Every now and then I get an email from someone who is struggling to get back in the swing of things. Their exercise routine is in a slump and their eating habits are even worse. Naturally, as life became more hectic, they lost their momentum, got off track and they're having a hard time getting back on the health wagon. And usually, the email starts with a full paragraph of why they can't get to the gym . . .
It's really hard to answer some of these emails - the gym is my job, I'm there for most of the day, just like you are at your job. I'm there to motivate, inspire, lead you through a great workout, and hopefully - get you on a healthier life plan. So, I realize that when I'm telling you to get a buddy, make yourself a priority, make time for the gym or exercise, make good eating choices and develop a consistent routine . . . it's a lot like your boss asking you to stay late when you have 20 other things to get done, 5 stops on the way home, and you have to get to the field because your kid has a game or practice. You don't think you can possibly fit it in your schedule.
The thing is . . . I've lived that life . . . and I know what kind of commitment it takes. Which is exactly the thought I had when two friends came to mind. These ladies, Erika and Traci (who was last month's newsletter success story), have come a long way baby! Ericka attends my 5am Pure Strength class before work and kickboxing after work, has 3 children and a husband whose job takes him away from the family frequently. Traci is a working mom who is consistently in kickboxing class and has lost over 100 pounds! Both ladies completed their second half marathon this past weekend, improved their time and are looking to register for more! They are an inspiration to me and have motivated me to officially say that I will be training for the San Antonio Rock & Roll Half Marathon! So . . . how are they successfully achieving their fitness goals? Here's what they told me:
How do you mentally prepare for your day?
T: I don't plan my workout sessions around my life; I plan my life around my workout sessions. I always have a long "To-Do" list and working out is always at the top of that list. It has to be! I pack my lunches and snacks for work the night before. My mornings are very hectic with trying to get two little girls and myself out the door for school and still make it to school by 7:30am. There is no time in the morning to portion out, count calories, and pack my lunch and snacks. [You are less likely to act on a craving when you have prepared meals and snacks] I ALWAYS do that the night before. Again, making time for myself is just as important as making time for my family.
E: Sheer determination and guts: It's all or nothing. Put your mind to it, give it all you have, and at the end of the day you can say . . . I gave it all I had and you can't ask anything else of your body. That will make you feel good. Stop saying I CAN'T and say I CAN! A friend of mine once told me, "I don't know how you can run like you do. How do you just keep running?" I told her "It's mental . . . you just have to tell yourself you can keep going." This same friend completed her 2nd half marathon with me in just under a year!
What is the secret to your success so far?
E: Support from friends and family. Initially, I was reluctant to get back to the gym because I felt guilty about taking family time away from my kids (as well as their school work), but things quickly fell into place. Getting back in the gym and back in shape was the best thing I could have ever done for myself, and my family. I have more energy and now the gym is part of our family schedule.
T: Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as a mom and full-time teacher is no easy task. I have learned that I don't need A LOT of friends in my life, just a FEW good ones that I can depend on to help me out with my healthy and active lifestyle. I depend on my friends to help me out when I hit weight loss plateaus and need a "pick-me-up" and "keep going" reminders.
How do you handle excuses?
T: I have to follow the "no excuses" and "I'm important too" rules. I have to treat working out and exercising like a doctor's appointment - I would never skip or miss a doctor's appointment that could potentially save my life and/or allow me to live longer, so I don't miss a workout. I always make at least 30 minutes for myself to exercise - at the gym or at home. Losing weight and leading a healthy and active lifestyle can be done on my own, but I am very blessed to say I have a "few good friends" that I have been able to count on throughout this journey.
E: NO EXCUSES! Don't let the excuses keep you from the gym or from working out! It is very easy to slide and excuse as a reason to not make it to the gym. The only person that you are hurting is YOURSELF!!! No matter what you do in life, you are always going to encounter obstacles. It's what you do to overcome those obstacles that make or break you. Life is not easy, nor is achieving goals, but as long as you work hard and don't let things get in your way, NOTHING is impossible.
Traci and Erika have the right attitude and have shown the commitment it takes to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. It is not a surprise that they have been successful in achieving each step of their fitness goals by following those simple guidelines I speak about so often: buddy system, healthy eating choices, make time for yourself and follow a consistent exercise routine. They are an inspiration to me and help keep me motivated and committed as well. We can all relate to their stories and if they can do it, so can YOU!
I would love to hear from you too! In the comments below, tell me how you stay motivated!
Have a great week...:))
