ONE MEAL, ONE WORKOUT, ONE DAY AT A TIME!

I have been thinking about all of the obstacles that I have in my way of achieving success this next 7 weeks.  I started to think, the great Steven Auxier of Good Life Fitness always says, "ONE MEAL, ONE WORKOUT, ONE DAY AT A TIME!"  This is great advice, especially in this upcoming season - SUMMER!!!!!!!  However, there are a lot of obstacles still in the way.  It is just how you approach them that makes the difference.

I stole these 7 obstacles from a post on the Good Life Fitness website.  I thought it would be ok if I used them and wrote my opinion on each.  Here we go:

1.  HITTING THE SNOOZE BUTTON - Yes.  Everyone has a hard time getting up in the mornings.  I personally have enjoyed working out at the 6:15am bootcamps.  However, I have the 10th person mentality.  I use my friend Kara Larson to lean on.  I know she will be there when I come in the mornings, if I don't show up, she will wonder where I am at.  Accountability is key!  Who is your 10th person?

2.  EXERCISING IN THE MORNING - This kind of goes with #1.  However, studies show a 90% success rate for morning exercisers.  If your work schedule sometimes runs later in the day depending on what is happening, like my work days, then you must plan to avoid that.  Maybe working out in the morning is better for you.  It has been for me.  I have really enjoyed my experience at the 6:15am bootcamps.  It jumpstarts my day and of course leaves me burning calories the remainder of the day.

3.  PACK YOUR LUNCH - Good lesson.  Do you pack your lunch?  This is something that should become habbitual.  I am lucky enough that most of my co-workers are very health concious and will go to lunch at "Open Harvest" almost daily.  I can tag along with them and make concious decisions, however even there you might not be able to control your carb/protein balance as easily as bringing your lunch.  Pack it the night before and just grab it on your way out the door.  Simple enough.

4.  STARTING A FITNESS PROGRAM - I am lucky enough to already be in a routine at GLF.  However, I am going to start adding to my training.  I think I need some additional weight training and strength training in my program.  The 8 weeks is about transformation, not just weight loss and body fat loss.  I need to improve my body definition and get to work.  If you are just beginning a fitness routine, take it slow.  Eventually the soreness will go away and you will be able to push as hard as you want to.  Don't let it be an obstacle.

5.  SWITCHING YOUR FOOD CHOICES - Again, I am lucky enough to have already made HUGE food changes in my nutrition.  Our bodies really like the reward of sugar/carbohydrates and chocolate (my biggest weakness).  However, stay strong and know that it is a short term pain for long term gain (thanks again steven auxier)!

6.  COOKING AND GROCERY SHOPPING -  Are you a good chef?  Well, I wasn't the absolute best when I first starting making changes in my eating habits, but I have really become quite the chef.  Eating out everyday isn't going to help you lose that 20lbs of fat, or help you become more defined.  I have found that cooking nearly every evening has helped me feel satisfied and helped me have a sense of fulfillment because I just cooked something....and it was GREAT!  I use many recipes from the "Shred Recipe Book" and I  am going to buy a new book called "Eating for Life."  You should too!!

7.  FEAR - I was definitely fearful way back in January.  I am quite self-concious of my body and have a hard time comparing myself to others.  I could have used that as an excuse to quit and not reach any goal.  However, Good Life Fitness has helped me to concentrate on myself.  I use those other individuals in bootcamp classes as motivation while in class, but everything is on me outside of GLF.  Surrounding myself with individuals that are dedicated to my fitness has been the key to overcoming fear of failure.

I end with this quote from GLF...something that resonates deep within me during this challenge.

"To achieve what others haven't you must be willing to make the sacrifices that others will not make in order to achieve fitness success!  Fitness Success = ONE MEAL, ONE WORKOUT, ONE DAY AT A TIME!"