Welcome to Wednesday Word, a monthly linkup for everyone, not just health and fitness bloggers. On the first Wednesday of every month you will have a single word prompt to write about. Let your imagination run free and share with your readers your interpretation of that word, or simply use it as inspiration for your post. Today’s word is improvement… I’d love to have you link up, and if you do, please remember to follow my six simple rules.

 

Improvement
The act or process of improving
~ Merriam-Webster

 

Believe me, there are plenty of aspects of my life where there’s room for improvement, but since this is a running blog, I’ll stick to the fitness department…

 
Running

I have been unbelievably consistent for the last twenty years (and fairly consistent prior to then). While training for my first marathon, I laced up my running shoes six days a week. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve listened to my body and gradually cut back to my current schedule of three days per week. Since my main goal is to run for as many years as possible, I have to run smart and this current schedule is working for me. If you judge me on consistency, I’m golden, but if you judge me on my form or my pace, of course there’s plenty of room for improvement.

 
Strength Training

Again, I have the consistency thing down – I really enjoy lifting weights and have had very few breaks in my training since joining my first gym in the mid-80’s. At my age, strength training is key in keeping my bones strong, my metabolism active, and many age-related issues at bay. Of course, there’s room for improvement. I could use greater variety in my workouts and challenge my body with heavier weights/fewer rep cycles, but I’m a creature of habit… 

 
Cardio Cross Training

Until a few months ago, I would have considered cardio cross training the area where I needed the greatest amount of improvement. With both a spin cycle and elliptical in my basement that my clients use a lot more than I do, my cardio cross training was lacking. Enter my cute new bicycle… I’ve really enjoyed my rides this summer and I’m feeling more comfortable each time Bill and I go for a ride. Areas where I need the most improvement are increasing my speed and keeping my cadence more consistent as I become more efficient in shifting gears.

 
Yoga

Ah, yes, yoga… the area of my fitness routine that needs the most work. I’ve been consistently practicing yoga again for the last year and a half, but after the initial improvements in my flexibility during the first two months back, I’ve seen very little change. I can’t begin to touch my toes and feel like I’ve had a successful session if I can reach my shins without any pain while doing a standing forward bend.

I remember when I used to attend yoga classes when I was in my forties. Not having a naturally flexible body, I eventually got to the point where I could just barely wrap my fingers around my toes on a seated forward bend and I could place my hand on the floor in triangle pose. Straps, blocks, and a variety of modifications have become this yogi wannabe’s best friends; and I don’t expect to see a whole lot of improvement anytime soon…

 

Where do you have room for improvement in your life? 

 

Grab My Button!

Deb Runs
 



 
Next Month’s Wednesday Word: Struggle