"Incremental changes create monumental movements"

The two most important elements to making fitness a lifestyle is self-responsibility and integrity. When exercising, whether in our training sessions or on your own, ask yourself these fundamental questions:

What am I working for today?
Am I exercising with purpose and commitment?
Am I working out at the appropriate intensity level?
Is the weight too heavy? Too light?
Did I consume enough fuel before my workout in order to get the most of my effort?
Am I including at least 10 minutes of flexibility training a day in order to keep my muscles loose and agile?
Have I communicated with my trainer or instructor about particular acute/chronic injuries or nagging aches and pains?

Two triathlons completed! And with a smile. Twelve weeks ago I had set two short term goals to be completed by September 6th.
1. Sign up and complete two sprint distance triathlons
2. Lose 8lbs

My career as a personal trainer has taken completely off and what a ride it has been. I am the happiest I have been in years, each day waking up to a career that I enjoy and am proud of. Head deep in progression and forward momentum, my priorities had shifted, and regular intense exercise was replaced with short maintenance style workouts and burning excess calories while teaching classes. My body, our bodies, will always be a work in progress, and though relatively content with the aesthetics of my muscular structure, long days and sub-par nutrition led to holding a small amount of pudge along my waist line that I was not stoked about. I too needed motivation and an extra push, hence the start of my Triathlon Adventure. Three months later, I am not only lighter on my feet and crossed the line from rookie to Triathlete, I am leaner and more satisfied with the look of my body. Setting the two short term goals kept me working for something, even when I did not desire to jump in a pool or go for a bike ride. My ultimate goal was to complete each race feeling proud of my performance, and that is was kept me on track with my goals.

Making fitness a lifestyle is a difficult process when family, work, school, and social events tug and pull at us in many different directions. Setting a goal will instill commitment. Putting forth the effort in order to accomplish the goal will produce desirable results.

What are you working for?

Chelsea's new short term fitness goals:
1. Increase flexibility
2. Strengthen my shoulders and hips
3. Complete the Austin 1/2 Marathon in February