Well, here I am for my first blog of the year, which, unless I make changes, may end up being my ONLY blog of the year! (History has proven this is NOT within my comfort-zone and, therefore, NOT my most effective use of SP, but I try).

I proved to myself in 2011 that I can hold myself accountable to some lifestyle change goals and also experience additional growth. I challenged myself at the start of the year to join a class of some kind (yoga, pilates, kickboxing) for an activity I had never tried. In March, I found a yoga class offered through our local Community Center and re-upped throughout the rest of the year because I absolutely LOVED it! It is not a strenuous workout, but it has helped reduce my body's physiological response to high-stress, provided me with a better sense of self, and given me something to look forward to every week. I never would have expected to enjoy it as much as I have, and I'm grateful to have found it.

I started 2011 with the goal of 10,000 fitness minutes and ended the year having logged over 14,000. I've increased my goal this year to 17,500. But more importantly, I am going to make a commitment to more regular & strenuous fitness opportunities. While I've lost most of the weight I want to, and have maintained that weight loss, I know I can do so much more with the increased commitment to fitness, and I'll feel better for it.

I got a wii for Christmas (my first videogame system since . . . atari, I think?) and the wii fitness package. I haven't been able to try it yet, but I'm going to set up a schedule before I return from vacation and I'm going to stick to the schedule for a minimum of 2 months. I'm going to take pre- and post- measurements and weights and evaluate whether the wii is going to be a regular part of my plan, or just something fun to do with my family.

I've organized a Relay for Life team in my hometown which will take place in early June. I need to make sure that I am in good shape to ensure we have walkers on the track for every single lap, even if that means it's just me. So, one of my research projects is going to be finding the right type of shoe for that task.

Putting a couple other goals out there for 2012:
* I'd like to blog more regularly (not setting a specific number, just more)
* I'd like to find a water aerobics class to try as a new activity (if it isn't too expensive)

I'm 20 months into the SP experience, and have experienced nothing but positive growth. I'm looking forward to another GREAT year!