Part 1 - Exercising
So you’ve decided to start exercising, that’s awesome! I hope it’s with me but if not that’s OK as long as you have a plan to keep your body moving. Finding what works for you is the most important part.
A couple of words of advice as you take on this adventure:
Creating a habit will help you stick with it and not give up after a short amount of time. Schedule your exercise time just like any other important appointment.
Be realistic with your goals and what you want to achieve. If you are training for something specific, be certain to give yourself enough time.
Be patient when it comes to reaching those goals as any progress is progress and faster is not necessarily better.
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a training session, just get back to it as soon as you can. Starting is the hardest part. If you don’t stop you don’t have to start over.
Part 2 - Healthy Eating
Now let’s talk about the next part, our eating habits. Exercise alone is not enough. You need to also focus on what you are eating and why you are eating. I did a series of blogs that focused on mindful eating, these are a good reminder that we need to think about what we are eating and why.
Different exercise training may call for different eating habits as it takes the two pieces working together to help you reach your goals. The wrong way to look at exercise and eating is that because you are exercising you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. If you only change one habit, adding exercise to your routine, there is a good chance you will not reach the goals you are aiming for, it takes two pieces to complete this puzzle.
Here are links to the prior blog posts about mindful eating.
And to the Macros Webinar I did earlier this year.
It is a lot of information so schedule some time to get through it and then see what putting these two pieces together can help you accomplish.
Below is a client spotlight that shows you the success you can have when you create good habits, both exercising and mindful eating.
Jenn Penn’s Social Media Post from 9/7/2022
So I’m not usually one to post about myself but today maybe I’ll be an inspiration for someone.
In November 2020 I joined Coach Mel’s Group Fitness hoping to strengthen my neck and shoulders so I could wean myself off of some medication.
It was the first time I felt comfortable in a gym because it didn’t feel like a gym. It was like personal training. Coach Mel was exactly what I needed.
It started out great and I was able to stop the medication. I would go to the gym semi-regularly but I made lots of excuses as to why I couldn’t go to the gym. I had to work. Boys had something going on. I just didn’t feel like it. The list goes on. I didn’t make it a priority.
Fast forward to December 2021…I committed to myself that I would go to the gym 30 days in a row without making an excuse. I would make myself a priority. On March 14, 2022 I hit my goal but I didn’t stop there.
Today I went to the gym for the 100th time without making an excuse! I can honestly say I love and look forward to it.
I’ve also changed my eating habits and today is day 157 of counting Macros. I’ve finally made a lifestyle change (notice I didn’t say diet) that works for me and I love it! I’m even cooking and meal planning.
I’ve released 40 pounds (I don’t say “lost” because I’m determined not to find them again )
I wear a jean size I haven’t worn in 20 years.
I wear a ring guard so I don’t lose my wedding rings.
I have more energy.
I’ve started hiking.
I go to the gym 4 days a week.
I still have a ways to go but I’ve come a long way and I’m proud of myself! The support and encouragement from Melanie Knox and the ladies at Coach Mel’s have been a huge part of my success and I’m so grateful for them.
Coach Mel’s Note
I am so proud of all that Jenn has accomplished and, as she mentioned, she’s not done. You should never be done. You need to keep moving and make mindful decisions to be healthy BEFORE you NEED to be healthy!