At the starting line.....

Ok, so you are ready to get started in your fitness journey or perhaps back into it after a hiatus.  Enough talking about it, enough thinking about it, time to DO IT.  If you've been reading my blog, you know that at the start of your fitness journey, you need to round up your supportive people, find your motivation/inspiration, be ready to really make some changes (slowly), and face your fears.  It's time to step out of your comfort zone and get moving!

Before you can talk yourself out of it or come up with an excuse, pick a fitness goal and start ASAP.  Your goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic.  Choose a manageable timeline; for example- "I'll go to the gym 3 days a week for the next month and aim for a 10 lb weight loss."  Tell yourself exactly what you will do while you are at the gym.  No clue?  Look at the schedule and see what they offer.  Don't like classes?  Do some research on strength training programs.  There are unlimited resources!  Hire a trainer or meet up with a friend weekly to exchange ideas and support each other.

Here are some hints...  Too many people only do cardio.  Include the following for a well-rounded workout:

• Warm up
• Flexibility
• Balance training
• Strength training
• Cardio
• Power (plyometric)- this makes it fun!
• Core training (not sit ups)
• Cool down (foam rolling, stretching)

Make up your own system.  Whatever you come up with, make it more challenging in some way every time you do it.  This could be by adding time, sets, repetitions, weight, or intensity.  Your body will thank you by showing you results.  Change your plan every 4-6 weeks before your body can adapt.

At the starting line, you have to take an honest look at what you are eating.  Keep a food journal for a week or two.  Look at your patterns:

• How many times per week do you eat out?  What do you tend to order?
• How many times per day do you eat?
• When is a challenging time of day for you?
• Do you eat breakfast?
• What are your portion sizes?
• Are you drinking enough water? (It should be half your body weight in ounces every day!)

This is nothing new.  But, it can be very eye opening when you write it down.  General tips:  Get all of the "crap" out of your house so you won't be tempted.  Get rid of as many processed foods as you can.  Eat "real" food.  Eat breakfast!  Eat 5-6 small meals every 3 hours or so (include a protein and a fruit or vegetable).  It keeps your blood sugar steady and you don't hit that starvation state where you want to grab the first food you see because you are so hungry!

This isn't hard.  You CAN do this.  Make your plan.  Get Ready, Get Set, Get FIT!