Hey all, tonight Xavier and I decided to start our own fitness challenge! We both can honestly tell you all that we have slacked off big time. When Xavier and I were in nursing school, we both were very much dedicated to working out and having a healthy lifestyle. Well, love comes along and… Just kidding! haha. But on a serious note, I think our slacking started off on our last semester in nursing school.
It was such a busy time for us during our last practicum and our time was very limited. We had to work around or preceptor schedules and finally started doing those 12 hour shifts..exhausting! Lucky for Xavier he had day shift, so he had some wiggle time. Unfortunately for me, I had no choice and ended up on night shifts that last semester of nursing school. Lets just say that juggling in a nurses 12 hour shifts 3-4 times a week, plus classes, study time, endless amounts papers and the beginning of our relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend, was exhausting. We were definitely fortunate to share the same struggles and challenges in many ways for sure. Needless to say, Xavier was so good to me helping me juggle night shift while he was in days. So as you can see, time definitely played a role in us lacking efforts to make it to the gym and keeping motivated.
Shortly after graduating and passing our boards we were very blessed to have jobs 2 months after! But in between those months we finally found ‘some’ time to make it to cross fit or the gym. On some of our days we were heading over to mountain bike trails and getting some kayaking in as well. Well our two months were up and life started! We began to work the 12 hour shifts 3-4 days a week and for a new nurse, it was mentally and physically exhausting! we work in a very fast paced hospital, at least I seem to think so.
Well enough is enough! Some weight was gained, and some toning was lost! And now its time to reverse that and loose the gained, and tone the un-toned! We have a trip lined up in October to NYC, and we made that a time frame for our beginning goal.
Our goals from now till then will be simple to get us back into that rhythm of eating better and being more active!
So our goals for now will be:
- Eat healthier, cleaner foods.
- Cooking at home more often (especially for work)
- Choosing healthier options when eating out
- Going to the Gym AT LEAST 3 times per week (4-5 preferably)
- More outdoor activities
Tonight we started by going to cross fit, something I was a little apprehensive about. Only because I personally feel there’s more of a risk for injuries. Xavier had done cross fit for some years before so I compromised with him. If he agreed to start our challenge the clean way (no chemical filled powders) I would join him in cross fit. So tonight I went to the beginners class, learned proper form and techniques to start our compromise.
Xavier wants to lose around 10 pounds from now till october, and I ultimately just want to help him be motivated, lose just a couple and tone up myself and gain my endurance back! All in all, it was a great night to start ‘our fitness challenge’! If you have any suggestions, tips, ideas or your own fitness challenges, we would love to hear all about them! So go out there and join us in putting on our running shoes more often!
Ready… set… GO!
Here’s a little glimpse into what we want to get back into!
We will keep you all posted! Have a wonderful, healthy day!
-Xavier and Jen
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Good luck with the challenge!
Thank you! I see you have some healthy tips as well! Motivation is always welcome.