How to get started...again

One of the questions I like to ask a new client when they're discussing their new fitness and health goals is, "what have you tried before"? 

I believe that the best program is the one that you will do! The one that makes sense to your mind and your body and makes you excited when you pull up in front of my studio because you'll know it's getting you closer to your goals. Chances are it's not a body shaming, one size fits all, how to lose an ten pounds or an inch off your waist, detox weight loss magic pill. Deep down I assume that we all know that there is no magic trick to changing our lifestyle, but it's easy to get towed under with all the glamour and marketing of the dark side of the fitness industry.

When we decide that this time, yes this time, we are going to do it! Do that thing that suddenly gets us fit and healthy and changes our lifestyle, it tends to lead to trying to everything all at once: I'm going to change my diet, walk more often, add in cardio days, and get into strength training! I should also add that I'm going to clean my house more often, walk my dogs, call my family every day. I'm going to look like I have that lifestyle of those happy lifestyle fitness models who are always smiling and just look like everything comes to them with ease.

I completely understand the allure of that concept. Change everything, over night, become someone else, a person that everything is easy for. Let's be honest...that means that deep down, there are parts of YOURSELF that you are somehow not happy with. Don't worry, everyone has them. But let us start there because we've just established that you're not happy with parts of yourself.

Plan of attack time. What are those specific things about yourself that you are not happy with? Are you chronically stressed? Do you not clean your house as often as you should? Do you watch too much TV? Do you binge eat? Have you stopped keeping up with all those projects you always said you were going to do? 

Okay. Why?

Let's discover the WHY of why you are too busy, stressed, unhappy, uncomfortable, nervous, etc to do the things or be the person you want to be.

No, really, write them all down.

Now I want you to write down a SMALL change that you could do to help any of these things. Bribe yourself if you have to. Be gentle with yourself. If you can't address those small but pivotal feelings that are holding you back in your personal life, you'll never be able to adopt a whole new lifestyle! 

If you have an easy time changing your diet but find that exercise is hard, perfect! Let's start with two-three small dietary changes and set up 2x/week appointments. Let someone ELSE handle the hard parts of the exercise program while you work on the parts you feel you can begin to get control over. Is exercise easy for you? Great! Add in 1-2x/week of light, slow, supervised exercise and ask for dietary help! Ask your spouse or friend to prep food for the week with you; make it into a fun group activity!

To summarize: Find your goals, ALL of your goals. They are all related! Find what's holding you back from realizing them. Write them all down Make a small plan of action for each one. Little changes. Do not be afraid to ask for help. From anyone. You are loved and there will always be someone there to help you if you have the courage to ask. Pick just a few goals at a time and see what you can do. Let them sink in before you take on more. Change takes time. Be patient with yourself. Be kind and loving. You deserve it.