My Journey to Fitness Can Be Yours Too

"Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality." ~Ralph Marston

Welcome to the second part of “My Journey to Fitness…it can be yours too! Last week I shared with you my story; how I got here, and not only that, for the first time I posted on the fan page ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures showing you and the rest of the world my reality. I am so passionate about this subject and there is so much to be shared that I needed a part 2. Thanks for your words of encouragement and support; they mean a lot to me and motivate me to keep going; and as importantly to empower others to do the same.

I’d like to share my tips to success:

1. Start small; even 5 minutes will help you take ownership of the situation
2. Start today; don’t delay. The sooner you do something, the sooner you will see results
3. Implement something that works for you; I don’t like the heat, so I used a treadmill; I’ve graduated to a fitness room these days but that will come with time. If you like outdoors, head out! Or do one of my favorites: fit tv shows! You can record them and watch at your convenience
4. If you can get a buddy, go for it. It didn’t work for me, because I needed to work out on whatever time I could find. Nonetheless, support is good! Also, be cautious to make your workout routine contingent upon someone else. Buddy system works out when both are committed to a positive outcome
5. If the time is limited, split your workout. I often work out a little in the morning -to get my metabolism going, and finish later in the day. No matter what, I get it done because it is a priority
6. Did I mention that you have to make it a priority? Absolutely, commit to your workout the way you do to your job and any other role in your life; it matters
7. Put on your workout clothes as soon as possible; I used to go home and get comfy; at that time it is too hard to get in the swing of things. If you are already dressed, you will be reminded that you still have something to do…
8. Let everyone know what you are doing; stick with it and don’t let anyone distract you. It was hard to get out of bed at 5:00 a.m. to workout; but now I enjoy it and look forward to it. It is MY time, before everyone else is up.
9. Do it even if it hurts; at first I was so out of shape that muscles I didn’t know I had would hurt. I still made a point to work out; little by little I built endurance and it stopped hurting!
10. Probably #1 tip of all times: this is for you, this is important. Put yourself first!

These strategies work for me. The only thing I would add is to stay focused and in order to avoid boredom try new things. I started walking only; because it was the safest and most common way to start. Then I purchased a stationary bike and then an elliptical. Cardio was key for me because I started to see results and that pumped me to want more.

After the first 50 lbs or so were gone, I started to seek for different ways to boost weight loss and to keep me going -before I was bored with my routine. That’s when I discovered fit tv and other fitness tv shows. They’ve been a life saver because they allowed me to tap into muscle conditioning, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, masala bhangra and even belly dancing! Techniques and classes that otherwise, I would not be able to do by myself in my home fitness room.

I still walk around the lake when I have the chance, and just this weekend I went to a Zumba class. These days I’m open and receptive to everything that spells health and fitness because I don’t want to gain the weight back and because I want to stay healthy and in good shape. As we age, it is more difficult to start new habits, but this is for sure one that is worth it. I encourage you to make that resolution today; for yourself, for your health and your overall wellness.

If you are stuck and seem to have tried all kinds of diets; if you need motivation, support or accountability to reach your fitness goals; life coaching might be for you.
© 2010 Maria Martinez