Want an easy way to self-motivate?
Try a simple goal: Out-walk yourself on a regular basis!
Walking is a great way to be active - especially for those easing back into an exercise routine. The average 150 lb. person can burn about 240 calories walking at a moderate pace, for one hour. And FYI – one hour is approximately what it takes for a beginner to complete a 5K fun walk/run – so get signed up for the next local race and make it your goal to beat your personal best walk time each time a 5K rolls around! Walk alone or with a friend or with a group… team registration usually gets a discount – and there’s always a terrific race t-shirt to wear with pride post-race and at the gym!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Change Is Good.
Is it true: “You are what you eat”… “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” or “You are most like the 5 people closest to you”? I think you know the answer. Change can be a good thing. I was blog-hopping and came upon an article, which quoted Jim Rohn, an American author and motivational speaker. Rohn states:
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Seeing this quote gave me that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach... because just a couple weeks before, I'd heard the same thing from my own Marketing Guru Reu Smith, CEO - rfi Marketing. I found the statement to be totally relevant in both my personal and professional life - and more than a bit profound. So is this a fact, as applies to our bodies and physical fitness? How do our personal choices, relationships and associations affect our overall health level?
If your spouse or friends make poor decisions in regard to food, it is generally an open invitation for us to do the same. But the point in which we begin to break away and make our own decisions - create our own accountability - is the milestone in which change is created.
If, indeed, I am the average of the 5 people I spend the most time with, then surrounding myself with those I wish to be more like would be a logical plan.
Is it easy? Not always. Is it do-able? This depends on our own inner strength –the will to succeed and overcome. Choosing a work-out buddy, a mentor in the form of a Personal Trainer, or just staying true to yourself and being upfront with those who are wreaking havoc on your personal goals plays an important part in success.
I believe this is why – as people begin the path to weight-loss or fitness success – you see more people hanging out in the gym and juice bar… lingering, holding conversations and picking up tips. I see people flocking to fitness websites, Blogs and Tweets which provide empowerment and a constant source of support for their attitudes and goals. It is easier to keep yourself close to that which you want to become, if you can stay away from the “dark side”… those nay-sayers who are so unhappy with who they are that they derive pleasure from making you fall off the wagon. They may lack self-esteem or self-respect, therefore they try to take yours away too.
This definitely doesn’t mean you have to kick your family and friends off the island, dump your loved ones and turn your back on everything you know. But it does mean being clear and staying strong in working your goals, knowing where you want to take your fitness plan, and creating a road map describing exactly how you will get there. Stand firm. Fight the good fight.
When faced with negatives from those close to you… those who will always be close to you, like family members -- or when renewing old friendships, fall back on a standard statement which stresses your desire to stay on track. Create YOUR own life-statement.
“I am committed to changing my ways and feel better than I have in years!”
“I’m investing in myself! I’ve found that I enjoy getting healthy – as well as putting on jeans I haven’t worn in years!”
“Learning more about healthy habits has made me more self-aware. And I love the way I feel inside.”
"This is MY time. I'm making the most of my greatest asset... ME."
Make your statement your mantra. Repeat it to yourself when you feel your resolve start to slip. You know, spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. Make the most of yourself and your life by embracing change and moving closer to the things, people and habits which you wish to say define you.
###
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Seeing this quote gave me that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach... because just a couple weeks before, I'd heard the same thing from my own Marketing Guru Reu Smith, CEO - rfi Marketing. I found the statement to be totally relevant in both my personal and professional life - and more than a bit profound. So is this a fact, as applies to our bodies and physical fitness? How do our personal choices, relationships and associations affect our overall health level?
If your spouse or friends make poor decisions in regard to food, it is generally an open invitation for us to do the same. But the point in which we begin to break away and make our own decisions - create our own accountability - is the milestone in which change is created.
If, indeed, I am the average of the 5 people I spend the most time with, then surrounding myself with those I wish to be more like would be a logical plan.
Is it easy? Not always. Is it do-able? This depends on our own inner strength –the will to succeed and overcome. Choosing a work-out buddy, a mentor in the form of a Personal Trainer, or just staying true to yourself and being upfront with those who are wreaking havoc on your personal goals plays an important part in success.
I believe this is why – as people begin the path to weight-loss or fitness success – you see more people hanging out in the gym and juice bar… lingering, holding conversations and picking up tips. I see people flocking to fitness websites, Blogs and Tweets which provide empowerment and a constant source of support for their attitudes and goals. It is easier to keep yourself close to that which you want to become, if you can stay away from the “dark side”… those nay-sayers who are so unhappy with who they are that they derive pleasure from making you fall off the wagon. They may lack self-esteem or self-respect, therefore they try to take yours away too.
This definitely doesn’t mean you have to kick your family and friends off the island, dump your loved ones and turn your back on everything you know. But it does mean being clear and staying strong in working your goals, knowing where you want to take your fitness plan, and creating a road map describing exactly how you will get there. Stand firm. Fight the good fight.
When faced with negatives from those close to you… those who will always be close to you, like family members -- or when renewing old friendships, fall back on a standard statement which stresses your desire to stay on track. Create YOUR own life-statement.
“I am committed to changing my ways and feel better than I have in years!”
“I’m investing in myself! I’ve found that I enjoy getting healthy – as well as putting on jeans I haven’t worn in years!”
“Learning more about healthy habits has made me more self-aware. And I love the way I feel inside.”
"This is MY time. I'm making the most of my greatest asset... ME."
Make your statement your mantra. Repeat it to yourself when you feel your resolve start to slip. You know, spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. Make the most of yourself and your life by embracing change and moving closer to the things, people and habits which you wish to say define you.
###
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tomorrow is a NEW day!
It's easy to start off the weekend with the intent to be good. You did a great job all week, following your food plan, working out as planned - even getting enough rest and finding a balance for everything going on in your life. But then your best friend decides to host a Margarita party (the large ones have about 400 calories each, not to mention the chips and guacamole - ouch!)
It's your "off" day... and you know you're allowed a cheat meal -- but the off day turns into turns into an off weekend -- and before you know it, it's Sunday night, you're miserable -- and you feel deflated by the fact that you didn't stick to the plan.
You have two choices at this point. Go to bed and roll over feeling like a failure... or make a plan. What action can you take NOW (before the end of the day) in order to start moving in the direction of your goal? Grab a notebook and start with some goal setting. There are 6 elements essential in creating the mindset and actions consistent with making a distinct change in who we are:
1. Intention
2.Strategy
3.Commitment
4.Persistence
5.Belief
6.Passion
Make a list of these elements. Do you have the intention to make a change? What's your strategy? How about a commitment to creating new healthy habits and ditching the old ones? Persistence (which is a lot about getting back on the horse when you fall off!) Belief - in yourself, in knowing that this is what you really, really want - and you are unashamed in your quest to make it happen. Passion... are you passionate about learning, doing and achieving? You must be -- you're seeking out information (such as this Blog) and learning more each day!
So make a plan... pack up your food for the next day... lay out your workout clothes and set the alarm to be back on schedule and in the gym before work.
It's a new day. You're on your way to a new and improved you.
Lisa
LifeFIT Systems
Fit to be me. Fit for life.
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