Bonus Challenge

Okay, I have to throw an extra Thanksgiving challenge out there. If you do something active with your family over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you earn a point.

Go for a walk, play some football, do a Wii dance competition... whatever it takes to get you moving as a family.

I'm making it real easy for you Johnsons this year.  It'll be a no-brainer with our Golden Sneaker Challenge.  So, no wimping out!  Galbraiths, you're on your own, but I'm sure you'll figure something out!

Anyway, don't just gobble, gobble this weekend... get moving and earn your extra point!

Celestial Stretching

Anyone stretching out there? I've only taken the time to do it once so far (after I tell everyone how easy it is to fit in even several times a day! Sigh.) But, even doing it that once has benefitted me for days. Sometimes my neck starts to get so stiff, that I fear another "neck episode," but these stretches really help loosen it back up!

And I know that my Mom is!  She said she was working in the Celestial Room the other day at the temple and was alone for a time and decided it was a great time to do the neck stretch.  She was kinda worried that it might be inappropriate, but I think it's a prime spot to do it, especially the "thankfulness" part of the challenge.

And the thing I focused on during my little stretch the other day was how thankful I was for my family. I know it's a little routine to declare gratitude on that topic, but it is one of my greatest blessings, so I take every opportunity I can to make sure that Heavenly Father has no doubt how grateful I am for my wonderful, incredible, awesome family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm Thankful for November's Challenge

We’ve been working all year to try to combat our hard-heartedness with exercise and now let’s focus on improving our stiff-neckedness with stretching!

It became evident from talking with several of you this summer that most of us have tight and painful neck issues. I think poor stress-management runs rampant in our family! So this challenge is designed to help with the emotional/spiritual side of reducing stress while dealing with the physical ramifications of such strain.

November Challenge:

Do the following neck stretch and chest stretch at least 1x/ day till the end of the month.

Start by aiming your nose toward your arm pit like you're trying to smell it. I am quoting the physical therapist's very instructions to me. He says with that descrption, it'll be memorable.

Keeping ear close to shoulder, start to turn head to look away....

Keep looking away from your smelly arm pit until you're looking forward with your ear still close to your shoulder.
Repeat on the other side. And try not to look as grumpy as I do.

Find a doorway or a corner and stretch away. Hold for 10-20 seconds. And breathe.

That’s the challenge but you don’t have to have a perfect performance to benefit. You earn 1 point for every day that you do both stretches at least one time. I recommend doing these stretches 2-3 times a day, but you’ll get the point for doing them at least once. Sorry, no points for the extra effort, just the added health benefits!

Plan ahead and pick a time when you’ll do it. For example, when you take your lunch break, plan on taking a few minutes to do the stretches. Or, first thing in the morning after you potty. Or at night after you brush your teeth… Set a timer or alarm if you need to, in order to remind yourself.

Okay, now the mental/spiritual side. While your stretching for a few minutes, do a little mini-meditation/prayer and think about what you have to be thankful for in your life. Think about a few of your blessings and even take a moment to thank Heavenly Father for those blessings. Lay aside any stressful thoughts for those few moments and get your Zen on!

Appropriate for Thanksgiving, right?! Plus, it’ll help us all manage the upcoming stress of Christmas, I hope!

1st Annual Johnson Family Golden Sneaker Challenge

This will be a Thanksgiving to remember, I predict!  We’ve got hiking and the Johnson Family 1st Annual Golden Sneaker Challenge (and probably some power shopping) on the agenda!

Yes, we are going to enjoy the typical Thanksgiving traditions but it’s time we added a few more… like our family’s own Turkey Trot, the Pumpkin Relay, the Wild Gobbler Chase… just to name a few.  These will be fun activities for all ages, shapes and sizes.

The best thing about it is all participants can/will earn points toward the “Not-So-Dumbbell” Award.  (I just might need to make myself exempt on that one since I’m blowing you all away quite handily.)  So that will mean something to you who want to win that prize.  Also, the kids will be able to earn their Silver Whistles!

So this is the challenge this month:  to participate in the Johnson Family Golden Sneaker Challenge (Galbraiths will have to participate vicariously).  More details to come!

Ms. Bossy Pants

Keith and I each earned one more point by doing the paper plate workout.  I have to say that my bossy trainer mode has, indeed, kicked in this last month.  Two weeks ago I started a weekly boot camp at the park with some gals from the ward and I've also been meeting up with a friend - and former client - once a week who has been wanting to start exercising again. 

For me, it's almost impossible to promote health and fitness to others without it benefitting myself as well.  It's like I don't want to be left out of the fun!  Because fitness IS fun, people!!!