New Month's Resolution for March
First, a review of my New Month's Resolution for February. It was twofold: one was a super-secret special project, which I finished yesterday. I thought I finished it earlier, then added another little bit to it, and now I'm done, for real. Yay. This enormous accomplishment means nothing to you, so on to the second, less-secretive resolution. I wanted to do two sets of ten push-ups. I began the month able to do two push-ups, total, and just now ran through two sets of ten. They aren't as effortless or stunningly beautiful as I'd hoped, but maybe it takes more than a month. (And, I admit, I have slacked off a bit this week, with all the working, teaching, and special projecting going on). Still, I consider it a success.
Next month I'd like to focus on my flexibility. When I had my fitness assessment on my birthday, I was fairly pleased with the results. There were areas that need improvement (hence the reduce % body fat entry on my New Things list). There were also areas where I excel. Like, well-above-average, off-the-charts super-awesome excellent flexibility. I'm no Gumby, but I think with practice, I could be. The reason why I think this is because, with only a quick stretch, I topped out the flexibility scale. The scale is a metal box, about a foot long, with a slot down the middle and a lever in the slot. You sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, feet against the box, and reach your fingers past your toes, pushing the lever as far as you can. You get three tries - the first two are warm-ups. On the first warm-up, I pushed the lever past the "good" mark, on the second warm-up, I pushed the lever past the "above average" mark, and on the last try, I pushed the lever to the end of the box. A foot past my feet, without pulling a hamstring. The fitness assessor was sufficiently impressed and said that he hadn't seen anyone do that before. So, that's it. That's my calling. Competitive stretching.
I don't really know how to measure my progress with this resolution. Last month I had a concrete goal, two sets of ten push ups. I don't have a flexibility goal, only to have more of it. My plan is to join the yoga and pilates classes at my gym to jump start the resolution, then incorporate yoga/stretching into my daily routine while I'm on vacation at the end of the month. So, that's what I'll be up to this month, side bends and the hundreds.