Last Monday I started OU Health and Recreational Service’s 40-day Challenge. The event is a 40-day plan to help a person increase their overall fitness level and move towards a healthier lifestyle.
I know what you may be thinking, if it started last week why are we hearing about it now? To be honest, I was waiting to see if I could actually make the first week. I am no specimen of physical fitness. I would definitely feel comfortable referring to myself as “out of shape.”
However, this is the main reason I decided to do the challenge.
In the past, I have tried to commit to a healthy diet and exercise and never done very well.
After the first week I can tell this program is intended for people like myself, who have a problem with motivation. As I looked over the plan I found myself wondering, “Is this it?”
The plan is very easy to understand and implement. I simply acquire points from eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking a certain amount of water, or exercising for 30 minutes at a time.
The maximum amount of points I can turn in per day is 8. So on days that I do not eat healthy foods, I simply need to focus on one of the other points available. The same goes for if I miss a workout, I can make up the point with diet.
Different daily challenges, worth one point, keep things interesting and remind you that total health includes more than just the body. Some of the challenges include parking at the furthest parking lot and walking to campus, or taking the stairs instead of using an elevator. Some of the challenges also focus on mental aspects, including introducing yourself to someone new or calling someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
This week I have chosen to add mountain biking and volleyball for my physical activity. These are both activities that I enjoy greatly and have lamented not getting to do them more often. I figure picking something fun will make it easier to do than trying to force myself onto a treadmill seven days a week. While I don’t expect to see much weight change in the next 40 days, I expect to feel better, fitter and more energetic.
For more information, visit the Huston Huffman Center.
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finepickin 3 years, 6 months ago
Where can I find information about the 40 day health challenge?