How are those goals coming along? Are you feeling frustrated that you might not be progressing as quickly as you would like, only to be frustrated when warm weather rolls around? It’s easy to stop trying and go back to old routines, but when the mercury starts climbing, and those goals you set for yourself in January seem not so long ago we begin to ask ourselves, “If only I had started sooner!”
The best way to protect yourself from a regret-filled spring is to set a deadline and start now. Yep, right now. Deadlines are powerful motivators. Without a deadline, you really have no set-point toward which to work. You have nothing to pushing you and we need to be pushed. Deadlines create a sense of urgency. They help you position yourself to succeed, because that final date is always staring back at you. It forces you to prioritize and strategize. Otherwise, you will let things slide, you will keep putting off the workout or healthy food choices, and insisting that tomorrow you will start eating better. Without a deadline, tomorrow never comes. If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get the results you have always gotten. It’s time to do something different. Ask yourself this question: If I keep doing what I am doing right now, will I achieve what I want to achieve? If you answered no, then it’s time for a change. Go get your calendar out and decide when you want to see your first wave of results. Be realistic and make sure you give yourself time to really dig in and see changes happen. But challenge yourself, too — make it a little tough so you can take full advantage of the power of urgency. If you have tried that before, then a deadline may not be enough. Why? Because you may be tempted to move it. Deadlines are not supposed to be moving targets. The best way to prevent deadline-creep is to get competitive. Entering into a competition or contest is a sure way to give you the edge you need to keep yourself on track and finish strong. There is something very motivating about competing with others. Just knowing that your effort and results are going to be measured alongside others really will give you an extra boost in motivation. This is a time when a little peer pressure can be helpful. And you will find that those with whom you are in competition will also be your biggest cheerleaders. They know exactly what you are going through and will be there to encourage you to keep moving. Deadlines and contests form the perfect combination to assist with your health success so put them to work for you. Spring is close enough to give you a push, but still far enough away to ensure that you have enough time to get some serious work done. Plan now to greet spring and warmer weather with no regrets. Want to do this? Join my February Healthy Living Challenge. You do not have to be a training client to join in. Everyone is welcome!
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What an exciting week. Equipment and supplies roll in from the UPS or FedEx trucks almost everyday and I turn into a giddy, school girl. Ok maybe not school girl. Like a kid on Christmas morning tearing through the boxes to see what is inside. As of right now, I am about 80% complete with the space. Waiting on a few small and large pieces and I must finish the big, white wall project. I am crossing my fingers that it will turn out as amazing as the vision in my head. Stay tuned for the next post to see the progress.
Gyms. Health Clubs. Fitness Centers. Really whatever you would like to call them. Do we need to belong to truly achieve optimal health? Are these facilities making a positive shift in our nations health? I have been without a formal gym for almost 2 months now and a little surprised by the fact that I don't miss it all that much. I miss the people, but not the physical building. I have learned to adapt to a lifestyle in which fitness happens at home, in a yoga studio, and my favorite, the great outdoors. Now, I own a good amount of fitness equipment, which helps me maintain my fitness level no matter where I am. I believe a decision to invest a small amount into your own personal equipment is a solid investment in your personal health. Now don't get me wrong I love a good gym! It feels a little like home to me. I know that sounds weird, but I am comfortable in that environment. I enjoy discovering new ways to challenge my body in an atmosphere that encourages health & fitness and a little competition, too. However, I understand why people are intimidated by gyms. The unknown environment is scary! What should I do for my workout, what is this piece of equipment and how the heck do I use it, ripped-muscly people grunting heavily, beautiful people that are not even sweating, and the worst thing, MIRRORS are everywhere! Allowing you to see every angle of your body, even the parts you have never seen before. Their is a lot of stimulus and raw feelings that emerge upon starting at a new gym. If you don't have the support, it is no surprise that we stop using them after a few weeks. Being a fitness professional in this environment is not always easy either. I was constantly worried about how I looked checking my body in the mirror and scrutinizing every little detail part I always thought what are members going to think of me if I don't look like a trainer. What made me feel even worse, is when members would comment to me about my body. My favorite comment of all time, "Do you have some news to share with us? Are you pregnant?" Yep, that came out of someone's mouth. Wow, I could not believe it! And No I am not preggers! Sorry, I do not have a concave stomach. How I look on the outside does not give a good representation of the strength and physical ability that I possess. Enough of these negative words and thoughts people. Since, I have been without the mirrors, watchful eyes, and my own scrutiny, I have more self-confidence and respect for this amazing body than I have had in years. I am focusing on what I can do and how well I am performing, not how good I look. Fueling my body, not starving or following a new, trendy diet. Every now and again I look at this little belly and hate it, but then I think about how strong my core muscles are and all the amazing activities that I can perform because of my mid-section. I like to think of my body as a machine and in order for this machine to work right I must provide it with high quality fuel, let it get repair when needed, and respect its abilities. Thoughts to PonderStarting this new venture in life and business, I want to help you figure out what is going to work for you. How is fitness going to best fit into your world? What physical activities make you feel better about yourself? How are you going to maintain these activities? Do you need guidance?
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This is me, Liz. I am an, instructor, personal trainer, exercise physiologist, dog-mom, loving wife, little sister, coolest-aunt ever, and now blogger living in Libby, Montana.
Welcome to my blog! This blog follows my life and my interests in fitness, adventure, food, and healthy living. The Girls, Katy & Madi, and I. We have spent a lot of time together the past few years. I appreciate them for their quirks and how they love me unconditionally. They help me appreciate the small, simple things in life. Archives
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DiclaimerThis is a personal blog created and maintained by Liz Whalen. My blog posts document my life and sometimes highlight the food I eat and workouts I perform. I do not have professional medical training, nor am I a registered dietician. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, while the content you see on my blog aims to bring you along on my health & wellness journey. The published information may not be right for you and should not be viewed as guidelines in any way. Seek counsel from a medical doctor when looking to incorporate or change your physical activity and/or dietary habits.
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