Oh yeah ... look who’s jumping on the fitness bandwagon — this gal!
So let’s be honest. My efforts are minimal, but they’re making me feel so good! As it turns out, simply walking and sometimes delving into jogging is a great way to shake of some stress and feel human this time of year.
Plus — gadgets! Yes! I love gadgets — and since I’m trying to be healthy, I got one of those Fitbits that works as a pedometer, and also keeps track of stuff like your heart rate and sleep quality. (Actually, I got it just today, so I don’t know anything about it other than it’s going to make one of my friends jealous.)
Let me backup. This is basically all Mike Mendenhall’s fault. Awhile ago he wrote a column about the Health app on the iPhone and generally about how he wants to be a little more active. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution, it was a simple plan to try harder to be healthy. Sounded good to me.
So when I looked at my Health app, I uncovered some horrifying evidence of my sedentary life. At the same time I also felt I was being jipped for the many steps I do take without my phone. While I’m fairly addicted to my phone, it’s not always on me. I walk all over the newsroom and it’s unaccounted for. What about the steps I take as I work around our house? Zilch. Hence, I need a Fitbit.
For whatever reason the visual of seeing that you’re well below the 10,000 recommended steps a day made me want to change. Also, I’d renewed our membership at the YMCA in October, but didn’t actually step foot in the joint until a couple of weeks ago. A recent birthday also helped provide some motivation.
Me — I’m a track girl. That’s pretty much all I like to do. I’m not a super big fan of sweating, so walking around the track is mostly my forte.
This week will present quite the challenge. The YMCA will be remodeling the track — hooray! But I’m going to have to figure out how to work the equipment.
You know those YouTube videos of people falling off exercise equipment? There may be more after next week. But if I can figure out how to use my Fitbit, I can surely figure out how to operate a treadmill. However if you see me planted on the floor, please give me a hand.
Contact Abigail Pelzer at
641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or
apelzer@newtondailynews.com