Let’s Do This!

When it came time to choose a topic for this learning project, I bounced around a few ideas. There’s a lot I’d love to learn – but let’s be honest, between taking three spring classes, working full-time, and mom duties, time isn’t exactly something I have in abundance. So I decided to focus on something that felt both fun and productive: using online resources to finally build a fitness routine I can actually stick to.

My Starting Point

I’d like to think of myself as a seasoned beginner when it comes to fitness and going to the gym. I’ve been paying for a gym membership for years. YEARS. Like, my gym probably sends me a holiday card at this point, thanking me for keeping their lights on. I’ve been what some might call a financially supportive gym member – someone who never actually goes but keeps paying because one day they’re definitely going to start.

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve started a workout routine many times… but have never been able to stick to it consistently for longer than a week or two at a time. I get thrown off course by life (kids, school, work – you know how it goes). I’m good at starting. Now I want to get good at sticking with it.

My Game Plan

Since “just wing it” hasn’t exactly worked for me in the past, I figured the best way to tackle this 6-week learning project without completely spiraling was to give each week a focus – something bite-sized and doable. My plan is to stick to the plan, and address any challenges or obstacles that may come up. So, without further ado, here is my “Please Let This Make Me A Person Who Works Out” master plan:

• Week 1: Just Start Already – This week I stop “planning to start” and actually go.  is about setting goals, creating a schedule that fits around the chaos (aka kids, classes, & work), and actually showing up.
• Week 2: What Do I Even Do at the Gym? This week I plan to do some deep diving into some workouts and learning how to use gym equipment without looking like I wandered in by accident. (Spoiler alert: the treadmill and I are already besties)
• Week 3: Motivation vs. Me in Pajamas – Since this is about the time I usually fall off the bandwagon, this week is all about mindset and staying motivated  – even when the couch is calling.
• Week 4:
• Why Am I Still Struggling? Knowing me, I planed this week as my “what’s going wrong and how do I fix it?” week. I plan to reflect on what’s been hard (time, energy, muscle soreness?) and find online advice to help push through.
•  Week 5: Fuel and Flop  (aka Nutrition and Recovery) – Providing everything is still going according to plan, this week I hope to look into how to eat in a way that supports my workouts, gives me enough energy to actually want to complete my goal, and learn how to recover like a pro (or at least like someone who doesn’t immediately collapse that first steps after leg day).
• Week 6: Let’s Wrap It Up (Without Giving Up) –  This week I’ll be reflecting on everything I’ve learned, what actually worked vs. what didn’t, and how I can keep this going long after the project ends. Maybe even without needing a class assignment as motivation?

So, that’s the plan. Six Weeks of Googling my way to fitness greatness – wish me luck, caffeine, and minimal leg day soreness!