Most people think that the beginning of the year is my busiest time. I often imagined that, come January 1st I would be flooded with phone calls from "The New Years Resolutioners." I have found this not to be the case.
It's peculiar actually- there are two busy times of the year for Personal Fitness Coaches-two times during the year when people get serious about making healthy lifestyle changes. First, when the school season starts. Understandably so, many people finally feel comfortable buckling down once they are back into a normal routine and kids are off to school. The second busiest season is springtime. When the suns starts to shine and summer is knocking on the door I am flooded with phone calls. It's as though the thought of wearing a bathing suits sends people into a state of panic. The all too often squishy and neglected body hidden under trendy long sleeve winter clothing has to come out for beach season. Now, that's a motivator for many people!
How did you do this year? Did you get in the shape you wanted before slipping into your bathing suit? If not, why? Were your goals realistic or did you set them haphazardly after looking at a photo of Matthew McCaunohay or Victoria Beckham while standing in the checkout line at Harris Teeter?
Your goals have to excite you. They have to be realistic, unique and personal to you. Truth is, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to having your "ideal" body. If you don't believe me, ask God. You are unique. Your goals should be custom built around your life and your values. Working out and eating right, although it takes discipline, should not be a second job. You can eat healthy and still enjoy GREAT tasting food. You can work out and still be a GREAT husband/wife/father/mother/business owner/employee.
What is the hurdle you need to overcome? This can be a touchy subject. As a Coach, sometimes I have to ask a lot of questions to really get to the bottom of this one. Is it your schedule? Is it fear of the unknown? Is it too humbling to face how far you have let yourself go? Is it that you refuse to start taking care of yourself until everything in your life is in order?
Whatever the case may be, it's time to be honest with yourself. If something popped in your head, write it down. Obstacles ALWAYS remain obstacles if you ignore them.
Then, find what motivates you. Maybe you saw a picture of yourself and didn't recognize who it was. When people come to me it isn't about seeing their abs and flexing in front of a crowd. They come ready to do whatever it takes because they are sick of feeling bad.
Here are some of the most realistic reasons for change that I have heard over the past nine years from people who went on to see their confidence and health dramatically changed on a positive way.
"I want to stop looking forward to food all the time and start feeling good about my body again."
"I haven't played my favorite sport for two years and am beginning to wonder if I ever will."
"I can run forever, but I can't lift a box without struggling."
"I can't tie my shoe because my belly is in the way."
"I don't eat and for some reason I am gaining weight."
"I have let myself go and now my kids are adopting the same habits."
"I keep buying bigger clothes as the years go by and it just needs to stop."
"I need an accountability partner. I need someone that will be honest with me and tell me when I am doing a good job."
Let's face it. We live in America where vast majority of the population is either overweight or obese. There is nothing wrong with having or being motivated by six pack abs, but let's get down to the bottom of what has held you back, set specific goals and celebrate change one step at a time.
When is the last time you felt truly energized? When is the last time you exercised regularly and ate wholesome food on a consistent basis long enough to see and feel results? When is the last time you made a commitment to better your health and honored your promise? If you work out regularly now, have you really determined what motivates you and set realistic and attainable goals? If you don't work out now and fear the thought of changing, consider this-it hurts more to HANG ON and feel bad than it does to MOVE ON and become a healthier, happier person.
