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Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

Sat, 16 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Learn to set S.M.A.R.T Goals!

Setting S.M.AR.T Goals!

S.M.A.R.T goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Your health goals should include physical skills, mental skills and understanding the psychological benefits of exercise. It is very tempting to start out highly motivated and setting goals that are simply unrealistic. An example of this is saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds this month.” What is realistic is that can happen within 2 to 3 months. It’s not realistic to spend 2 hours in the gym every day. Spending 30 minutes in the gym or participating in some form of physical activity three times a week is realistic. Resist the urge to set unrealistic goals. As it relates to healthy weight loss a smart goal would be 1-2 pounds per week. You should record your goals on paper and learn to refer to them frequently and assess where you are. Break down your goals into small manageable steps. Unrealistic goal setting leads to getting into demanding exercise programs that may be well beyond your ability, lifestyle, time limitations or initial fitness level. This often results in dropping out of exercise programs or in some cases developing injuries. If you don’t know where to start, ask a fitness professional to assist you. Make sure you set S.M.A.R.T goals in your pursuit of a healthier version of you!

Creating the mindset for change

Sat, 16 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Creating the mindset for change.

Any change that you desire to make starts with having the right mindset. Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” As you start this fitness challenge if you seek to do your very best then you must change your mindset as it relates to exercise and eating healthier. Often, we develop a long list of excuses such as: “I don’t have time,” “I’m too tired,” “I’ll just skip the gym today” and so on. Excuses like those keep you from making progress towards your health goals. Learn to get rid of the excuses and understand your health status is very important. You only get one “body” to live in, learn to take care it. Changing your mindset, developing healthy habits that you repeatedly practice, being consistent and having discipline all take time. Seek progress and not perfection daily. Remember it all starts with your mindset!

Excuses! Excuses! Excuses!

Thu, 14 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Excuses, excuses, excuses! We all have had them at one point or another. Especially when it comes down to getting in shape/losing weight. You name it, I’ve said or had an excuse as to why I did not exercise or eat as I should. Some of the most common excuses I used to have were: I don’t have time to exercise, I don’t like working out and it’s so hard to eat right. The list went on and on.

Let’s start with the first excuse I had: I don’t have time to exercise. Trust me, I had time. The truth of the matter is exercise was not a priority of mines. At that time, I convinced myself that I did not have enough time in a day to exercise. I remind you, there are 24 hours in a day. However, when it was time to get my hair, nails or makeup done or shop, I had time for that. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a part of self-care, but I overlooked the fact that my health care was a vital component of self-care that I neglected. We make time for what we consider a priority.

Moving on to the next excuse: I don’t like working out . At the beginning of my journey I did not enjoy exercising because I viewed it as a punishment instead of realizing how it was beneficial for my health. When you first begin working out, it will be an adjustment. Let’s face it’s something you didn’t do before, it’s new, or it’s been a while since you have exercised. You have to learn what you enjoy doing in the gym and change your perspective of exercise. If you need assistance with learning what to do in the gym or finding out what works for you, asking assistance from a personal trainer is great. I would be happy to help you!

Moving on to my next excuse: It’s hard eating right. It was hard for me at the time because I had been eating poorly for a long time. Fast food, this restaurant, and that restaurant was quick. I loved trying new recipes and everything, but it wasn’t necessarily healthy because I didn’t pay attention to things such as serving size. Eating right was hard because I made it hard. Once I realized the power of meal prep and having meals prepared and ready to go, life became so much easier in the kitchen. It also helped me stay on track when I really took my health seriously and began eating better. If it’s already ready and prepared, you’ll be more apt to stay on track. Trust me, it helps a lot! Let’s work towards getting rid of the excuses that hinder our progress! Be prosperous and in good health!