Final Thoughts

Thank you so much to the bloggers who participated in this feature. I know you are all extremely busy so I appreciate that you took the time out of your hectic schedules to help share your Health & Fitness thoughts and tips!

Now, what was my take away from all of this? If this series has done anything for me it’s gotten me thinking about health and fitness in a positive way (something that is new for me). Since Monday I’ve been to yoga twice and the gym twice (I even went early Sunday morning with the boyfriend – unthinkable!). Not because I felt pressure to but because my body can’t take care of itself. I have to make the effort.

I usually think "Melissa, you have to go to the gym or you're going to gain weight back." This time I thought "Melissa, just go to the gym and jog for 30 minutes, it'll be good for you."

The funny thing is, I didn't even notice the change at first. It wasn't until I was at the gym, late weds  night when I asked myself how I was able to convince myself to go.

I'm now in the process of turning my new positive outlook into a "stay healthy" routine for this winter. I'll update you when it's all done!

Have you noticed any changes in your mind-set since reading this? If so, i'd love to hear about it!

Also, if you still need a last little boost of inspiration, some lovely readers passed along their thoughts on health & fitness so I wanted to share them with all of you.

Happy Friday!

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Liv from A Beautiful Life:
"I have NEVER been a gym person but I hate being inactive. I actually feel physically ill if I haven't' been exercising. i usually get active by getting outdoors - riding, running, hiking, biking, snowboarding, and surfing when i can. I stopped going to yoga about 6 months ago but i should start again."

Shannon from Van-city Femme:
"I find skating is actually something I really enjoy. And I get to go with my boyfriend which is nice. I get a nice leg/bum work out out of a good 45 mins of that."

Teresa from Love and Luxe:
"I've been paying my gym for the past 2 years but I NEVER go. And I keep paying for it with the hopes that I'll go. I let the fact that I'm still paying for it keep me from trying new types of exercises. I guess my tip is to try new things right away when you get bored of your routine instead of forcing yourself to enjoy it like you used to."

MeggyD from ChasingDavies:
"A few things that have helped me - setting goals and doing it with groups of people to keep you motivated and on track. For the month of January I hosted a Fitness Challenge on my blog (for anyone to join and to keep me honest) with the challenge to run or walk (and any sort of combo) 100 miles. I'm within 5 days of my goal with 15 miles left to go! It was hard, but only one month. That was a good way for me to kick start my running and new year.

I also found that doing a variety of activities (when not doing a specific challenge) helps keep things fun. I loved training for a triathlon this past summer because you did a variety of training on bike, in the pool and running. I love doing yoga and try to do it at least once a week no matter what else I'm into. That helps keep me from injury!

The best working out in my life actually happens at lunch time, in the office. I'm lucky to have a gym at the office that I utilize at least 4 times a week! In the nicer weather, a group of co-workers and I walk/jog the 4 miles loop around our work area. It energizes me for the rest of the afternoon, and gives me time to catch up with my co-workers! I love it.

I also love doing anything active for a social event. It beats too many dinners or happy hours anytime. Whether it is walking or going to the gym - It's a great time to catch up with friends and burn calories."

Julie from Spun Sugar :
"I have two reasons for wanting to tone up this year: I'm traveling and I won't have seen my friends and family for a year and I'd rather not have gained weight when we're reunited and I have to fit in a bridesmaids dress for my sister’s wedding in the fall and I won't even be able to try it on until August. While I'll mostly be relying on a budget travelers diet and exercise plan of eating less and doing a lot of walking with 40 litres of clothing and toiletries on my back I've also been taking some steps to get fit now so that when I start actively traveling again after this restful, chocolate-filled Christmas I'll have a head start. Since it's as cold as -25°C here in Northern Sweden I've been lucky to have access to an elliptical trainer and a yoga mat. Although skiing would probably be a better way to get in shape in this cold I much prefer to stay inside by the fire!

Since I'm staying inside I'm sticking with yoga and I'm really starting to enjoy it. I have only done it a couple of times before and I've never wanted to pay the high prices in Vancouver for classes, but I found some really great instructional videos on youtube by Yogatic.com . The host Esther goes along at a reasonable pace so it's really easy to follow along and it's easy to create your own routine using different videos. I'm learning some beginner poses and also some routines to really work my legs and upper body. Although I'm not very flexible or strong after a week I do think that I can feel some improvement and I'm hoping it's something that I can keep up while traveling - as long as the hostel floors aren't too dirty... I'll let you know how it goes. Since I know that healthy eating and being active go hand in hand I've also made a dietary commitment that I hope I'll stick to: after traveling Europe I think I need to institute a moratorium on eating bread and cheese, unless I go back to France of course!

When I head to Turkey next week my main goals to focus on will be to do a little yoga every morning, walk at least a couple of hours a day, and substitute chocolate with a healthier snack like almonds or dried fruit. For me it's all about finding balance."

Thanks ladies!