Remember when I mentioned my plans for Lent? Well I was blown away by the positive response (you guys rule) and super excited that some of you are thinking about joining in the craziness fun! So I thought I’d clarify my personal plans and expectations.
It’s pretty simple actually — 30 minutes of exercise every single day starting February 25th and ending April 12th. It’s got to be all or nothing for me. I debated about whether or not to take a day off (apparently Sundays are allowed during Lent, which I didn’t know) but I decided against it. It’s not as if I’m doing a crash diet. There’s absolutely no reason why I can’t push myself to do 30-minutes of physical activity every day, even long after Lent is done. Plus I want bragging rights for having a 40+ day exercise streak. It’s lame motivation, but I don’t care.
What counts as physical activity? Power walking, jogging, running, spinning, aerobics, strippercise (oh! haven’t mentioned that in awhile, have I?), lifting weights, any of the group fitness classes at the gym, swimming, yoga, going out dancing.
What doesn’t count as physical activity? Sleeping, laying on the couch, walking from my desk to the copier and back, making out or having sex (not that I’ve done much of either recently, but I digress), eating, folding the laundry, sitting on my ass, etc.
Okay, so those are my rules, for now at least. I’m mostly excited about getting things started next week, but I’m also a little nervous. April 12th seems like a really long time from now, and the idea of working out every day until then seems, oh I don’t know… Scary? Daunting? Overwhelming? Impossible? Part of me really, really, REALLY wants to chicken out — I could just delete that post and spend the next two months being all, “Lenten promise? Nope, not me! You must be thinking of some other plus-size bridesmaid blogger!” — but in a weird paradoxical way that’s the whole reason I’ve decided to do this.
Sometimes it’s good to scare the shit out of yourself.
I’m totally in on this and thanks for the great idea. I love it because I won’t be giving something up but doing something instead. Sounds SO much more positive! I went to Catholic school my whole life and have gotten away from it mostly due to the doom and gloom. Also, If I can’t find 30 minutes a day to exercise then I’m much worse off than I thought!
Is it bad that I think sex should count? Because seriously, it gets my heart rate up and I get sweaty.
I mean…if it meets those standards (heart rate, 30 minutes of constant movement, sweating) why not?
I totally like your idea and I think I’m going to let it marinate a while before I commit. I guess because 30 minutes/day seems REALLY challenging. And if I don’t accomplish it, Jesus will be sad.
I’m considering shaking things up a bit this year also- I’m thinking that giving up sugar for 40 days AND committing to blog regularly sounds pretty scary-ha.
Off to crack open my neglected blog to put it in writing…
Good Luck!
Try not to over-think it (my usual hang-up) & just do it and it’ll be so much easier!
I am for SURE doing this with you! I haven’t done anything for lent in far too long, and this year seems like the perfect time.
30 minutes a day of exercise, awesome.
Read my blog to find out more: dietingtaketwo.wordpress.com – I used to have formywedding.wordpress.com (it is not deleted) and I have my regular day to day blog at http://www.snarkykisses.com
Anyways, I’m in this with you and everyone else! Bring it on Lent!
That’s the most awesome idea for Lent I’ve heard! I think I’ll follow your lead and do the same. Good stuff!
Ooooh, I /like/ it!
Can I join you?
One Lent I gave up using my car. Would’ve made it to Easter, if the dog hadn’t needed to go to the vet. Got lots of exercise just getting to work.
I think the 30 minutes a day routine is doable. Just need to psyche myself into it.
Great idea
Everyone’s welcome to participate! The more the merrier!
I’m IN!!
I’m going to disagree on the sex thing. I lost 10 lbs my first 2 weeks with a guy I dated in college, granted we didn’t really leave the room to go to class or even to eat, so that may be unrealistic.
You can definitly do it. I did something similar last year when I took up Lorrie’s( token fat girl) challenge to develope a healthy habit for a 21 days. I worked out for 21 days straight which was hard sometimes and easy others but it was totally awesome!!! You will feel like an absolute super star when you are done. ROCK ON!
Kudos to you! I love doing something for lent and was having a hard time coming up with something new and different this year. I think I’ll jump on the band wagon as well, however I’ll do 20 minutes a day 6 days a week. I think this is best for a newbie.
You are an inspiration!
I love it. My boyfriend and I made a pledge to give up take-out for Lent. It is going to be a long 30 days . . . . but hopefully with excellent results at the end. I’ll be inspired by your exercise pledge while I’m cooking dinner every night.
I disagree on the sex thing too – my electronic weight loss tracker on the Iphone counts sex as exercise, so don’t discount it!
See it’s easy for me to not count sex because I’m not currently having any (hello, OVERSHARE). But to each her own!
I’m in! I’m rehabbing my back after spinal surgery. After months AND months of supervised therapy now I have to do it on my own. My goal is to maintain my therapy schedule and do my “self study” program three times a week. I just started on my own and I think the goal of going three times until (at least) Easter is a great, realistic idea. I’m so motivated by the comments on this blog!
Oh and please add me to your blogroll. Whenever I check your contact page, it’s blank, no email shows.
You’re added Christy!
This is AWESOME!!! I’m so happy for you
I like the sound of this plan – it’s achieveable and will give great bragging rights! I might join you in a Lent plan – but mine will be no evening snacking.
I am not catholic — however, i give up chocolate for Lent. Did I mention I am not catholic? Did I mention that I usually go to Brussels or Paris during Lent?
My friend Missy is giving up SBUX.
The exercise thing will be good as well. Use gold stars, they are my big motivator.