Limiting Factors- What Are Yours?

A limiting factor is anything that makes it more difficult for us to achieve results or reach health and fitness goals.  In my studies to become a nutrition coach, Precision Nutrition outlined the following as common limiting factors:

1) Genetic makeup
- This means you may not have the upper limit physical abilities to win an elite world class event or be on a pro-sports team.  This does NOT mean, "I'm overweight simply because I was born to be," or "All of the women in my family are big, so I'm destined to be."

2) Exercise
- This might be a limiting factor because you have little to no desire to exercise or don't make the time for physical activity.

3) Physiology
- Some of us have imbalances in our bodies (i.e.- hormones!) or gastrointestinal dysfunction.  These are a few things that can make it more challenging to reach certain physical goals.

4) Mindset
- Do you talk yourself out of things?  Are you depressed or have a negative attitude in life?  These are examples of how your mindset can be an obstacle.

5) Nutrition
- What do you eat and drink on a daily basis and how much of it are you taking in?

For most of what I just listed, we are basically blocking our own path to success.  Remove your limiting factors and find a way to push your own limits!

If you need help, I'm here!  I just passed my exam and am now a Certified Level 1 Nutrition Coach!!!  You can go to my website to check out my options (nutrition offerings will come out mid-February) at www.fitpersonaltraining.net.  Check out Precision Nutrition to read their articles and blog as well: www.precisionnutrition.com.

You already know what to do.....

You just don't do it.  Really, you already know if you aren't eating the way you should.  You already know if you need to plug in a few days of exercise per week.  You are smart and understand what it takes to be a healthy individual.  So why is it so hard to consistently take care of yourself?  Why is it so hard to make small changes and keep them consistent?

This is what I think...
1) We are so distracted and pulled into different directions that there is too much going on to hold focus.
2) We put ourselves last (caregivers, this one is for you especially!).
3) We get lazy and fall into old patterns and habits.
4) When we are busy, it's easy to do what is easy.  It's also easy to just do nothing.
5) We're tired from running around in circles every day.
6) We get stuck in a rut and don't know what else to try.
7) We're afraid to make changes and get results (Yes, some people are afraid to get fit....it's out of their comfort zone)

I suppose I could go on....

But, let's look at activating what you already know.  A simple first step-- next time you eat, look at what is in front of you.  If it has no nutritional value, don't put it in your mouth.  I'm just reminding you, because you already know this.

Make an appointment with yourself to move your body purposefully.  30 minutes of walking, a fitness class, some stretching-- whatever.  Stop sitting all day.  You already know this, so this is just a pep talk.

Get from "I already know what to do.....to.....I'm DOING this."  That's the hard part.  Cross over that line.  If you need someone to hold you accountable, you know where I am.

I love training groups...teaching groups...interacting with groups!  There is a great energy when people work out together.  It's never a negative energy either!! People FEED off of each other in such a great way.  When I teach a big class, there are smiles, laughter, jokes, a healthy competitive nature in the air.

Just today, I trained a small group...two friends.  Their workout was designed for them to work together not only in the strength portion, but the cardio.  You should have seen them!  Side by side, they cheered each other on....lots of "good job" and "good work" being exchanged.  Sweat, yes, but also camaraderie and support!  I genuinely feel that they had a good time!  They left the workout feeling good and so did I.

If you aren't engaging in group fitness, would you try it?  I have to admit, I'm not a regular class attendee when it comes to my personal workouts because I like to do my own thing (even though I'm a fitness teacher and LOVE that!).  But, I see the benefits all the time.  Working out in groups brings accountability, pushes you to do your best, adds a little fun, and is great social time to name a few things.

If you struggle to get it done on your own, find a group that shares the same fitness interests as you and go for it!

2014 is here, now what?!

Happy New Year!  I'm sure you are hearing or reading things everywhere that tout, "New Year, New You!" or "Start Fresh!" or something similar.  Does it resonate with you or annoy you?  I said it last year around this time, but I'm not big on the "New Year Resolutions."  You should be thinking about the whole year ahead of you and what you want to happen.  "All Year Resolutions."  I guess I get a little frustrated and saddened that people start out gung-ho and stop by the end of January because they are already burnt out.  OR, that people will "wait" until a new calendar year starts to make a change.  Why?!  You can start changing your life for the better any time--- now, one minute from now, whatever.  It doesn't have to be January 1.

I hope you've thought about what you want in the next few months or by the end of this year.  That's a start.  Then, you need to figure out HOW to get to those goals.  Remember that anything worth having and keeping for the long term takes time.  Remember that you may have to start over a million times because obstacles get in your way.  One foot in front of the next until you get closer and closer to where you want to be.  I can't remember any time that someone was just handed a better body or a magic nutrition plan. It's work....

So, take out your brand new 2014 calendar and set a few reachable goals.  Dust off your pants one size down and try them on every so often-- you may fit into them by summer!

This year is what you make it.