Would anyone like to join me for a preemptive New Year's Fitness Resolution?

[CrispyQ]

My dream job turned out to be the job from hell & after several months of eating & drinking too much I find myself with some extra pounds & not enough consistency in my workouts. It's easy this time of year to simply put it off until New Year's, but I don't want to do that.

Last year a few of us decided to concentrate on working out consistently in December with the goals of
1) losing a few pounds before New Year's,
2) simply not gaining weight during the holidays, or
3) getting into a good routine with a "there's no time like the present" attitude.

My fitness calendar for December last year was exemplary! January was almost as good & February was close. Since then, however, every month has seen fewer & fewer workouts. ~sigh

[midnight armadillo]

1. My resolution is easy

Bike every day during lunch during December, and buy some studded tires if it starts to get icy so that I can't use that as an excuse.

I am determined to begin bike commuting (12.5 miles each way) and I have to get my fitness level up.

[CrispyQ]

2. Studded tires for your bicycle?

I've never heard of that! Zang!

How long does it take for you to ride 12.5 miles? Good way to get a workout in. Do you have a shower where you work? Do you get sweaty enough to need one?

I don't have a bike, but I would like to get one. I don't know much about them. I had a 10 speed when I was a kid & I'm pretty sure I don't want one of those. I'd like something with fatter tires than the 10 speed, but not necessairly a mountain bike. I need to do some investigation.

[midnight armadillo]

7. I'm slow

I'm still getting back in to cycling and am pretty slow. 13-14 mph is my average speed in the hills of Massachusetts. I do have a shower at work, although in the colder weather sweating too much isn't much of a problem if I am careful not to overdress!

As for a bike, it all depends on what you're looking for. A hybrid bike is a vague term that covers the terrain between mountani and road bikes. The only thing to do is pick a budget and visit a few bike shops to find out what size fits you and what you like. Bike co-ops can be great places to find less-expensive rebuilt bikes.

Personally, I ride a Rans V-Rex recumbent. Recumbents are more aerodynamic, vastly more comfortable, and safer than regular upright bikes (you're closer to the ground in case of a fall and can't go over the handlebars). They are generally harder to come by and tend to be more expensive. My used bike cost me $700 and that was a good bargain, buying it with the quality of parts installed on it would run about $1700 today.

Here's a picture of the current production V-Rex:

[4_Legs_Good]

3. My goal is to be able to bench 200lbs by Inauguration Day

I did 155 yesterday, and I think 180 more or less is the most I've ever done, so 200 is shooting for the stars in 8 weeks for me, but, hell if the President-Elect can do it, I can too. (but maybe not by then).

I'd like to put on 10 lbs of good weight in the same period, more or less. I suck at putting on weight (good weight, I'm getting better every year at being able to put on fat!), and am incredible at losing muscle mass in just weeks once I stop exercising daily.

So those are my goals. Essentially, I need 1lb/week gain and 5lb/week bench improvement.

Good luck with your goals!

David

[CrispyQ]

5. Admirable goals!

Obama benches 200? Wow.

I want to see in an increase in strength in all muscle groups. I'll be happy with any increase! Like you, when I stop working out I lose it very quickly. I've got three solid weights workouts in since last Thursday. That's better than I've done in months.

[GreenEyedLefty]

4. I am definitely interested but I have to formulate some realistic goals

I just started lifting again and realized with my last pair of jean about to burst at the seams, that something has to give...like my eating habits.

I would like to set a goal of 7 lbs. weight loss through December and will think on some goals for lifting - one is always to complete one pushup on my toes (I have a palsy in my shoulder which makes pushups tough).

[CrispyQ]

6. Seven pounds from now until end of the year seems very reasonable,

especially considering the holidays. How long have you been away from lifting? Was it a regular part of your routine in the past?

[flakey_foont]

8. I will join you

but as of yet uncertain as to what goals I want to set...

for the remainder of the year,,, just to stay consistent going to the gym,,,
upping bench press a little, maybe

[CrispyQ]

9. Well, it was a wash.

My challenge started out badly. I gained six pounds! But I managed to get it off so I came out net zero. I did come up with a routine that I like much better & two new walking routes with decent hills.