Consistency and Motivation

This week lets turn our focus back to the basics:

1. Consistency: Take a look at your schedule for the week and determine a realistic exericise frequency for the week ahead. Remember, exercise is a stress reducer, not another thing that is added frustration for the week. Be realistic when you look at the week's schedule and obligations and have fitness fit into your schedule rather than inhibit and disrupt the course of your week. There are going to be those weeks where you are able to make it to the gym 3-5 times, and then there will be those weeks that it seems nearly impossible and at best you are able to workout only one time. I do wish that the latter never existed, however, this is life, and rather than resist the inevitable, it would be best that we accepted the reality of a busy schedule and hope that the following week will enable us to get to the gym more often. Making fitness a lifestyle is just that - it's a life long process that will ebb and flow and rise and fall.

2. Motivation: Setting short and long term goals first establishes our fitness game plan. Having a motivation to accomplish these goals is a whole other ball game. What are you working for and is it worth it? Sound familiar? I believe this may be the hardest part of the fitness equation, along with nutrition. It's one thing to know what you want, it's another thing to put forth the effort to get what you want when you are tired, stressed, sore, frustrated, up to your eyeballs with things to do, unhappy with your spouse, unable to sleep at night due to all of your worries over the economy, and being absolutely exhausted from having everything in life hanging over your head. These are tough times. However, it may just get tougher. Do we allow the stress of life to disrupt everything that we desire to achieve and accomplish? Or do we CHOOSE to continue moving forward towards successful accomplishments in order to achieve the things we want, desire, and dream about?

*****Trainers note: I too lack motivation. I too am exhausted and stressed. I too know what I am working for but still may opt to lay on the couch with a bowl of cereal instead of getting a workout in. Therefor, because I am lacking some motivation and accountability, I have hired a trainer. I will begin working with Gregg, one of Pure Austin's finest, 2 days a week for 5 weeks. See, even trainers need motivation!

This week:*Establish a realistic exercise frequency: 2-6xs, combining both cardiovascular and resistance training.
*****Come to a class that I am teaching and or subbing for the week
Monday: Town Lake, 12 noon - Weight CircuitMonday: Town Lake, 5:50-6:15pm - Abs
Thursday: Town Lake, 12 noon - Pump
Thursday: Quarry Lake (Sub), 6pm - Sculpt, 6:45 - (Sub) Pilates
Friday: Town Lake, (Sub) 5:15pm - Pump
Urban X-Training: April 27th - May 20th, M W 6:30pm - 7:30pm, $145 M, $190 NM

Cardio: 30-60 minutes- Remember, sweaty cardio! That kind of cardio where you are unable to speak, your legs are burning, and your shirt is almost soak and wet.

Resistance: 30-60 minutes- intense, sweaty, and challenging. Take a class. This is one of the best ways to get a workout in without having to think about it so much. Also, group training is a great way to remain motivated. Let me know if you are interested or have a group of friends that you would like to work out with. All I have to do is arrange the logistics.

*****Trainer's note: If anyone knows how to beat herself up, it would be me. I always think I should be doing more, looking better, and working harder. Ahhhh! When does the madness end? This week, along with all of the other weeks I have said this, I vow to be kinder to myself, to be more realistic, to be more self-accepting. There's no way we can be perfect, nor completely absolute in everything we do and desire to do. If we are not having fun and enjoying life, then what are we really doing? Something to think about.

See you in the gym and in class.