But Take Your Eyes OFF The Clock
This week's Prevention Not Prescriptions guest blogger is Heather Frey, President and Founder of SmashFit.com.
One of the questions I get the most is, "How long did it take you to get in shape?" I get this about once a week. They look at me and try to assess whether this is a do-able task for them and whether they should start penciling in their workouts. When I tell them "years", I see that mini eye-roll, body-sag and the look of "forget it." But when I tell them, I've been maintaining my fitness for a while and that my real transformation took about 6 months, they begin to perk up. And when I tell them I trained for my first competition before my baby was two and took 2nd, they are intrigued… so it is possible!
Yes. Quite.
People are so worried about how hard it will be and how long it will take that they forget how much easier it is to feel good… and how much easier it is to live in the same size…and how much easier it is not have to worry about your weight all the time. Let me tell you, I've been on both sides of the fitness fence, and THIS is easier…by far.
So let's talk time.
How long have you been worrying about your weight? How often during the day do you think about something to do with food and your body? How much time have you spent leafing through fitness and health magazines and books? How many times have you gone through the drive-through? How much time have you spent shopping for bigger clothes that "fit" you better? How much extra cardio have you done to make up for your nutritional sins? You want to talk about taking up time…THINK about all you could do without all that wasted time on useless tasks that only push you back, not move you forward…really think about it.
Now think about all the time you will GAIN by feeling stronger and more energetic. Think about the freedom of your thoughts when you are not worrying about what to eat, how much, and whether you'll have something that fits you for your important event. Imagine a seamless life feeling fit and strong without the constant struggle and sadness about your reflection.
Getting fit and healthified isn't nearly as hard or complicated as you might think, or some might want you to believe. It only seems complicated because there is a whole market that preys on your desperation for the ultimate "bikini body" and knows you want it in "only 14 days!" It's a bunch of junk. THIS is what complicates things. The ONLY part that requires some real work is getting the right information and holding onto your motivation. Yes, that my friends, you have to work on. But here's the good part…there is a reward for doing so. The best reward…a renewed, stronger, empowered, enthusergized you!
There are a few key elements you need to put into place to start down your road to success.
- Put your workouts on the calendar and STICK TO THEM. Your health is just as important as Janie's dentist appointment. Get cozy with the word consistency.
- Grab your TUDE. This is your gratiTUDE and your attiTUDE. Be grateful for the body you were given and that you are able to move it for its pleasure and betterment. Throw some energy and attitude into your workouts and move with purpose.
- Look at getting HEALTHY, not losing weight. If 95 percent of what you eat is healthy, you'll never have to count a calorie again and the layers will disappear all on their own.
- Don't weigh yourself. If you MUST, only do it once or twice a month. The numbers can throw you off your game and the trick is to stay ON your game long enough to win.
- Give yourself a realistic timeframe. Goals and timelines are great to keep you focused and goal oriented, but don't try to cram all your health into a month. You'll just burn out and give up.
- Get the right information for YOU! Don't listen to your friend's aunt's cousin who read a book by some guy talking about how you should eat the rind of the lemon before you workout. (I made that up…don't do it.) I know this info seems assessable and easy to try, but talk about a waste of time. Hire a trainer or find someone knowledgeable to help you, afterall, the quickest way to learn something is to have someone show you how.
- Be stern with yourself, not hard on yourself. Don't let yourself get away with the excuses, but don't beat yourself up either. You have to be your own best cheerleader.
So stop looking at the clock and wondering how long it will take and just start. We all know that when you stare at the clock, time moves slowly, but when you don't… time flies.
Listen to Kathleen’s interview with Heather for more get-fit inspiration:
Heather Frey is a 30-something mom turned personal trainer and the creator of the first trainer matching Web site called SmashFit.com. Her work has been covered on NBC, in Oxygen Magazine, and on BodyBuilding.com.
Read this week's full Prevention Not Prescriptions line-up.
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