FIT in 2012.

We have been bumming the last few days. Like, really just chilling. PJ's. Snacks. Games. Music. Just the four of us hanging out, looking sloppy, and having fun:). With the new year just a couple days away, I am feeling the excitement of setting new goals, getting organized, and kicking up the workouts-- the same things I am always stoked about when January 1st rolls around. The past few days have been a last HU-RAH of sorts, a nice break before I get down to business:). I talked about my main focus for the new year in this post, but I am still going to set a few goals for 2012. I think it is good to set new health and fitness related goals each year, because it is important to focus on those things...especially as I get older. I love to run. And I love to lift weights. My goals are simple. Attainable. And focused: Workout faithfully. Eat right. (Relax and have a piece of pie now and then:). Shed fat. Get muscle. And finally, view it all as a *lifestyle*, not a program or routine.

 Since I am a very visual person, I like to scour my fitness magazines (and Pinterest, too:) for motivation. It's why I have a board next to my treadmill covered with healthy, fit women. Capped shoulders. Rounded bums:). Toned legs. Flat tummies. (No sticks and bones. I like the look of a girl who actually eats food!) And between all the chiseled bodies are little phrases. Things I've cut out because they struck a chord. Made me want to run. Want to lift. Want to push my limits. And it all works. Two minutes being in front of my motivation board and I'm so ready to sweat. I sat today and really thought about what is motivating my fitness goals this year. I love the site Reasons to be Fit, so I have pulled some motivating thoughts and photos from there to give me that extra umph! and motivation to start the new year. Hope they inspire you as well!!

Right now I am focusing on speed for my runs.  That is the best thing my body responds to in order to lean out.  My short term goal for 2012: by the end of January, get my 4 mile run below 28 minutes.  (at 29:40-ish right now).  Long term goal for 2012: run a race/ marathon.

Mamas-- you need time by yourself to recharge, refocus, de-stress.  Make the time to keep yourself healthy.  It really does clear your mind and feed your soul.  

Workouts empower me.  I have more energy for the rest of my day.

Sorry.  I couldn't resist:).

Not you, personally:). 

Every time-- EVERY TIME-- we choose to workout, we are affecting our future.  Our longevity.  Each time we reach for healthy foods, we are choosing a healthy future over a moment of indulgence.  I have finally reached the point where my fitness goals are first motivated by my health and desire to be around for my babies for a long time, rather than a number on a scale or a size of jeans.  

Find your limits.  And then blow past them my friends.  It may take some sweat.  And lots of tears.  But limits are there to be broken.  They aren't written in stone.  How awesome is that?!

And finally.  Sponge Bob lifts.  If he can do it with those little toothpick arms, I better be able to push up some weight:).

What are your specific fitness goals for 2012?? 

What's the motivation behind them?  

And if you are in need of some more motivation for your workouts-- hop over to Reasons to be Fit.  Promise-- five minutes on that site and you'll be pulling on the sneaks.

xo