🍽️ Time To Make Things Happen… Part 4 in this 4 Part Series

So how are you doing? We’ve covered a lot in the previous three weeks and today we wrap it all up.  It’s not easy it takes some balancing and really just getting started and looking at each day individually with a few goals in mind. Are your goals, realistic?  Many times people set unrealistic goals or goals that are hard to achieve. For example, they may say that they’re going to work out seven days a week where is really 4-5 is more within reason. More is not really what is required but being efficient with the exercises you do And consistent. This requires doing your homework finding some people that you identify with either at your fitness club or online and getting going don’t write off online workouts. There are plenty of both free and subscription programs to get you going. I was talking to a friend the other day about this and I did a little research on my own and you would be surprised as to how many free workouts there are available. Just do a search of free bar workouts, Pilates workouts, whatever workout you’re interested in you can find it. Anything from yoga to a good walking or running workout. Make sure you have a good pair of shoes and proper equipment and attire.  If you don’t know where to begin start with walking put on some good music a podcast or a walking workout and get going I recommend writing it on the calendar making an appointment with yourself to work out. It’s that important. Once you get the walking down, add some light  weights, walk for 30 to 40 minutes and then that amount of time you get a cardiovascular workout, an upper body workout you have those good feeling endorphins going and if you listen to good music or a podcast you were either entertained or you learn something.

     When it comes to eating right starts small maybe you start with breakfast maybe it’s a smoothie maybe it’s cottage cheese and fruit if you’re not used to eating breakfast at all and go on from there a few weeks of eating a very good breakfast that gives you energy to get through your day with the mid morning, healthy snack, as mentioned in a previous post and you’ll be feeling good and most likely good enough to move on to add a good healthy lunch. Make water a priority drinking an adequate amount also mentioned in a previous post you need to go back and read it again, do so.  Remember, you are what you eat and good nutrition will help you have energy to get through the workout.

     Really all it takes is getting started. Once you get started and you’re feeling better because you’re eating right and exercising. In my experiences as a fitness professional for over twenty years, you’ll be motivated to keep it going. You’ll be feeling better, most likely sleeping better and you will want to continue. The more you start taking time to eat right and exercise, the more in tune you will be with your body and you’ll be more aware if something doesn’t seem right. Address concerns earn on.

     If you were not seeing results, maybe it’s time to consult a professional. Make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant.  They may have some ideas you may want to ask them to consider taking a look at your thyroid or hormones.

     Sometimes, if you have lots of balls up in the air in your life, you need to have a serious conversation with yourself regarding how much you can handle. If you are in a position where you are responsible for the care of a loved one or dealing with a family crisis, even though working out and eating right may be a welcome break from the stress, if it is one of those very tough situations, you may have to put things on hold and that’s OK. The last thing you need is guilt heaped on yourself.  Sometimes, in these circumstances, you are in survival mode.  Everyone handles stress differently.  Recognize that and give yourself permission to do what is necessary to get through, asking for help when needed. Yes, it’s important to take care of yourself so you are there for others, but we’ve all been through times in our lives, just trying to get through the day. Give yourself a break.

     I heard video of Tom Brady speak recently at an awards event.  He talked about the dedication it takes to be in a possession like himself. Being someone who is extremely good at what they do, takes dedication and willpower. It also takes a certain amount of joy for what they are doing. Whether it’s a Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Lynn Manuel Miranda, or anyone else at the top of their game it takes, “stick-to-it-I’ve-ness”.  Same with the dedication to live a healthy lifestyle it means getting to bed on time, it means limited alcohol, it means eating right and getting your exercise. We won’t reach the Super Bowl as many times as Tom Brady did, but we can be our own best version of ourselves if we’re willing to start with one day. One day leads to the next, then to another and another and another and before you know it what you are doing becomes a habit and just part of what you do. It doesn’t mean that every day you’re going to hit your mark, but it’s that setting of the goals and sticking into the plan which can lead to many great days… What are you waiting for, get going get going?  You can do this! You will be glad you did. Those who love will be glad you did and you may inspire them to make some changes in their life. Think about that ❤️