Changing it Up!!

I am not a "stay put" kind of person.  I prefer change, even though I am a creature of habit and routine.  If I did the same exercise day in and out it would drive me insane, or more importantly, it wouldn't get done!  If you are expected to push forward and to do hard things you have to find what works for you.  After all, you know yourself better than anyone!  I have done almost everything the last 2 yrs that the fitness community offers for exercise.  I get pulled aside almost daily by 2-3 people that ask what I did to change my weight and if it's because I'm a fitness instructor.  To be honest, there was a time where I was teaching 4-6x a week, which meant that the fitness HAD to get done, and while I would say that there are some things that were more effective than others.... I wouldn't blame my loss on any one type of exercise.  

The body is an amazing machine.  It's a SMART machine.  When you do the same thing day in and day out your body will know what to expect, your body will begin to think... "OK, today we are going to eat xx amount of calories and to curl 5 lbs weights 10x- and do 20 sit ups- and 5 push ups- and walk 2 miles."  When you do the same thing your body will begin to prep itself for it, and loss may become more difficult.  This isn't saying that you won't lose weight, but it could take much longer and depending on the intensity of the exercise, it may not be as effective.  Each day try something different, OR, change the way you do that form of exercise.... For Example... have the weight vary each time you go to class, make the step higher in step class, change the position of your feet when you squat, do high reps light weight or heavy weight low reps, try pilates, if you usually do machines-- try the free weights and vice versa.  If you are a treadmill person, never stay put on one speed or change the incline.  Try these things every few minutes.  Your body won't know what to expect from day to day... It will be forced to burn more calories while trying to keep up!  

If you ever watch someone with a trainer, you'll notice that they don't do the same thing each time they meet... it changes up all the time.  The same concept works with your food.  Don't get stuck eating the exact same thing every single day.  Try to be creative.  This will help you to not get bored and go back to old habits. 

If you don't like it, chances are YOU WON'T STICK TO IT!  If you are someone who likes competition (even if it's competition with yourself) look for something that you need to work toward like a 5k, half marathon or triathlon.  Sign up and pay your fee to enter.  This will make you even more accountable.  Tell others what you are doing.  (They may tell you that you are CRAZY or that you won't do it!--And that's okay too!  Prove them wrong when you cross the finish line)

*This morning I found this little guy at the counter helping himself to a sandwich for breakfast.  Cutting a sandwich with a pizza cutter????.... I say Genius!!! BROVO  MR 3 YR OLD!!!

Set Goals... And Prepare!

Everyone with a weight-loss story has a rock bottom.  Everyone has a an "Ah-Ha!" moment.  Everyone has that time when they make the conscious decision to take back their life, to dig deep, and to not let anything get in their way of their success.  For some it is subtle, for others it's an instant moment, and for even more... it's because you have yo-yo'ed back and forth so many times you finally realize enough is enough!!  One of my husband and my favorite movies is "The Shawshank Redemption".  It's Rated R, and the language is a bit intense, so I like to watch the edited version.  The message still comes in loud and clear.  There is a man(Andy) who is serving a life sentence for a crime he didn't commit, and one day he looks to his friend (Red) and says... "I guess it comes down to a simple choice really,.... GET BUSY LIVING, OR GET BUSY DYING."  It's a quote my husband and I use often.  It can be used as a motto for so many things in our lives.  But in this case it's even more profound.  When we are not taking care of ourselves, we are in fact doing what andy said, "get busy dying". 

I grew up being in shape and being active.  Even through my roller-coaster weight while having babies and nursing, I have almost always worked out in some form or fashion.  But sadly, I was merely spinning my wheels.  Sometimes I look at people in the gym, people I have seen there for years.  They are on the machines, and they are working hard... yet, there never seems to be much change in their appearance.  I was one of those people.  So i began to research and dig deep into books and blogs and medical journals and natural remedies and stories of those who have come so far in their fitness journey.  With much trial and error along the way, I found ways to make my story a successful one.

We MUST SET GOALS, and WE MUST BELIEVE in our goals we set.  I have found that the more of the sacrifice required and the harder we must work to reach our goal, the sweeter the reward is.  I'm a firm believer in balance and moderation.  However, I also believe in going the extra mile to obtain what we want to get us across the finish line. 

SO SIT DOWN AND DO IT... THINK ABOUT YOUR GOALS.... TAKE A FEW DAYS TO REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ULTIMATELY WANT.... AND WRITE THEM DOWN!!

Once your goals are in set, place them somewhere you can see them throughout the day. You must PREPARE.  You must prepare MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY. 

MENTALLY-  Look at your calendar and set a date when you will begin Level 1, and the duration.  Look ahead to holidays or other events coming up.  Remind yourself that if the 4th of July comes and goes without you consuming a potato chip and ice cream... YOU WILL SURVIVE, AND BE A.O.K!!  Tell yourself over and over again, that YOU CAN DO IT! (because YOU CAN!) 

PHYSICALLY- Take a Before picture and pin it up.  Decide what is okay to eat and what is not.  Set a time you will exercise and decide how long you will need and where you will do it.  Go to the store and buy the foods that will set you up for success.  Try recipes that will work with your goals.  If you know there is something you do not have the control to say no to, keep it away until the strength comes. Find something to take it's place. 

An important step is to let other's know what your plans are and ask for their support.  There will be some who may tell you that you are crazy and that it won't work.  This is another part of the journey.  Just because others doubt doesn't mean you can't do it.  Look to those who truly care for you and who love you.  Find friends and/or family who you know will be a great cheerleader in your journey. 

Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.  PREPARE FOR THE LONG RUN, LACE UP THOSE TENNIS SHOES, AND GET READY,.... SET,.... GO!!!!

*If you feel like you are not getting the points you need on a motorcycle arcade game.... try standing on it next time!