirement gift, Mary! I would be glad to chat with you sometime about my experiences with the Up band and Fitbit. I went ahead and ordered the Fitbit charge hr for the heart rate feature. Jawbone Up did not have theirs released yet with that option. I think they do now, but I’m really happy with the Fitbit.
Rejoicing with your friend and happy to hear & see you celebrating your successes! I do a few things to help me stay fit. I try to stand & walk often. I’ve got quite a bit of square footage in my home so I’m always running back and forth in here. I stand the duration when I prepare/cook food, I also stand the entire time I’m helping my children’s with their homework. I try to carry a resistance band or jump rope with me in my car and use it when I’m waiting around or outside with the children. I’ve also made it a habit this year to wake up and put on my exercise clothes, this was I tend to get it done early and out of the way. I’m continuing to pray with you as you honor God by honoring your temple.
Thanks for the tips, Tyra! I love the idea of keeping a resistance band in the car. I’ll have to try that.
I put on my exercise clothes every morning last week. It helped tremendously. I didn’t do that this week and have moved much less. That’s definitely a habit I’m going to intentionally work on. I’m so grateful for your continued prayers, my friend!
Well done, Candace! I’m proud of you for making small changes that will help you feel better – on all levels. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I’m glad you link up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
I’m learning how important small changes are, Kristin :). I used to be so all or nothing. If I couldn’t make huge changes, I just wouldn’t do anything. Those small changes are what add up to the longer laster huge ones. It’s always a pleasure to join Three Word Wednesday, my friend!
Oh girl you go!!! I have been wanting one of those Fitbits to encourage me to get up and walk a bit. Even if its in the house. Love the Converse shoes! I am wanting to get one of those devices to lift the back tire of my bike to make it a stationary bike. My knees have gotten to where I can’t ride up inclines anymore. But I could sit out in the garage and watch the world go by. Even though I’m not moving.
Thanks, Tammy! My husband has one of those bike things. He really likes it. I think it’s a great form of exercise and the garage would be a nice way to be outside too, even in yucky weather. I love my new Converse but I keep forgetting about them! I wear my FitFlops pretty much every day :).
Way to go, Candace! You inspire me to go back in track. 😛
It’s so easy to get off track, Lux! I’m already headed in that direction. I finally got 10K steps again yesterday, but it was the first time all week I think. This week is going to be better. We can do this :)!