Let’s talk about . . . things not going to plan. And then a bit about squatting.
This is not the Monthly Fitness Plan I originally had in mind for August.
It’s not the one on my planning schedule.
It’s not the one I researched.
It’s not the draft I’ve already started writing.
Because things don’t always go to plan.
It’s summer. I’ve had a busy month. I’ve gotten so far off my “usual” schedule of doing . . . anything . . . that I can’t really remember what my “usual” schedule looks like anymore. Even working-on-my-fitness looks off-kilter for me right now. (And if you know me, you know that my working-on-my-fitness is sacred; it is my “constant,” and the very last thing I lose control of.)
So. Maybe you, too?
I mean, our intentions are always good. We WANT to be fit. We WANT to keep moving. We WANT to be strong. But, dang! Sometimes life just gets in the way.
So. Here’s my challenge to you . . .
Just begin again!
It’s not too late. It doesn’t matter if you took a little time off. Quit feeling bad about it. And figure out how to get started again.
(Me. Beginning again this week.)
So. Make a new plan for yourself. Get out for a short walk. Pick up some dumbbells. Or your jump rope. Get down on the ground. Do some stretches. Or a little yoga. Just . . . move!
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”
—Alan Cohen
And here’s an idea for you to plug into your new plan. One of my favorite online movement “coaches” (Petra Fischer) is hosting Squat-tember — a month-long squat challenge. Before you start rolling your eyes and laughing hysterically, hear me out! Squat-tember is designed to teach you modified ways of squatting that are appropriate for YOUR body right now (no matter where your body “is”). Petra will explain why squatting is so important for your body, and then she’ll teach you to – safely and gently – build a more functional, deeper squat (no matter what keeps you from squatting right now). Then she’ll challenge you to complete ONE (yeah, just one) modified squat every day. (And, really. Who doesn’t have time for ONE squat?)
It’s free.
She’s good.
And . . . squats are awesome (said the arthritic 64-year-old with one really damaged knee who can now – comfortably – do deep squats)!
Read more about Petra’s Squat-tember challenge here – and sign up. (The challenge begins August 31.)
So . . . begin again.
Re-charge your fitness goals and make a plan to move again.
And maybe sign up for Squat-tember while you’re at it.
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Try it!
See what happens!
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2023 Monthly Fitness Challenges
#6 – Practice getting up from sitting on the floor
#5 – Get down on the floor every day
#4 – Walk 10 minutes every day
#3 – Discover how active you really are
#1 – Create your own fitness plan for 2023
Looking for Monthly Fitness Challenges from 2021-2022? I’ve moved them! Now you can find them in the Field Notes section of the blog (just click on Field Notes in the top menu) and look for Monthly Fitness Challenges 2021-2022.
Beginning again is never a bad thing. I am chuckling over Squat-ember… but I signed up! I need some squat practice to help me get through that Bulb Extravaganza that is looming in my yard!
Word mashups are often funny, and Squat-tember is one of the funniest! But I signed up. I’m still having hip issues, and nothing seems to get rid of the constant ache, so this is a challenge to Petra and myself. I hope that even I will be able to complete one squat!
I’m in! I’ve signed up – I’m lookiung forward to this helping balance and flexibility. Thanks Kym.
Squat-tember sounds interesting.
Beginning again: the hardest thing for me is accepting that I can’t just jump in where I left off. Figuring out just the right amount of effort to restart is a challenge ( and a little bit humbling).
I’m in, too! Squatting is a struggle (knee/hip) so I’m looking forward to learning some techniques.
I’m in. I don’t have trouble squatting, but who couldn’t do even BETTER!
Thanks for the info.
I am going to try. Should be stable on two feet by next week so why not?
I’ve just gotten into the habit of jumping and now you want me to squat? Oh ok. I do kind of hate squats but maybe I can love them a little bit.
Your timing is amazing! We went huckleberry picking yesterday and the bushes we found were even lower than usual. We had two younger friends with us, who grew up in a refugee camp in Thailand. THEY can still squat. “Pam, it’ll be easier if you squat like this.”
(My friend assumes a perfect flatfoot squat.)
But my knees won’t let me do that, if I ever could. So I signed up – even if I only improve a bit, it will be good for my body and my life!
Also, 3/4 of a gallon of huckleberries. And a tired back – though fine after a good night’s sleep.
I’m ahead of you on this one! Well, as in already signed up. Thanks to your introducing Petra to me months ago. And ahead of you only in terms of this blog post, cuz I’m sure not ahead of you in being able to squat! But I’m better than I thought I’d be, thanks to her Instagram post on easing into squatting. (I loved her email with the subject line, “squat like a (Balinese) grandma!”.) To sum up this stream-of-consciousness reply, thank you for all you do to get/keep us healthy! And p.s.: I love that shirt.
I signed up! I am looking forward to squat technique tips. Thanks for sharing!
After many years of beating myself for missed exercise time, I am much better at embracing begin again whenever I need to, like this week.
As someone who has recurring knee and hip issues, Squat-tember sounds perfect, so thank you for the link. (Though when I’m sore from lots o’ squats, I may not be thanking you anymore!)
Recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis and attending physical therapy. Doing squats are number one on the list of exercises. Also adding calcium rich food to the menu.
I was so glad to read this post! I have been so inconsistent with my daily workouts for the past few weeks and I’ve been beating myself up with guilt about it and this excessive heat doesn’t help! Thank you for the encouragement!
Starting over is harder than starting fresh. Ask me how I know? LOL Squats are one of the few exercises I actually enjoy, I’ll be checking out that link to see if I can improve my form.
I am starting from about a negative 25. But I am starting, and that is the important thing. If I never, ever fall again it will be too soon.
Beginning again is a great reminder. I’m in for the Squat-September. My primary care doc recommended squats as way to keep the pelvic floor toned and working appropriately. Not very glamorous but as we age it’s all important.
Oh, Kym. Yes. I’ve been ‘off’ for so long due to some physical troubles. Ugh! It’s a slippery slope. I had to jump in here, though, because I LOVE squats. Squats and dead lifts. My faves. Lunges? Absolutely not, no thank you. Not at all. But squats, I’m on it. Lately, I’ve changed up/added a few things to my day. And one of them is doing squats while I wait for the water to boil for my coffee. If I drink 3 cups a day, that’s a fair number of squats! I love ‘built-ins’ like that. Thanks for the candid, ‘real-time’ post. ♥
In! I’ve always been able to squat, but not all the way. There’s a hitch somewhere. Either shins, or achilles, but I can only get sooooooo far! Looking forward to it!