I posted this photo on instagram and received a ton of questions as to how I changed into a healthy lifestyle. My fitness journey definitely changed my life beyond physical appearances, but it wasn’t a get-done-quick type of process.
Working out is more than physical
Once you shift your mindset to thinking that working out is more than losing weight, your reasons to stay motivated increases. Shift your mindset to thinking it’s not an obligation or a chore by reflecting about the following…
- Is it a stress reliever for you so that you can tackle your day?
- Are you someone that gives to so many, and just want an hour of the day to give to yourself?
- Do you want to feel more productive in other aspects of your life?
- Do you want to feel like you’re taking care of your body?
If you can find multiple reasons to stay motivated, you’ll associate working out with happiness and anticipation. There are some days you’re not going to want to work out, for sure, but remind yourself of the way you’ll feel at the end of the workout as motivation.
Let’s not deny the physical part haha – I mean, haha. But if you’re only thinking physical, it’s easier to fall off the wagon.
Find the right type of workout for you
My personal preference is Orange Theory because I LOVE HIIT workouts, that may not work for you and that’s ok! Don’t try to mold into what works for someone else because then it will become a chore. Find something you will enjoy and tolerate. I say tolerate because if you can tolerate it, you’ll grow to enjoy it.
Pick a goal that is achieveable
Just like you tell your students to create SMART goals, it’s the same for you. Did you ever have a big ambition and then you missed it once, then the next, and that goal started collecting cobwebs?
Create a goal that is manageable for your week. One or two days a week as you’re just starting out? That’s ok and it’s something to celebrate! Don’t bite off more than you can chew in the beginning so that you can…
Create a schedule and stick with it
Here’s the secret. Don’t keep your schedule to yourself – share it with those in your household so that they’re aware of your goals, mean business, and can be there to support you. If you feel like you’re sacrificing important parts of your day to workout, you wont have that time to actually enjoy working out.
Need a boost? Pre-Workout is life!
You do not need to workout with pre-workout in order to have a good working. But I will say, I do not miss a workout without it! haha Since I workout at 6:00am every morning, I need a pick me up. I am laser focused in my workout and feel like a beast. Here are my favorites:
Pack your gym back in advance
If you’re an afternoon workout person, eliminate the excuses and pack your bag in advance. If you’re a morning workout like me, set your clothes and what you need the night before.
Now there’s no excuses and you can focus on that anticipation and excitement headed into your workout.
Find accountability
Talk about your goals with someone and don’t worry what others think! If you’re happy you workout out – post it somewhere. Who cares about the haters! 😉 This goes hand in hand with voicing your goals.
Don’t get discouraged!
This fitness journey is a lifestyle not a diet or a fad. It’s going to take some changes to have a comfortable healthy lifestyle. There will be times, days, or even weeks that you will mess up – but we don’t feel bad about it, and we get right soon.
