2017 Health Goals: Strength and Endurance

Forward folds are more fun with a dog by your side.

My health is like a see-saw. I have upswings of inspiration and dedication, followed by downswings of gluttonous holidays and stress-eating weekends. Thankfully, my mind is focused on getting back into a healthier routine and making some lifestyle changes, yet again.

I’m using My Fitness Pal again.
I’m getting back on track with classes at the gym.
I’m firing up the juicer more often.
I’m taking more time out for myself.
I’m eating less refined sugar and processed foods.

So, I started thinking about my ultimate reason for these changes. I want to have more energy and not feel so tired all the time. My goals for 2017 are to increase my endurance and strength.

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At one point I had no problem running up and down the stairs at home multiple times each day and being productive well into the evening. But right now, I’m winded. I know part of it is from fatigue associated with inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis. But, part of it is just me. I’m out of shape.

To jumpstart my motivation, I wrote a blog post for Vitamin World about free online workouts. It’s so easy to sneak in some exercise that you can do at home! (BTW, the Yoga Sculpt on that list is pretty amazing!) (Update: As of September 2021, the Vitamin World blog post is no longer published online. Link removed.)

I need to shed a few pounds and be kinder to my digestive system. I was reading an article the other day that explained we’re all so tired (especially in the afternoons) because we’re forcing our bodies to break down so many complex processed foods all the time. We need to give our digestive systems breaks by eating more natural, whole foods (that means it’s just food — like an apple — not something with a list of ingredients) and replacing a meal or two every few days with fresh juice, soup or smoothies to make the digestive process easier for your body.

Have you set any health-related goals for 2017?

I’d love to hear about them! Comment below using Facebook or the comment form.