At The Starting Line

It’s overwhelming to start a fitness and health program; I get it. We begin with information overload. We tend to go online and research and see what others are doing. Then we take a bit from this workout program and grab a bit of information from the last online coach we saw.

Then we get with our friends, and they give us tips. Finally, we look at some old information we found in our gym bag and add it to the mix. We combine it all, create our special recipe and get going alone.

The good news is you got motivated, and you got going! WIN! 

The bad news is, you are doing the same thing you do each January, and by March, you are frustrated and not seeing progress. Let’s face it, turning our health around is hard work, and we tend to seek the easiest way to get the fastest results. It simply doesn’t work that way. 

Here are some tips to get organized, lay a foundation, and keep you going past March:

• Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Look at yourself. Talk to yourself like you were your best friend, open and honest. You were born with a magnificent body that wants to move to live a healthy, long life and have a surplus of energy to care for others.  
• Our personal care is essential. When was your last physical? Dental appointment for a routine cleaning? How about a skin check by a dermatologist? Know your body. Know your numbers, cholesterol, and blood pressure, for example. All these health checks are critical to our health and wellbeing. 
• Assess your habits and thoughts that take you further from your dreams and goals. Maybe it’s alcohol, sweets, a bag of chips, or Netflix the entire evening or weekend. Perhaps you think you don’t have time. What action steps can you take to make a change and bring yourself closer to your dreams and goals? 
• Join a gym, an online group, or hire a coach. Surround yourself with other like-minded people going in the same direction. When you are on a team, your chances of sticking with it showing up, and being successful are greater. TEAM keeps everyone motivated. On a team, you tap into the knowledge and learn from others. The more you engage, the more you get in return. Be a participator, not someone on the sidelines. 
• Nutrition should be basic and simple. There are many apps out there to keep track of what you put in your mouth. Pen to paper works well too. When we write down everything we eat, we see where we need to change. Keep it simple- Cut back on processed foods. Limit eating out. Eat quality protein, quality carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Eating them in the correct serving size, the right combination, and at the right time.  
• Journal. Write down your thoughts, progress and keep track of your workouts. Scribe your weekly menu and plan and prepare your meals. Journaling is your love letter to yourself. It’s your roadmap. Without it, we flounder, and we throw in the towel by March. Journaling keeps us on the path, so we don’t get lost. Know where you are going and why. 

The starting line is exciting! It’s a place of mixed emotions, focus, and determination. Once you take off and have the goal in front of you, reaching the finish line is exhilarating! I want you to experience that feeling. Take these necessary steps at the start, take a helping hand, don’t go it alone. I believe in YOU! 

Are you ready to start your journey to better fitness? Take action and contact K Factor Coaching today.