Wenger: The start of a healthy 2013
For years, I made resolutions that all related to the scale.
Since it’s so easy for me to gain a few pounds during holidays, I find myself tempted again, but I will resist.
January is just another month in a cycle of enjoying a few treats and getting back on track with clean eating and exercise.
If I put too much emphasis on January as a time for resolutions, it becomes too tempting to persevere until February and give it up.
I do like looking at January as a clean slate and a new challenge, though.
It’s the time when I plan my goals for the year and what I’ll need to do to train for them.
After a few weeks of indulgence, I look forward to getting back into a training routine and cleaning the chocolate and shortbread out of my cupboards.
The most important part of getting back into a routine, though, is starting small.
Often, frustration with the few extra pounds leads to an all-or-nothing approach, creating excessive muscle soreness and potential injury, followed by the classic throwing your hands up in disgust.
I know I can’t undo all the damage in one month, just like I can’t expect to train for a marathon in a few weeks.
Fitness is long term. It has ups and downs.
I have survived the winter holiday season, but temptation will come again . . . Valentine’s Day, Easter, summer vacation and Thanksgiving, for example.
January isn’t the only ‘start-over’ month.
Plus, I’m never really starting over.
I’m living and experiencing and enjoying life as it ebbs and flows.
It would be easy to be negative about falling off the wagon.
I could brow-beat myself for a few too many treats, but the reality is I enjoyed every minute, so why feel bad about it now?
Instead, I’m looking toward my first few goals in 2013.
The Dirty Feet Snowshoe run at Stake Lake on Feb. 3 is first on the slate.
On Feb. 10, my family will be riding in the inaugural Kamloops Indoor GranFondo and Family Festival at the Tournament Capital Centre.
Since the indoor bike trainer isn’t necessarily my favourite mode of training, this event will provide some motivation to lure me into riding in my living room.
The event includes a six-, four- or two-hour ride, with the option of riding less if you choose.
Log on to www.kamloopsgranfondo.ca for registration information and spend the first Family Day raising money for MS.
Catharine Pendrel will be there to finish the ride with everyone and speak at the post-event social.
Whatever your plans for 2013, may health and wellness be a big piece of the puzzle.
Finding balance between work, family, fitness and down time while eating well, hydrating and getting enough sleep can be a complicated combination.
As I look back at last year’s many adventures, I can’t wait to see what this year will produce.
Shawn Wenger is a BCRPA-registered personal trainer and weight-training and group-fitness instructor. She runs Fitness For Mortals. E-mail fitnessformortals@gmail.com for information.
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