The recession has hit America hard. Each quarter the unemployment rate climbs. In June it hit 9.5%, leaving over 14 million Americans without work.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that there is a silver lining. People who used to spend their days in the office are making good use of their free time, physically. Recently laid off workers are finding time to pursue fitness goals. Some are joining marathons and other competitive races. Aspiring Olympians and athletes who may have been lured to corporate America by stable jobs and incomes are rethinking such strategies.
Reflect on What You'd Like to Do and Make a List
You may not be an Olympic hopeful, but you can still take this opportunity to consider your fitness goals. What are the things that you love to do in your free time? When you were working those 14 hour days and crashing in bed exhausted, what was it you longed to do that you simply had no time for?
Did you long for a chance to breathe in the fresh air as you hiked a challenging, yet beautiful trail? Did you dream of the day that you could finish a road race reaching your best, personal time? Did you wish you could spend hours in your garden, turning the soil and teaching your kids how to grow organic vegetables? Whatever your aspirations, make a list of those things.
Research Your Area of Interest
Spend a bit of time gathering information. If you are interested in sampling the hiking trails in your area, search online using your county name and "hiking trails" as key words. Go to the bookstore or library to gather books that cover trails in your area.
If you want to improve your running time, think about signing up for a marathon in your area. Then, determine how you will prepare for it. Research training techniques that will enable you to be successful, both mentally and physically.
If you are itching to garden with your kids, begin by researching which fruits and vegetables are best to start with. Gather the necessary tips and techniques you will need to make your activities a success.
Create Your Goals
Now that you've gathered information about your area of interest, you are ready to set some goals. Don't make them daunting and difficult to achieve. Keep them short, attainable, and exciting. If your activity is a family one, involve the kids so they will come to your activity with as much enthusiasm as you do.
If you are looking to sample the best hiking trails in your area, your goals might be:
- Rate local trails and determine which to visit
- Map out trails that look interesting
- Put the best hikes on the calendar
- Gather hiking gear
If you want to improve your running time, your goals might look like this:
- Register for marathon
- Set up training schedule
- Join a local running club
- Find a running partner
If you want to grow your own produce, some of your goals might read like this:
- Determine plot size for garden
- Ready the soil
- Shop for soil, seeds, tools
- Sow seeds
- Determine watering schedule, assign tasks
Attain Your Goals
If you've been laid off or your hours have been cut back, you have an opportunity to redirect your energy toward something that is good for your body and your soul. Don't let the opportunity pass. Reflect on what you want to do. Research what you want to do. Write down your goals. These steps will enable you to make those goals happen.
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