Being consistent is the key to changing your body!

Okay it’s that time of year. You know, New Year’s resolutions are in full force. I see and hear from a few clients I haven’t seen in a while. It’s great to keep in touch with these folks, but WHAT TOOK SO LONG? Mostly it’s an email asking what the latest great workout program is. Folks, again it’s not a half a year thing. People that are serious about changing their bodies ALL have one thing in common –Consistency. If there’s a secret, it’s that there is no secret or magic potion, its consistent hard work and eating clean.

But it’s too tough and at my age I can’t change. PLEASE. People can change anything if you believe it is worth it. One issue I keep seeing in some clients is they focus on the negative, I might hear someone keep saying how much they hate doing intervals on the treadmill or they hate working out in general. That’s a tough one. Realistically if you hate something it’s tough to keep doing that activity. If that’s the case it’s probably a good idea to find an activity you enjoy. If you do, it may be something you’ll be consistent with. Human nature also shows us that we usually do not like to do things we are not good at. Find something that meets your needs. And please don’t give up on something just because it’s difficult, making significant changes to your body, gaining muscle or losing weight is not a walk in the park. Excuse the pun. Making changes doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t come without some hard work.

Don’t use excuse #1. “I have no time”. This excuse can be used for everything. Women may find themselves always wanting to take care of everything and everyone else besides themselves. Ladies make yourself a priority, you have to make time. At first it may be tough and some of you may not like it, in time it will get better. The feeling of accomplishment and getting it done will be a great feeling, using the “I have no time” excuse is just another way of telling yourself it’s just not important enough.

If you need to re-write all the reasons you want to change then do it. What are your goals? This will inspire you. Try to focus on those behaviors that you may not enjoy that much and remind yourself that it will bring you rewards that are worth the effort. Remember it has to be worth it and if you think you are able then you will be. Educate yourself, we will do anything that we think is worth the effort and having that confidence we’ll be able to do it.
If you’re just starting out or you’ve been off course for a while, it’s time to get back to the basics.

How can you be more productive?

1) Try setting a time for your workout. I have 45 minutes to work out today. Set the timer and do it. Even if it’s 20 minutes make the time. If it means getting up earlier then set that alarm. Our body’s will get used to the earlier time and thank you in the long run.

2) Use circuits and supersets – (Exercises back to back or in a group) more work in less time.

3) Burn more calories with full-body exercises – squats, deadlifts, lunges, KB Swings etc. It’s true the tougher exercises are normally the best for us. A squat is going to burn a ton more calories that a bicep curl – don’t watch other people in your gym and copy their workout. In fact in most cases do the opposite (unless they look the part:)

4) Plan, Prepare and Prioritize. If you’re not used to planning, it takes some time to get used to –it’s worth it. Food planning should be a no-brainer. With eating 5 -6 meals a day –don’t make the mistake of trying to do it on the run. Making meals in advance is a great way to avoid dicey situations and making poor choices.

5) Schedule your workout –even if it’s not with a Trainer –Schedule the appointment with yourself.

Being consistent is the key for changing your body ---not starving ourselves and working out hours a day.

The Plan is SIMPLE but executing that plan is not always easy.