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Happy February & Leap Year!
We’ve got one month’s worth of 2020 goals behind us, hopefully you feel proud of your progress and accomplishments (no matter how big or small) from last month and are now ready to set new goals to reach this month. However, one of the best things about a new month is a fresh start. If we didn’t do our best, we can re-commit and start over!
I definitely had some ups and downs in my January Fitness Routine, so I’ve made a few adjustments. First, I want to address what went well and what needs improvement.
What went well?
- Consistency
- No pain
- Lost 2 pounds of body fat mass (1.2% body fat)
What needs improvement?
- Running pace
- Nutrition
Honestly – #2 under ‘what went well’ has been my main priority so I am beyond happy about that! I also hit 6 months post surgery in January (post here) and I wrote about my experience with Reformer Pilates as a form of rehabilitation which has now become my main form of resistance/strength training. I can’t say enough good things about Reformer Pilates and Core Pilates.
Adjustments
I added an additional resistance workout on the Megaformer at The Pilates Studio. It’s a little different than the Pilates Reformer machine, so it’s a nice change up for one day a week. I also added AM & PM stretching about midway through January which I will continue this month. It’s helped my body feel so much more fluid and free, not being able to bend – lift – twist for 3 months hindered my hip flexor and hamstring flexibility. Otherwise – I will keep my workout routine the same as last month. I didn’t hit my goal pace for my weekly 5k runs, so I will keep the January goal pace and work on reaching that pace again every Saturday. (body fat & muscle mass addressed below)
FEBRUARY WEEKLY PLAN
20 MINUTES OF CARDIO 4-5 DAYS/WEEK
REFORMER PILATES (STRENGTH/RESISTANCE) MINIMUM 3 TIMES/WEEK
LONG RUN FOR TIME (5K) ON SATURDAY
FEBRUARY GOALS
1. DECREASE 5K PACE/TIME EVERY SATURDAY
2. DECREASE BODY FAT MASS 1-2 lbs
3. INCREASE OR MAINTAIN CURRENT MUSCLE MASS
Photos by: Devin Bendixen
What is my WHY?
Honestly… I feel better overall when I am in shape and active. I took a body fat test on January 2nd and compared to pre-surgery the test revealed a 4 lb decrease in muscle mass. This was to be expected after not being able to do any type of resistance work for a full year due to pain. I took the same body fat test the beginning of this month (February 1st). The test showed that my muscle mass stayed the same, but I lost 2 pounds of body fat. That is a definite win with room for improvement! There may be some ups and downs along the way, but I’m on a path to build back the muscle I lost in a healthy and steady way. These human bodies of ours are truly amazing, and it is so cool to see what they are capable of.
Thank you so much for reading, following me on this journey, and sharing your stories. I have felt so much hope through your stories and I’d love to hear more. What is your WHY? How was last month for you? What changes are you making in February to reach your fitness goals? Wishing you the best month yet!
Typical Weekly Workout Schedule:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
AM Stretch & 20 minute Peloton
PM Pilates & Stretch
Tuesday
AM Stretch & 20 minute Peloton
PM Megaformer 45 minutes
Thursday
AM Stretch & 20 minute Peloton
REST
Saturday
AM Stretch & 5k run
Sunday
Rest
