It’s that time again - everyone is deciding what their New Year’s resolutions are going to be. Although I’m not really big on resolutions, I guess you could call this one of mine for the new year. And if I’m going to have a resolution, I might as well make it the most cliché one of all, right?
So starting soon, I’m going to do something I’ve never done here on GML. I’m giving myself a challenge.
…and not just any challenge – a health & fitness challenge. I’m calling it LEAN in 2014.
LEAN in 2014 is not a specific diet or fitness plan. I never do well with those.
LEAN14 is an ACCOUNTABILITY CHALLENGE to myself to embrace a healthier LONG-TERM lifestyle.
You see, I’m that person who is guilty of getting on a health/fitness kick for a week or month at a time, but then I get lazy and stop caring about it altogether. I’ve been that way for years, and especially over the past few months it’s caused me to get in quite the fitness rut, with some extra pounds to show for it.
As typical as it is to start this sort of thing at the beginning of the new year, this challenge is coming at the perfect time for me. I have a big year ahead with lots of things in the works, so I’m going to feed on that momentum as much as possible.
I’m going to implement smaller challenges and surprises within LEAN14 – probably starting something specific in January (more on that to come!), working with my nutritionist and trainer friends, etc. But for the most part, I’ll be focusing on SMALL changes that can make a big difference. For example:
- eat more vegetables on a daily basis
- share more meals and workouts on GML
- cook at home more
- eat less sweets and processed foods
- consume less artificial sweeteners
- try to lessen snacking and mindless eating
- aim for exercise at least 2-3 times a week
- do activities that lessen stress/anxiety
- gain strength and flexibility
- try more NEW workouts
- …etc!
You might be wondering why I chose the word LEAN as opposed to a word like “healthy.” And, the reason is simple – that’s what I want this challenge to make me! As much as I want to be healthy and fit, I want to look my absolute best too. Honestly, I’m kind of sick of people/bloggers pretending they just want to be fit because “it makes them feel good.” I want to have a rockin’ bod. Sorry I’m not sorry.
For me, that doesn’t mean aiming to be a fitness competitor or Victoria’s Secret model (but for some, it might!). I’m all about personal goals and reaching my personal best, and that might look different for everyone.
If you’re interested, I’d love to have you join me in LEAN14! Like I said, it’s NOT specific to any sort of nutrition or fitness plan. So whether you’re Paleo or vegan, a yogi or a runner, looking to lose 50 pounds or 5 pounds – I’d love to do this alongside you and share our journeys with each other.
- follow the LEAN14 Pinterest board
- follow and participate on Instagram with hashtag #LEAN14
**********
If you’re interested in joining this challenge with me, let me know in the comments section!
Do you have any specific fitness goals? What does LEAN mean to you?
Juliana says
I’m in! I am the same way, don’t have any specific goals but do want to incorporate a healthier lifestyle! I just signed up for pilates classes and made a year commitment so that is a good start! Definitely need to work on making healthier meals… Let’s do it!
Awesome! Pilates is definitely on my list too…I haven’t taken a class in about 4 years. Just gotta find a decent studio in the city 🙂
I love the idea of this. I also love how your honest about doing it to look good. Nothing is wrong with that!
Megan says
This is just what I need! I started running regularly at the start of 2013, but school, work, and an internship (plus some major workout boredom) means I have not consistently exercised in months. I would love to try something new to help me build more strength, something I am seriously lacking!
I would love to be part of the challenge. I’m definitely going to work on bettering my health this year. I made so many positive changes this past year, I can only imagine how great this year can be.
Ashley says
I am very interested in this. I want this to be my year and I love being held accountable for fitness and health! This sounds like a great way to do just that!
I’m in! I’m getting married in the fall and want to look awesome!
Michelle says
Love this! I’m in 🙂
I LOVE THIS. I’m with you.
More than anything, I just need to focus on becoming the best “me” I can be, inside and out. And you know what? Sticking with an exercise and healthy-eating regime is a huge part of that. I know it’s cliche and I know a lot of people (especially in the blog world) have strong opinions about it, but we shouldn’t have to apologize for wanting to be lean.
I’m in! xoxo
Courtney says
I want to be a part of this!
I started Farrell’s eXtreme bodyshaping (FXB) last Saturday. It’s kickboxing and resistance band training six day a week. After having not been on any regular fitness regimen EVER, it’s really kicking my butt, but I love it!
I still need to get my eating in check, but at least I’m doing something… 😀
I haven’t heard of that - it sounds intense! I love kickboxing, so maybe I’ll check it out 🙂
FUN!! Im in! You and Jessi should come take my Barre Class!! Its in hoboken, but its just a quick hop on the path, a great workout & a ton of fun 🙂 Great challange Gracie!
I would LOVE that!
Emma @ Stripes and Snapshots says
I am so up for #lean2014. I want to have a body I’m proud of, not one I feel I need to cover up. I love the idea of doing more things that chill me out too, yoga is going to be a top priority for me next year I think!
Lena says
Count me in!!!
Kasia says
definitely in!
Amy says
This sounds absolutely perfect! I’ll be joining you in making the best of myself through my own ways. I’m going to dig my yoga mat out of my cupboard, drink more water and stop snacks!
love it! i’m with ya on the yoga 🙂
I really love this! I used to love your health posts and I can’t wait to see more of them!
Love this! I’m in! 🙂
Love this girl! I’m in too… #Lean14
I’m in! I’ll have to set a goal like using the hashtag on the regular to keep up the accountability!
awesome! 🙂
I am SO down to join you in this! I’m ready to stop eating crap all the time, I think I’ve eaten 333525 sugar cookies this holiday season :). I’m in, #lean14 !
I’m in!! #lean14 🙂 !!
😀 😀 😀
Dawn says
I am so in! I’m looking forward to following along with your progress as a form of support and accountability. My first two steps will be to use my new juicer to add a lot more produce to my diet and to work the NYT 7-minute workout into the daily routine. I’m currently doing almost nothing physically active.
ooo what’s the NYT 7-minute workout?
Dawn says
It’s from an article that was published in the New York Times and is a series of 12 body weight exercises. Each is done for 30 seconds with a ten second rest. I’m using the Perigee 7 app, but there are several apps available to keep you on track. You can find the original article here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/the-scientific-7-minute-workout/. Hope that helps! 🙂
awesome!!! thanks so much for sharing - I think I’m going to include this in an upcoming post 😀
Tara DeLong says
Hi Gracie! I am a longtime reader and first time commenter, from Indianapolis! Count me in for LEAN14! 🙂
Hi Tara, thanks so much for this comment! So excited to have you join in 🙂 xoxo
Yes please - count me in! I get into huge challenges like a 5k or 10k and train hard then give up on workouts for a few weeks or months! I want to bring in more consistency and mindfulness…but also I agree on the lean visual part. I’ve always had this muffin top (cringe at that word but it’s the best description). Although I cannot not do I want to fight my genes, I know I could be a bit more toned if I didn’t eat so many processed or sugar free laden foods! (ie less “skinny” caramel macchiatos and the too frequent pop tart or Ben & Jerry’s 7/11 run). Can’t wait
To join this with you!
Yes - the consistency is definitely my biggest struggle (although I’ve never done a any sort of race/training!). Glad to have you on board! 🙂
I’m right there with you, Gracie! I’m following Jessi/Parker’s meal plan and doing my own thing at the gym. I have some HIIT exercises that I can share with you and I just got my first Fitness magazine in the mail. If there is something worthwhile, I will send it to you, too. 🙂
Yes, please do! That’s awesome Becky 🙂 Can’t wait for this! xoxo
Kristine says
How fun! Well I’m training for my second fitness competiton this year so I’m definitely all about lean14. I’m on board!
That’s awesome! When is your comp?
Kristine says
Well I was training for April but I still have bronchitis so idk if I’ll be ready in time. If not, the end of the may!