My Fitness Journey

The Prelude

Like meditation, my relationship with a workout routine has been on and off since I was 18. Phew, my endless struggles! Upon carbon dating both, I found that the faltering episodes of exercising started long back, even before I knew meditation. So, first things first – I set out to fix my body as it’s high time already. Do or die (of diseases).

Considering my history of failed attempts, I decided to start afresh by seeking guidance on this amazing forum. And as always, I was showered with lots of inspiration and support, along with much-needed tips. I have listed down the key points below for quick readability so that you can adopt something as quick as tomorrow morning if you wish to.

• Fitness Apps & Websites – Cult.Fit, HealthifyMe, FitOn, Fittr, MyFitnessPal, rntfitness.co.uk
• YouTube channels – Yoga With Adriene, Bodyfit by Amy, Fitness blender
• Surya Namaskar – Start with 2 rounds daily and progressively increase the rounds at regular intervals. It can also be split into multiple          sessions, for example- 2 rounds before each meal
• Get a professional coach
• Playing a sport like tennis/badminton or swimming, etc
• Resistance training in form of weights, resistance band or body weight (yogasana).
• Stamina building through cardio workout (brisk walk, cycling, zumba etc.)
• Aids like fitness trackers
• Tracking calories
• Book recommendation – Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight
• Use your willpower wisely – https://ideas.time.com/2013/10/22/how-to-build-willpower-for-the-weak/
• Jump into your fitness routine as soon as you wake up!
• Announce intentions to community and write a post every week on progress

If you’re interested in the details, please go through this thread:

https://os.me/community/self/requesting-recommendations-for-developing-a-consistent-and-sustainable-fitness-plan/#post-15936

My Pledge

Health is my highest priority, and I shall not take up any other major goals until the fitness routine becomes my second nature. Except for break days, I shall not skip my workout session at any cost.

The Beginning

‘Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must but take a step.‘

– Naeem Callaway

Keeping in mind the long -term objective, I started with a very simple plan – 2 rounds of Surya Namaskar with at least 10 mins of yoga in the morning, and a walk to the river in the evening. 10 days into the habit and I can feel the benefits already – increased energy levels, better mood, and the achiever’s high. Yeah yeah, I know its too early, but then little self-appreciation doesn’t hurt, right?

Especially when you have to jump out of your bed at 4.30 am in chilly Dec mornings to get ready for the yoga session at 5, and your husband is snoring happily under the warm blanket. Jokes aside, a large credit for my 10 days streak goes to Dr.Geeta who very generously offered to be my companion-cum-yoga guide after reading my question. It is always motivating and fun to have a workout partner, and I’m truly grateful for that.

PC – Basudev in sleepy eyes

The walks to the river have come to be the most enjoyable time of my day. The distance seems to be decreasing day by day as our chit-chats to the beautiful Giri Ganga end up in a few minutes of blissful silence by the gurgling waters.

PC – Dr.Geeta

The Hurdles

If the story sounds like a smooth ride, let me tell you it wasn’t so entirely. Day 2 sunrise and my periods decide it is the most auspicious moment to announce their arrival. Over the next 3 days, I had to push myself for each session and do whatever I could, despite the pain.

Day 7 – I woke up at 4.30 am to sore muscles and heaviness in my limbs as the previous day had been very exhaustive and I was sleep deprived since 3 nights. There’s no wisdom in ignoring the signals of the body when it’s shouting something aloud. Clearly, I needed more rest. So, I went back to sleep and woke up 4 hours later recharged for my yoga routine. Goal accomplished for the day! An important lesson learnt – a balanced approach always facilitates sustained progress. Both fanaticism and complacency are perilous, do the best you can to stick to your goal.

The Plan Ahead

• Starting tomorrow morning, I shall add another round of Surya Namaskar bringing it to 3 per day
• Introduce a weekly challenge. For this week, I have thought of a simple one – forearm plank for a minimum of 1 min.

          I would love to have you join me in the challenge for collective fun. Also, I invite you to share exciting ideas for doable challenges in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you very much for reading! Hope it was worth your time. If you are a fitness enthusiast, please do inspire me by sharing your story, challenges, etc. If you are yet to begin, what are you waiting for? Let’s begin, now is the best time…

P.S: A very special thanks to Rajesh ji for this idea of writing posts to share my fitness journey with you all. Thank you dear Ananya for being my accountability buddy and motivating me from far away.