Happy Monday y’all! This week as part of our Fresh Start series, we are talking about all the body, how to nourish it and how to dress it! Today, my former intern, Jessi, is giving tips on how to stay motivated to get fit. Over the past year, I’ve “virtually” (through her Facebook posts) watched Jessi transform her body and also her outlook. She always seems so motivated and dedicated to her workouts. I had to know what her secrets were!
My name is Jessie Burr, Co-Owner of I Do Events, from New Orleans, La. I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this past spring and recently launched my new wedding planning business.
I began my fitness journey almost a year ago in February. In high school, I had always been petite; I did cheerleading and was always active. Once I got to college, the fear of the “freshman fifteen” kicked in and I was determined not to gain that weight. As hard as I tried it just didn’t work, I gained that and more over my college career, and was just not happy with the way I was feeling. My weight fluctuated, but my senior year hit its peak, and I just was not happy with the way I felt. I dreaded shopping because I knew I wouldn’t like the way things fit, or that I couldn’t wear something I really wanted to because they were too tight on me. I decided then to join a boot camp in February, where I learned so much about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and even more about myself and who I was as a person. In 3 months of boot camp, I ate clean (No junk food, sugars, etc.) and worked out 3 days a week. I lost 32lbs and 44 inches throughout this process and am continuously learning how to maintain my weightless and this confidence I have gained.
Staying motivated is probably one of the hardest parts about living a healthy lifestyle. You cannot change your body, until you change your mind. There will be days you don’t feel like going to the gym or days you just want to eat a pizza, but if your mind stays determined you can get through those hard days and stay on track. Don’t be discouraged if you have days where your motivation lags. The goal should be for overall sustained motivation and not necessarily feeling motivated constantly.
I have some tips that I believe can help you stay motivated:
SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF
Setting goals will help you stay motivated, and help you know what it is you expect from yourself. The new year is a perfect time to start fresh and set goals, not only with weight loss, but with your lifestyle whether it may be going to the gym three times a week, or taking an hour out of each day to relax and have time for yourself. Make your goals realistic and don’t over-exert yourself. Don’t just measure your success by pounds lost, measure it by the confidence that is felt and the strength that is gained.
MAKE THE TIME TO WORKOUT
Many people say that they don’t have time to go to the gym because of their hectic lifestyles. It can be hard to juggle family needs, work, school, and everything else in your life going on, but making time for yourself is very important. Take one hour, or even just thirty minutes out of your day to make time for yourself. A thirty-minute workout may not seem like much, but it is better than not doing it at all. Understand that Rome was not built in a day; it will take more than a week to lose weight. Remember small accomplishments lead to accomplishing bigger goals. If you have a day where you do eat unhealthy or miss a workout, don’t kill yourself over it, just pick yourself up again the next day.
HAVE A FITNESS/WORKOUT PARTNER
Whether it be a family member or friend, having a support system there to hold you accountable will make all the difference in the world. Be sure it is someone that understands your goals, and you understand theirs as well. You want this person to be motivating, reliable, and encouraging, so that when you have those days of just wanting to give up and quit, they can encourage you to keep pushing through.
REWARD YOURSELF
Once you reach a certain goal reward yourself for your hard work, buy a new outfit or even celebrate with a small trip somewhere! Make it a healthy competition with yourself or your workout partner, for example if you go to the gym 3 days a week for an entire month, buy yourself those new tennis shoes you’ve been drooling over!
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Most people confuse hunger for thirst. Hydrating your body with water will help you feel energized and you will be less likely to binge eat.
HAVE FUN!!
Time flies by when you’re having fun! Not all workouts have to be dreaded. Find something you enjoy whether its running, cycle classes, yoga, or dance class, there is something out there for everyone! You will be more likely to stick to your workouts if you are really enjoying them!
This post is a part of the FRESH START series. A three-week series to get you ready for 2014. Each week will have a different theme, mind, home and body.
Previous Posts:
Intro | Goal Making | Using the Powersheets | Become a Reader | A Morning Ritual | Creating White Space | An Inspiring Space | Contentment Challenge | Managing Finances | Breathing Easy
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