Measuring Fitness Progress

I'm super tired after my less than stellar 7-mile run this afternoon. I kind of just want to crawl into bed, so I'm doing this post a little different. I've set the timer for 5 minutes.

Today, Fitness Cheerleader asks us how we measure our fitness progress. Simply put? I don't.

I appreciate looking in the mirror and seeing muscle definition I hadn't seen in awhile ever. I like it when the number on the scale goes down. I love having additional energy in the long run. obviously not after a tough 7-miler.

There are lots of ways to measure progress - weight, muscle definition, appetite, measurements (BMI, fat%, etc etc). I just don't choose to do them. Too much effort.

Unfortunately, I'm relatively lazy. It's a wonder I get out there and am as fit as I am.

How do you measure your fitness progress?
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Routines

I used to be much more of a routine person. It's true. I like things and life to be organized and in order.

I don't know if it's because I've been out of work for awhile.
Or because I'm getting older.
Or because my husband keeps some unusual hours.

But, I'm becoming less and less routine-dependent. I've become a bit more spontaneous and go-with-the-flow.

Today, Fitness Cheerleader asks us about our pre and post workout routines. As you can imagine, I don't really have much of what I call a routine when it comes to this.

If I'm going for a run,

• I map my route
• Fill my water bottle or CamelBack
   
• Make sure I've got what I need - earphones, snack, sweat rag, etc
• Walk to the major intersection (about 1/4 mile) as a warm-up

If I'm working out at home,

• I decide on a workout (video, list of exercises, workout routine on my phone, etc)
• Grab a sweat rag and my 1L water bottle
• Get to it

Like I said, there's really not much to it. I should probably do more, but I don't.

After I've finished running or working out, I fight the urge record my activity on Dailymile. Sometimes, I'll take the time to stretch. Shower. Resume whatever activity I was either doing before working out or need  to do now that I'm finished.

Are you a routine person? What are you pre and post workout routines?

Are you on DailyMile?

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Cardio vs Weights

I'll admit it.

I'm way more of a cardio junkie than a weights junkie.

I like to be outside - running or hiking or biking
I like to feel the wind on my face.
I like to see the beauty around me.
I like to smell the flowers and trees.

It's much more difficult to get those experiences being a weights junkie.

I want to be strong.
I want to be fit.

I know strength training is essential for achieving that.
Still, I always end up doing weights very grudgingly.

Which do you prefer? Cardio or weights?
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