My Fitness Goals (Yet Again) in 2025

Good morning! As we welcome 2025, I’ve decided it’s time to properly address:
~ rebuilding strength and mobility, plus improving stamina for my window cleaning,
~ adjusting the belt-line after too much Xmas chocolate, and
~ enhancing overall wellbeing, one careful step at a time!

How I Plan To Improve Myself

Some of you may remember way back in late 2022 when I embraced a more mindful approach to nutrition and daily exercise – quite transformative really:

I literally went cold-turkey on baked, fried and sugar products and took on an achievable exercise routine. After noticing amazing results with weight improvement and feeling felt remarkably energised, I kept going throughout that year.

Unfortunately, throughout 2023 I had some challenging yet separate injuries to both my ankle and knee. During rehabilitation, my self-imposed fitness regime naturally took a pause, and the weight gradually returned.

So, as I kick off 2025, I’m getting serious about taking better care of myself. I’ve done my homework (from my archive of exercise routines) and put together a straightforward fitness plan that’s both simple and gets the job done. Nothing fancy or complicated – just practical exercises that’ll help me get back on track:

1. Walking in Place:

• Stand in a comfortable position.
• Lift knees towards chest alternately, simulating walking.
• Begin with 1 minute, gradually increasing duration.
• This exercise improves my cardiovascular health and maintains joint mobility in my legs.

1. Standing Knee Lifts:

• Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Alternately lift knees to chest level.
• Complete 10-15 repetitions per leg.
• This strengthens my core stability and hip flexors, crucial for ladder work.

1. Seated Leg Lifts:

• Sit straight on a sturdy chair.
• Extend one leg forward, hold, then alternate.
• Perform 10-15 repetitions per leg.
• This builds quad strength and improves knee stability for climbing.

1. Wall Push-ups:

• Face wall with extended arms at shoulder height.
• Perform push-ups maintaining straight body alignment.
• Complete 10-15 repetitions.
• This develops upper body strength needed for prolonged window washing.

1. Arm Circles:

• Stand with arms extended sideways.
• Create progressively larger circles, then reverse.
• Continue for 1 minute in each direction.
• This improves shoulder mobility and prevents repetitive strain injuries.

1. Chair Squats:

• Position yourself in front of a sturdy chair.
• Lower into seated position and rise again.
• Aim for 10-15 repetitions.
• This builds lower body strength essential for maintaining balance on different surfaces.

This straightforward routine, while not designed for hardcore fitness enthusiasts, offers a perfect starting point for anyone who, like me, may have embraced the festive season a bit too enthusiastically. The beauty lies in its adaptability – I can adjust the intensity to suit my comfort level while transitioning back to a more structured routine.

Here’s to a slimmer Stephen with a better body by June 2025!

Related Articles

I have written about my mental and physical health so many times throughout my blogging journey over the last 20+ years. Here are some of those articles:

• 5 Reasons Why and How Exercise Helps Me Live Better
• 6 Ways I am Improving My Physical and Mental Health
• 8 Exercises to Exterminate Tummy Fat
• Twelve Hours to Change Your Ways
• An Honest Look at Myself
• Dare To Be Someone
• Improve Your Health Today

Embracing 2025!

I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts in the comments section:
~ What motivates your wellness journey?
~ Perhaps share some gentle exercise recommendations?
Your insights and experiences truly enhance our community. Here’s to an excellent year ahead for all of us!