Forward Motion is Key
What are the biggest reasons for starting at a gym or fitness routine? Typically, the reasons are to lose weight, gain lean muscle mass, feel and look better throughout the day, and have a place to get motivation and workout with likeminded people. When you first start this process there is tons of personal motivation, hitting five classes per week, joining in on the longer Saturday workouts, and feeling like you could take on the world! After a while life gets in the way, vacations are taken, holidays begin, and that motivation that was so present in the beginning fades away a little bit. Does this sound familiar?
Don’t worry, this happens to ALL OF US! Just as the Earth goes through seasons, so should we. You must have highly motivated months to make it through unmotivated months. You must constantly build upon your base fitness to get though times where you do not feel like moving your body as much. Falling sick and taking a break are unavoidable for everyone. What's most important is working hard and smart when you have those motivated times and growing the habit of movement. Consistency is key to building a strong habit.
What happens when we do fall off the gym/movement habit and what can we do about it? My go to mantra is, “Is this helping or hurting my overall goal?” This phrase can be used for everything you encounter throughout the day. It works for what I choose to eat, how I spend my free time, and how I plan to workout that day. Here are a few daily tips on getting motivation back and building on healthy habits:
Sign up for a weeks worth of classes, and stick to it!
Meal plan 2-3 days at a time and keep those days manageable
At least 30 minutes of movement and elevated breathing everyday (if this is not the gym, get outside or move in the garage)
Be sure to include a veggie and a fruit with every meal
DRINK WATER throughout the day
Make your intensions known and share these goals. Tell a friend to help hold you accountable or write them down so that you can be reminded of them every day. Get as specific as you can with your intentions so that there is no room for interpretation or not doing what you said you were going to do. It’s important to take a vacation and a break, but come back to your goals and what you deem important. Brene Brown author of ‘Dare To Lead’ writes, “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.” Be clear with yourself and others, and the road to successful habits will come easier than you think!
Have a great day!
Coach Emily