It’s good to have a checkpoint.

Take some time to reflect, re-direct and push forwards without losing momentum.

Notoriously, the end of January is where people who made those New Year’s resolutions begin to fade out and the routine begins to wain. If I’m honest I totally get it. there’s no judgement here, it’s hard. January is a long month and we’re broke for most of it following a period of excess. But this has always spurned me on to take control of my narrative and keep taking accountability to myself.

So, one month in, I’ve reached this checkpoint and we’ll see where I got to! I’ll be asking myself What could I have done better? But also what did I do well and what is the direction that my fitness journey should continue in?

THE HEADLINES

⁃ 17 workouts completed

⁃ Cardio once a week

⁃ Maintenance calories throughout

⁃ 43 PB’s 😳

⁃ Meal timings tricky

⁃ Sleep – 6 hours 8 minutes average

⁃ Mental Health 👌🏼

I have maintained good consistency this month. I have succeeded with 4 sessions a week and an additional leg day last week as my knee was feeling strong. This month has had to be upper focussed due to a set-back before Christmas with my right knee. I have been adding lower exercises when I feel comfortable and this has meant that other than a little soreness, I have been injury-free throughout!

Not a lot of cardio, but I have managed some at least once a week. In addition to this, my son and I have made sure to go to the park every week for some basketball or football, which has been great! Not only are we both a little more active, but we are getting some real quality time together too – which is great for the mental health as well.

I have made strides adapting my diet post – Christmas and I have the protein intake well under control. Loose calorie counting throughout January, but back to recording every morsel in MyFitnessPal from February. For some reason having to input it into the diary helps me consider if I really want that choccy biscuit or not! The more knowledge I have the better I will understand what I need to do to progress further.

43 PB’s is frankly astounding! The weight has been increasing, but I have also been careful to make sure that I am maintaining form as best I can throughout the set. Slow and steady where possible, making the most of each exercise and focussing on where I am “feeling” the exercise. Small adjustments can sometimes make all of the difference!

Meal timings have been tricky around a hectic and ever-changing work schedule. Over the years I think this has been my biggest challenge. Fending off hunger and keeping myself fuelled for long days whilst also keeping a close eye on the macros. Hunger and injury have definitely been my two biggest obstacles to navigate at different times in my fitness journey, but knowledge is power and I take responsibility to move my own journey forwards.

Sleep 💤 I wish I could get more. I have tried to alter my routine have good sleep etiquette and listen to my body more. But I am where I am! I spend a lot of time on a screen, which I feel may be impacting my sleep so I will be looking to cut this down, considerably to see if this helps.

2024 has proven to be a great start for my mental health! I have a positivity and belief in myself that has permeated my new year, and for that I am immensely grateful. I am goal orientated and am consciously trying to be kinder to myself. (Something I think we could all do a little bit more of).

At this checkpoint, it’s all pretty positive. The hard work continues, as does the challenging of myself.

I wonder what February will have in store for me?