I DO run. I DO bike. I DO walk. I DO elliptical. I DO play hockey.
I DON’T lift weights. I DON’T do any core training. I don’t do it because I don’t LIKE to. Bad excuse, I know.
I think MOST of us DON’T do thinks we OUGHT to do simply because we just don’t want to.
In April I want to challenge myself to do things I don’t currently do…
1. lift weights once a week for 20 minutes
2. do yoga or Pilates once a week for at least 30 minutes
Challenge: What DON’T you do that you should? It can be working out-related, food-related, etc. But let’s stick to health/nutrition/fitness goals. The month Andrea hosted her flossing challenge, I was really good about flossing! So, let’s make some good changes together in April. I’ll ask each day on my post how everyone is doing with their challenge(s) and hopefully we’ll see some results and maybe even form some HABITS!
Who’s in!?
Leave a comment below and list what you’re interested in doing that you don’t do now. At the end of April I’ll link back to this post with everyone’s goals and we can see how we do!
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I got a funny email the other day. A reader emailed saying:
You mention playing “hockey” a lot in your posts. Do you play field hockey or ice hockey? If you play ice hockey, that is kick butt!
I responded saying ice-hockey and she wanted a picture of me in my equipment! I have been playing hockey for over a decade, so I forget how somewhat rare female hockey players are at times. I was totally flattered by the email. So Misse, here you go:
In my garage wearing my University of Illinois jersey from college next to our U of I flag…ILL-INI!!
I typically play 1-2 hockey games a week and play with nearly all men. I definitely hold my own out there and even score some goals from time to time (scored last night!)!
For those that didn’t check in on blogs yesterday, don’t miss out on Farro Greek Salad or Vegan Banana Nut Muffin recipes from yesterday. YUM and YUM!
Looking for Farro?
Lots of you were interested in trying farro (I nearly insist that you do!!!) but weren’t sure where to find it. Whole Foods does carry farro in their bulk bins — this is where I got mine. The other place (and possibly cheaper place) would be amazon.com. A “farro” search turned up lots of options!
Chicago Blogger Get-Together????
I’m heading to the motherland on April 23rd. I’ll be in town through the 25th and would love to meet some of you Chicago dwellers! Email me with any interest and what area would be most convenient for you! 😀
Join me in April to DO what you DON’T!
Well I signed up for a 5K in early May. So in April I guess I should run since I usually don’t ;).
That’s awesome that you play hockey. You’re hardcore girl. I don’t usually eat a serving of either fruit or veggie at least once a day. And that is a horrible crime. Therefore, I need to start eating more fruits and veggies each day.
There are a few of us possibly getting together for a 5k (Race to Wrigley) on the 24th if you’re interested. Just sayin’! 🙂
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That sounds like a blast! Thanks for the heads up! I just may!
Fantastic! I suggested a meetup for breakfast after the race somewhere in wrigleyville- I’ll keep you in mind when details start getting worked out!
I DON’T lift weights enough as I should. And I really should. I’m going to join you on this one!
You are possibly the cutest ice hockey player. Ever. Just so you know.
Haha…awww shucks 🙂
I am definitely with you on weights. I hate doing it, so I just don’t! I will go through fazes of being motivated to strength train, but they don’t last long. I need to incorporate some light weights, but I’m pregnant, so I won’t be pushing to hard.
I love it so much that you play hockey. It’s so refreshing and interesting. It’s rare to find people who play sports rather than the traditional running, gyming, etc.
And I do want to strength train more. I feel so weak a lot of the time. I’d love to build muscle and feel strong! I’m with you!
That’s so cool that you play hockey!
Im with you on the weight lifting. I dont like it and so I dont do it. But I NEED to!
Ive been doing more yoga lately too (ok, so twice in a week, thats more than the none Ive been doing). I tend to avoid yoga and pilates (even though I love it) because my dog gets in the way. But I need to do more of it. Im SO with you!
love the pic! i have started doing what a i don’t like last week so i will stick to it. it is lifting weights and doing speed work and i am doing it but hating it!
great idea girl 🙂
Popped in from How Sweet to say hi!
Oooh, I need to come up with an April challenge! I can’t believe taste the rainbow is almost over 🙁
You look like such a badass in your hockey gear!!
Great challenge! One thing I will say is that lately I DON’T run. I haven’t ran in a while so when I started going, I haven’t gotten far…a lot of walking. So maybe I will try to work on doing a bit more running. You have to start somewhere!
Great challenge! what I’m going to work on in April is taking more time to prep for the week. I’m seriously lacking in this department. My goal is 1-2 hours each Sunday to prep meals and snacks and organize my fridge so that I actually know what’s in there.
oooh flossing is a good one. I pretty much never floss. I think that will be my April challenge.
I don’t ride a bike. My husband and I will be getting new bikes so I hope to put about 20 miles on it per week to get started.
Nice to know that you play hockey as well and you look good too
That is so cool that you play ice hockey. I have always wanted to try that! I should really start running more since I have a few races I want to do this spring 🙂
HELL YEAHH count me in to meet you Nicole!! I can’t wait!! Please keep me posted on the plans for the meet up. I’d totally suggest Chicago Diner as a restaurant to go to if it wasn’t so hard to get to. 🙂
Great challenge! I’m in! I’ll be working on increasing my water intake, which is dismally low…
Interesting you’ve posted this because my next post is about my challenge of conquering the push-up, something I’ve always loathed! My April goal is to continue to conquer this sucker. I could also afford to do a little more weight lifting. You won’t regret adding the yoga to your weeks! Yoga is so rewarding and feels so good.
I agree: You totally kick butt for playing hockey with the guys. For April, I’m going to concentrate on eating out less. I really enjoy strength training (more than cardio even) but I have a tendency to eat out too much. Not so great for my bank account, so that’s my goal!
That is so awesome that you play ice hockey!! You are tough 🙂
I’d definitely like to commit to doing yoga once a week!!
Wow, you’re a hockey warrior! Get it girl!
I would like to have more sex. I don’t think the boyfriend will object.
I’m with you on the weights thing. I hate lifting weights… but I need to so badly 😉
I don’t relax enough. I hate “off days” and feel like they are a waste, but today I am resting. I am going to try to do that at least once a week… because my body needs it! Hopefully my run will be WAY better tomorrow because of my resting today… hopefully… 🙂
I think you look so freaking cute in your Hockey Gear! I need to think about my “don’t”…
Maybe I need to do some more Pilates…I used to do it all the time but recently I have been slacking off.
I don’t do yoga because it has never interested me much, but I have wanted to start trying the basic class at my gym. This sounds like the perfect time to try. I love the “do what you don’t” idea! 🙂
I don’t stretch as much as I should! So I’ll do that for April!
Love the hockey photo! I’ve already been working on doing something I don’t do… my pilates roll-up. I am going to continue to work on it for the next month along with working on my core strength in general.
Wow – this is a fantastic idea, Nicole! I know right away what I need to work on – stretching. Especially being so injury prone, I know how important it is yet I don’t do it. I’ll make that my goal for April!
What a great idea, Nicole!! I don’t stop eating snacks after dinner time that I do NOT need!! I’ve already got a plan to cut out all of the extras that are holding me back from my goals. GOOD LUCK to you and to everyone else making some good changes!! 🙂
CUTE picture 🙂 I played field hockey! and i also hate lifting but i am trying to doi t moree
xoxo
shelley
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
I have recently just started reading your blog, but I am finding it totally inspirational! I hope you all don’t mind that I join you in the April challenge. I used to be a runner, but I don’t do a thing now! I would love to commit to walking 3 times a week for April. I am trying to clean my diet up as well, so I am going to commit to trying/blogging about one healthy meal a week.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Thank you!
I just posted a link to the challenge in my blog, I hope this inspires my family and friends as well.
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Thank you! I hope they are inspired, as well 🙂
I am really busy 4/23 but available 4/24 and 4/25 in Chicagoland! 🙂 Oh, oops, I was supposed to email you!
Can my April challenge be to take care of me? Because right now, I don’t because I am feeling … a bit … down.
Love the photo of you in your hockey gear! Sooooo cool!
Great challenge! And thanks for the shout out… I’m trying to get back into running. I haven’t run for years as I have a weak ankle and wasn’t good in the past at listening to my body (and did some pretty bad damage when I kept running on a badly injured ankle while taking pain meds). My challenge is to run several times per week while still listening to my body.
I love that pic of you in your hockey equipment! That’s awesome, Nicole! I’m going to look for farro at my grocery store (sadly there’s no WF near me), otherwise I’ll have to order from Amazon. 🙂
I love that you play hockey. As a female rugby player, I understand how people can forget that women play those sports too. It’s kind of fun to say “Oh yeah, I play _____.”
For April, I will be lifting 2-3 times per week. I am training for my first marathon (May 30th) and I NEVER do strength training. Not so much because I don’t like it, but because I’m just kind of ambivalent about it. It just doesn’t really excite me. I think if I get into it and see results, I’ll start to like it more. I know I need to get serious about my strength training if I’m going to continue doing marathons after my first one in May – which is my plan.
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Rugby!? Awesome, girl! Awesome!
I should weight lift but don’t know if I will yet. Will let you know as there’s still 2 days to decide 🙂 Female hockey around here is a given so it never through me you played.
Okay, I play field hockey, but the ice hockey uniform kicks ass!
I just realized I have plans on April 24 – but I can see if I can change them – I’ll know the closer it gets 😀
Love this idea!! I need to put my thinking cap on for my April challenge!
I love that hockey uniform – you look awesome! (And like you can kick anyone’s butt!) I know what you mean about skipping out on the weight lifting and stretching. I read about people who love weight lifting because it makes them feel so strong and powerful … but it just makes me feel weak! But, I know the benefits of resistance training, so I will “borrow” your idea and say that I will engage in concerted strength training for 20 minutes at least once a week.
Have fun at your meet-up! 🙂
Yay for girl hockey players in men’s league. I play too. Three times a week. It’s wicked awesome. Good for you.
Female hockey players rock. In High School and College I used to drive the Zamboni, they always had me do the women’s games because female zamboni drivers were (are?) as rare as female hockey players (this was the late 80s/early 90s).
As to my April goal, I might have to go with flossing, I’m horrible about it, but stretching or yoga would be good too, maybe one this month and one next month…
I think this is a great idea. I am trying to make it to spin class at least 1 time a week if I am free on Tuesday nights. This is the first time I cannot go :o(.
I really need to also try to keep up/get all my homework done instead of put it off! … get ahead of the game.
Beautiful post.
GREAT challenge!! I was really good about flossing when Andrea hosted that challenge too. In fact, I am still flossing more than I used to! For this particular challenge I will do what I started this weekend, and do more resistance training, similar to you. I already do some, but just not enough. After my fitness assessment I realized I may be fit in terms of cardio, but NOT in terms of resistance training. I will do 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Yeah!
I love this challenge! I am going to try and start recycling. I rarely do it and have no reason not to do it so that that my “do what I don’t” challenge for April!
OMG that is so awesome that you play ice hockey. I honestly don’t know anyone that plays it (not real popular here). So cool.
As for the april thing… I’ve gotta think of something but once I do I’m joining you! Time to do something different!
I just started my own strength training challenge a couple of weeks ago, so can I do that? I don’t strength train much, and I want to do Body Pump once a week and my own stuff 2 more times!
This is such an awesome challenge…count me in!
For the month of April, I will commit myself to doing at least one yoga/pilates session once a week, and make time to do a kickass cardio session as well (I actually do more weight training and resistance training and totally not enough in the cardio area though).
What a fun challenge! I don’t do enough strength training, so one of my goals is to try a Barbell or Strength (Total Conditioning) class at the gym. I have been meaning to, but I get anxiety when trying classes for the first time when I don’t know what to do.
I would like to stretch more.
I would also like to add 20 minutes of strength/core training once a week – sign me up!
Nicole, I am joining your challenge!!!! I have thought about it since you posted a couple of days ago. I was thinking about it in bed last night also. I wanted a goal that was not too lofty and I would fail but wanted something that was a challenge (hence why it is called a challenge 🙂 ) I am going to try to go the whole month of April with no night binges (this is my really hard time). I am also going to incorporate some sort of strength excercises into my work out at least 2 times a week. Thank you for this challenge!
I like your Do what you DON’T challenge! I’m in! Running and yoga I do frequently, but I rarely lift weights so that will be one of mine also! I will be traveling this month for work as well, so I’m going to commit to eating healthy and finding time for workouts while on the road!
I know I am late on this (been away from my computer for a few days) but I LOVE the hockey picture! Hockey is ice hockey around here in MN and is a way of life. My little sister has played since she could walk basically, and I think girls hockey teams are one of the closest knit sports teams I have seen. They have such a great attitude and competitive spirit. It’s still a growing sport and I am so happy to see younger girls being more and more interested in it. I don’t have many regrets in life, but not playing hockey is definitely one of them!
I noticed in a more recent post that you did yoga. Good for you! Yoga can help with core training. Since I started working with my trainer strength training/core training, the two areas you mentioned, have become so important to me. I’ve seen some really nice results in pretty short order too. I hope you’ll give both a try.
This was my first visit to your blog. I’ll definitely be back!