The Ides of March is just a week away, which means spring is literally around the corner! Three months into 2019, and time to review how you’re keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions? Are you on track, staying consistent with your workouts and wellness routines? If you’ve succeeded in making your fitness/wellness routine a daily ritual, and you’ve learned the importance of making YOU a priority, then you are on your way to realizing your best self! However, if your wellness routine has been sidetracked, or worse, disrupted, don’t despair.
After nearly 30 years devoted to everything health and wellness, writing countless articles and blogs and books about fitness and nutrition trends; waxing poetic on the variety of ways to shape, tone and sculpt the perfect ‘bottom’; and transforming countless brides to be; new moms; business executives to regain their youthful past, and men and women of all ages who just want to be their best self, I realize there is so many more to listen to, learn from, and teach. Because no two people are exactly alike, one needs to take the suggestions I pose and adapt and apply them to their specific life.
The following are some tips and tricks I’ve learned through research, practice and, listening to, learning from and teaching friends, family and clients to help get them motivated and moving again:
You don’t have a proper plan
Workouts often start, and fail in the planning stage. Ask yourself the 3 w’s: What? Why? And whom am I working out for? What do you hope to accomplish? Why are you doing this, and for whom? For the program to be successful, you need a specific goal, a clear course of action, and the ability to implement the program (e.g. the program needs to fit into your lifestyle and budget). This is all about you! The goal is simple enough. You want to realize your BEST YOU!
You are not staying in the moment
Whether it’s a five-minute exercise circuit I recommend starting your day with, the midday power walk, or the end of day workout, maximize the effectiveness, by connecting your mind and body. I am the Director and Curator of Fitness Programming at the Core: Club, and I can tell you that more workouts are disrupted by the use of cell phones than anything else! Shut them off, put them away, and leave them in your locker. This wellness moment is all about and for you! You will be stronger, feel better and be more productive and energized to “close the deal” when you’ve successfully taken the time for yourself.
You don’t get enough sleep
Failure to get adequate sleep will, among other things, leave you feeling depleted mentally and physically and will sabotage your hard earned fitness and wellness goals. It can elevate your cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain. Additionally, poor eating habits and sleep deprivation usually go hand in hand. When you feel tired, you often make bad food choices (e.g. eating comfort foods because they’re convenient rather than healthy choices).
You don’t get proper fuel
“Eat to live.” Starving your body, particularly post-workout, will upend your fitness/wellness transformation. You need a balanced diet. Fill up on fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Small, abundant healthful meals throughout the day will keep your brain, organs and body working efficiently; help keep your mind focused and positive and ensure optimal and lasting results!
So, as spring approaches, use this time not to reflect on what you’ve yet to accomplish in 2019, but rather what you can and will realize with new found focus, confidence and knowledge.
You can and will be all that you can be and more! Believe it, will it, make it happen!!