One of my favorite exercises of all time! Those who know me, know that I have many favorites.....and usually they are the brutal ones that I love the most. But....there is a reason for that.  Why spend 45 minutes on the elliptical bored out of your mind, when you could do 15 minutes of squat jumps?

Don't forget what your goals are!  When you are making goals, make sure that you design them so they are measurable and realistic. Losing 80 lbs. by summer isn't going to happen, but by breaking down your goals into smaller increments, you will keep yourself focused and willing to work towards your goals.

Another good idea is to take before pictures and before measurements; both tape measure and caliper readings.  Monitor your progress once a month or so, to keep yourself on your toes and to stay motivated!

As you reach each of your goals, make bigger and more challenging goals! 
                                                                      Don't give up and don't give in!

Michael Jordan is one of my favorite athletes of all time.  He had a dream and made his dream a reality.  As a sophomore in high school, Michael was deemed too short to play at that level.  That did not get him down. He worked extremely hard at the JV level, scoring several 40 point games.....over the summer, MJ grew another 4 inches and the rest is pretty much history. 

The point is, one person, that one coach, could have discouraged him from being what is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.  This is why it is so important to value yourself, hold true to your dreams and persevere. 

                                                                   What are you waiting for......MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Today is YOUR day! No need to wait until Monday to start a new program or "get back on the wagon."  Don't put your life on hold.....you are too awesome for that!!!!

Get on it!

True Story.  Your body can achieve what the mind believes.  Be strong in mind, heart and soul. Don't give up!  You will never get to where you are going if you just quit.  However,  you will still get there if you take the slow and steady route.  It will not all happen over night. Tomorrow you will not be graced with a small waste, perfect skin and the happiest being....just because you WISHED for it!  You must WORK for it!

As I was driving down the road the other day, I passed a sign for Ferris State University which said, "You're ahead of the person behind you......stay there."  This is so true!  Start now and stay diligent.  Once you start, you are well on your way to your goals.


                                                               KEEP GOING!

Remember to not judge too quickly....you have no idea what the person next to you has been through. This too, also pertain to ourselves...just because you are not fitting into a size 2 pant, doesn't mean you are not a truly wonderful and successful person.  

I have had clients in the past tell me, "if only I could just lose 20lbs," or " fit into my skinny jeans, I would be happy." I have to challenge them, because truly if you are not happy with what you have now, you will never be happy......no matter what size you are. You will just be a skinnier, miserable person.
So....remember not only to work on your outward appearance, but also cultivate a beautiful inner appearance as well.

You know that little voice in your head that says, "I can't do this," "that person is way stronger, fitter, thinner, smarter than me" ???? 

You must banish this kind of thinking and self talk/self doubt.  Your body can be fine tuned and trained to do the work, don't let the working of the devil get in your way!

Self doubt emerges out of our own instinctive desire to self protect. We can actually make ourselves believe that we can't do something, so we don't take the risk and possibly fail. 

Take the chance, keep your body strong and your mind even stronger!

Get a few friends together and make an exercise "date."  Instead of Happy Hour, check out your local gym's "cardio bar," or "fitness happy hour" specials.

If you know someone is waiting for you and cheering you on, you are less likely to blow off your workout.

You've got this!