Six fitness goals for 2015

Well a new year is upon us. Personally, 2015 needs to kick 2014's butt. It was not a good year for me - mentally, emotionally and physically.

My stressors have decreased and with that decrease comes a new feeling of almost happiness. My mind is clearer My drive for success is back and rearing to go. I have admitted to myself that I let myself go in 2014. Now it is time to get myself back!

My goals for this year are numerous. I will share my top 6 fitness goals with YOU, my readers.

My top 6 fitness goals

1. Learn to love cardio

This is my most important goal for 2015. I admit it. I hate cardio. It brings me absolutely no joy! The way I see it, i raise my heart rate with so many other excuses, so I just avoid it. Cardio is an important facet of a workout regime so I will do my best to increase the amount in mine but also to enjoy it!

2. Improve my eating habits so that they are where they were if not better than before I lost my "groove"

Preparation is key. As I have said before on my blog - those who fail to plan, plan to fail. I have started, once again, preparing food in advance. Let me tell you, it is a huge help! It keeps me from consuming "junk" and by ensuring that all my meals are covered I won't have to go out and buy a lunch on a workday which saves me money and the aftermath of an unhealthy meal.

3. Sign up for a dance class

Those who know me well know that I used to hate dancing. I think it was because I never really knew what I was doing so I was too self conscious. I never took classes as a child and as an adult I was never a fan of clubs. Over the last couple of years I have discovered that I actually enjoy it! I have one particular (amazing!) friend who's name rhymes with batasha to thank for this revelation.

I have actually started on this goal because this past Wednesday evening I attended my first hip-hop class at the Tyler Anne School of Dance. It was a great experience and I decided to pay for the session up front so that I won't skip any of the classes. Attending this class alone and not knowing the teacher or other attendees was completely outside my comfort zone. Stepping outside your comfort zone is the best way to embark on new journeys and self discovery!

4. Get to the gym at least four times a week even if it's just for a 30 minute mini-workout

Ok, I know this seems ambitious. Well, that's because it is. Gym time = me time. That is something I need a bit more of in 2015. I like to book my workouts in my calendar so I hold myself accountable. I am less likely to skip out on it when I treat it like a meeting or an appointment.

5. Reach my former personal record for deadlifts of 190 pounds and surpass it!

This one is special to me. When I was serious about weight lifting I was making great gains on the deadlift. I was SO close to 200 pounds, it was driving me nuts. Fast forward through a depression and a two month period where I wasn't training at all and I need to start over. I've reached 175 as of publication of this post so I know that this goal is not too far off!

6. Compete in a bikini competition before 2016

This is something I have always wanted to do. In 2014 there were many reasons that this did not become a reality. Well, now it will. It has to because it is something I really want. Just completing the preparation alone is a huge accomplishment - I don’t even need to place (win top 3) in the competition. Competing in one of these events takes much discipline and I see it as a challenge for myself. When it starts, I will document the journey on this blog - so watch out for those posts!