Figure out WHY you want to make a change & 5 questions to get you started

A Beginners Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle

Week One: Figure out WHY you want to make a change & 5 questions to get you started

When I first began my journey to a healthier lifestyle, I just wanted to feel comfortable and attractive in clothes. That was my motivation for awhile, but eventually that wore off because I started feeling better about myself as I lost weight. Then I wanted to make sure that I never had to take medicine for weight related illnesses. That wore off because it was no longer a tangible concern.

 When I signed up for my first personal trainer I told him that I wanted to lose weight so that when I decided to start having children I could lose the baby weight easier. True story. I was about 22 and not anticipating children anytime soon, but it worked.

Now, my motivation is accomplishing a longterm goal of mine to compete in a figure competition and to push my body to new limits. My motivation is also wanting to lead by example. I'd love to be able to tell people that I used to weigh at least 220lbs and I changed my lifestyle. 

So what’s my point? You need a reason. You need a “why.” What’s going to keep you going? What will keep you from giving up when it gets hard? And it WILL get hard! When it does, you'll want something to keep you going & to keep you motivated. 

As you start your fitness journey find your “why.” That’s the first and most important thing to figure out. It’s ok if it changes over time. Mine did! And it’s ok if you feel like your reasons are shallow or not “deep” enough. Whatever works for YOU.

Need help? Here are some things to ask yourself:

11.  How will you know you have met your goal?

22.  What are you looking forward to (the most) on this journey?

33.  Are there any upcoming events or dates that you want to use as a short-term goal?

44.  Is your health a concern?

55.  Do you have loved ones that you want/need to be around for?

Spend some time this week figuring out why you want to be healthier and/or lose weight. That will help you focus during the next few weeks when it gets challenging and your motivation starts to wan.

I'd love to hear your "why" or your motivation! Comment below. Feel free to share this post with someone who's just getting started on their journey. 

Until next time my loves! 

My next BIG fitness goal

I have been planning to write this post for awhile now, but I kept trying to figure out how to do the "perfect post." I haven't figured out what a perfect post would say, so instead of trying to be perfect I'll just say it.

I'm training to compete in my first figure competition.

What's that? It's this.....

And this...

I have been successful losing weight & building muscle already. And I could very well maintain my progress where I am, but this has been a goal of mine for YEARS, so I'm going for it.

2010...                    2012...                      2015...

I'm a few months out, but in order to get ready I have a lot of prep to do.

So, this means I'll be spending the next few months training harder, dialing in my nutrition and getting my body in the best shape it's been in.

I'll be writing updates pretty regularly, so stay tuned!