Put a spring in your step
NEARLY TIME: SEPTEMBER JUST AROUND THE CORNER FOR FITNESS WANNABES
Winter has been good to you but a scary fact is that spring is just around the corner on September 1. That means you have exactly 40 days until your wardrobe changes into “less is more”. This almost means that you can’t hide those bulges you have been accumulating and hiding under those puffy layered jackets anymore.
It is a massive fear for a lot of people when seasons change. How will people see you? What will they think of you? Will you fit into your costume this summer? These are some real fears people have every year and it does cause psychological stress in wanting to participate in anything that involves moving your “jiggle” around. The irony is that you need to move your jiggle around to actually get rid of it but the fear of what people think outweighs the will to want to do something about it.
That is why this is the perfect time of year to start training and do something about it! It is still nippy and therefore you can get away with extra clothing until you build your confidence and then like an onion, peel those layers of clothing and fat off for that matter, one week at a time.
You need a simple game plan that doesn’t involve too much over thinking but more doing. Here is a simple action plan for you to follow, starting today, that will put you on the road to getting you fit, healthy and comfortable in your skin for this summer.
GOAL 1: Start
Start today, even if it is just a walk around your neighbourhood, a light jog or cycle. It doesn’t matter what you do, the goal is to start.
GOAL 2: Set some realistic goals
These goals can vary from dropping a pants size to increasing your distance and duration of your jog or cycling to firm up those buns and tummy.
GOAL 3: Apply the 5-second rule
Author of the amazing 5-second rule, Mel Robbins says that we sell ourselves short all the time and find excuses for everything. For example, after work when you are on your way home you find yourself making an excuse why not to go straight to the gym; I need to go home and cook, I don’t have enough time, I want to spend more time with my kids, yada yada. Stop and count back from 5;4, 3, 2, 1 and then ACT!
GOAL 4: Exercise 5 to 6 times a week
I am not going to powder coat anything. In order to reach your goals, you need to do a hell of a lot of work to achieve it so why not set the bar high and see how quickly your fat melts off! I know you just made an excuse like “oh my goodness that is so many days”. Count back from 5 and when you are finished, find a positive meaning as to why you are doing this. Change the
content of 5-6 days as a must to a daily necessity like breakfast. Read the book The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone.
GOAL 5: Reduce your portions & hydrate
The simplest way to lose weight is to reduce your plate size and food portion. Exercise alone will not help you lose weight unless you reduce your sugars, carbs, bad fats and calorie-rich foods. Typically, restaurant foods are layered with ingredients to make it taste amazing. The problem is that even though your portion size is smaller, the number of calories can equate to a double helping.
GOAL 6: Find a friend and be accountable
Finding a friend or having a trainer helps you to remain accountable. This is the key to keeping with your programme.Start a blog of your journey, they are quick and easy to set up online and you can invite friends to follow your journey of self-discovery. You could also just post it on Facebook. Your friends will share words of motivation, likes and praise and you will become obliged to keep the challenge going.