“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”
Zig Ziglar
10 Big Lessons from a 30-Day Cardio Challenge (20 minutes daily)
I first decided to do a 30 day challenge when I watched this video (http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html?awesm=on.ted.com_9Obv&utm_campaign=matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days&utm_medium=on.ted.comtwitter&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=ted.com-talkpage).
Watching this video got me to think … what do I want to do but I haven’t made time for? For me, it was an easy decision. I’ve wanted to get cardio integrated back into my daily workout regimen. 20 minutes, on face value, seems simple enough. So there it is… 20 minutes of cardio daily.
Little did I know that this 30 Day Challenge would create many AHA Moments. AHA moments are those moments where your say to yourself “AHA, I didn’t know that!” or “Aha so that’s how it is”. Either way if you are open to learning AHA moments happens daily. For me the 30-Day Challenge of introducing cardio back into my health program was much more involved emotionally, physically and mentally than I anticipated.
10 Things I learned (or was reminded of) from my 30-Day Cardio journey.
1. The body is ever forgiving- the body is an amazing instrument to be appreciated and honored. After less than two weeks I could measure my cardio endurance and noticed that with just a little cardio exercise my cardiovascular heath returned with incredible strength. I didn’t need 30 days to reach my goal.
Lesson: Adjust as you move forward.
2. Dedication- I am a dedicated learner. Sometimes the learning is easier than others. I think the real question is: What is it you are dedicated to and why? Initially, I would say it was to do the Cardio Challenge. But learning can go much deeper than surface understandings. As always, ask yourself what is it you truly value and are your behaviors matching your desire.
Lesson: Values are great indicators of true direction.
3. Mental Discipline can override physical well-being.
Lesson: Listen to your heart as it will always lead you closer to the lesson you most need to learn.
4. Being happy means doing things you love and enjoy.
Lesson: Go out of your comfort zone to experience something new. The feeling you get means you are alive and living.
5. If it doesn’t feel good, find a new way to do it or knock it off.
Lesson: Be aware of your Ego giving you direction versus your heart.
6. Commitment and dedication is a great quality but so is allowing things to be simple and easy.
Lesson: Being in the space of allowing is more fun than making things happen.
7. Rest days are important.
Lesson: Play days allow your mind and body to come into alignment.
8. Listen to your body— it doesn’t lie.
Lesson: Your body will shout back if you choose not to listen. Mine did!
9. Laughing is good.
Lesson: Jazzercise— need I say more? When I think of that one hour class… I still laugh!
10. More isn’t always better.
Lesson: Be flexible and willing to change your mind. Sometimes what you originally think you need more of is wrong. If that happens, adjust your course.
For those interested, here is a list of my Cardio Achievements for the last 30 days. Perhaps this will inspire you to live more In Sync and listen more closely to what your body is teaching you.
Day 1- Torrey Pines Trail hike (2 hours)
Day 2-Trail Run (45 minutes)
Day 3- Jump Board on the Pilates Machine (20 minutes-6 sets)
Day 4- 6-mile hike up Iron Mountain (in the heat, I might add)
Day 5- I’m sore so I am going for an easy cycle on the stationary bike 🙂
Day 6- 30+ Minutes on the Stationary Bike
Day 7- Torrey Pines Hill Repeats
Day 8- 20 Minutes on the Elliptical Machine
Day 9- Jump Board on the Pilates machine (20 minutes -7 sets)
Day 10 – 30 Minutes on the Stationary Bike
Day 11 – 20 Minutes on the Stationary Bike/ 20 Minutes on the Elliptical
Day 12 – 20 Minutes on the bike
Day 13 – 20 Minutes on the Elliptical
Day 14 – 45 Minute Trail Run
Day 15 – 30 Minutes on the bike
Day 16 – 6-mile night Hike (with Wine at the summit)
Day 17 – 20 Minutes on the Pilates Jump Board (8 sets)
Day 18 – Jazzercise Class (60 Minutes of embarrassment)
Day 19 – 20 minute walk around the block
Day 20 – 20 minutes on the Elliptical
Day 21 – Walk with Niko and 20 minutes on the bike
Day 22 – 50-Minute Trail Run
Day 23 – 30-minute walk
Day 24- 20 Minutes on the Elliptical
Day 25 – 20 minute Walk on along the coast
Day 26 – 50 minute trail run
Day 27- 20 minute Walk
Day 28 – 60 minute beach run/Walk
Day 29 – 20 Minute Pilates Jump board (9 sets -3 more than when I started 4 weeks ago!)
Day 30- 45 minute Beautiful Trail run (pictured in this blog)
*** All of this in addition to Isha Yoga Daily, and Pilates 4-5 times a week. ***
“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” — Eckhart Tolle
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