F2M2

What a scorcher!  I think it's safe to say goodbye to Spring and hellooooo to Summer!  What a great reminder that swimsuit season is upon us . . . and what better motivation to get your daily dose of M2 than picturing yourself in your short shorts and a teeny tank?  Are you ready for that?  If that thought doesn't make you flinch, then good for you!  You should be proud of all the hard work you have put in and will continue to put in to maintain your summer body.  And if thoughts of sitting pool side in your tankini sends you shopping for a less revealing cover-up, it's time to amp up your workout.
     After Erika and Traci's contribution to last week's blog, the gym was buzzing about just that . . . taking your workout to the next level.  Regardless of your fitness level, I think everyone can relate to setting goals, figuring out a plan to achieve those goals, gaining support of friends and taking a 'no excuses' attitude to get it done.  What is your motivation?  Is it preparing for marathon, walking around Sea World in your shorts (guilt free), hanging out [literally...;))] at the neighborhood pool, or simply finding more energy to get you through your day?  What ever it is . . . FIND IT!  Picture yourself crossing that finish line and work as consistently as you can toward that goal.  As Traci mentioned, treat it as a doctor's appointment and show up!  No excuses.
     It's up to you now.  I don't care what your job is, you've heard every excuse there is for not getting the job done - from your boss, your co-workers, your staff, your students . . . And do you let them off the hook?  No freakin' way!  So stay focused and don't let yourself get distracted with excuses.  We can all show up and do the moves . . . but it's time to kick it up a notch and give it all you got!

Have a great week...:))

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...:))

It is officially par-tay time for San Antonio!  Before you walk up to that booth for your food on a stick, do your best to reach for the grilled version...:))  Also, continue working toward that caloric deficit - even if you have to leave work a little early to fit in a quick workout before you head out to the festivities.

Happy Fiesta!  Eat and drink responsibly!

Have a great week...:))

Spring is here . . . can you smell it?  ACHOO!  Hopefully, that oak pollen is making its way outta here!  Ok, so aside from the yellow haze infecting our area, how does Spring make you feel?  One of my favorite things to do is Spring clean. and it makes me feel GREAT after I've cleaned out drawers and filled a few donate bags with things I forgot I had or no longer need.  It's like starting with a clean slate.  A fresh start!

     In Pure Strength this week, our theme is "A Fresh Start" - which is the theme I'd like to impart on everyone this week.  Start with a clean slate, there is not a better time than now.  With thoughts of Fiesta dancing in my head and all the food and beverages it has to offer, it's a great time to create that calorie deficit you will need heading into the weekend and next week.  I've heard a few of you say that you're waiting until after Fiesta to start fresh.  WHY?  Start NOW . . . amp up your workouts and eat well, then have a few cheat days and get back on track.  Then, you will be closer to even than you will if you just start going crazy now.  Less to lament...;))

     And speaking of lamenting . . . after South Texas' three days of Spring (haha!), Summer hits hard and fast.  Not a good time to be naughty . . . so, I'm putting down what's left of my healthy cranberry, oat and semi-sweet chocolate chip cookie..;))  And what does Summer mean?  SWIMSUIT SEASON...:((  YIKES!!!  Now I am really lamenting those two cookies!  I'm pretty sure you can see where I am going with this...

     This message isn't a new one and it's probably one that you've struggled with every now and then.  Whether you are a super healthy eater who has fallen off the veggie wagon or someone who is desperate to make a change - IT'S TIME!  Here's your motivation!  There are too many things at risk - first is YOU and YOUR health!  'Cause if momma ain't eatin' well, ain't nobody eatin' well...;))  I promise you will feel better on the inside and have no regrets when you get in that itty bitty teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini...:))  And remember . . . YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK...:))