If you are like me, you have made health and fitness New Year resolutions in years past only to fall short of your goals within a few months. Maybe it's part of your resolutions this year and congratulations on wanting to improve your health and wellbeing!! In the past you started out excited and motivated but your enthusiasm fizzled away by Valentine's Day. I Have five tips to help you stick to a program so that your intentions become a reality. Here’s to a healthier, stronger, more resilient you in 2023.
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Tip #1 Cut the Commute - You might already exercise at home but if not, give it a go! Cutting out the half hour to drive across town to your Pilates class, look for parking and the additional drive home adds a whole hour to your day. Adding the extra commute time can cause you to miss a valuable workout and lack consistency which is key in meeting your fitness goals. Opt to start your workout right outside your front door. Go for a walk, jog or bike ride. Pull out mat and join an online class. I have a Virtual Pilates studio suitable for all levels of fitness. This makes it easy to take a class with me anywhere, anytime. No excuses, all you need is space for a mat. Plus there are plenty of online programs out there. Tip # 2 Manage Your Expectations - Over my 18+ years as a Pilates professional, I’ve often heard goals like “want to wear my skinny jeans again” or “I want to lose 50 pounds by spring” or “my goal is to run a marathon” but have you ran around the block in 15 years? It’s fantastic to have goals and you can certainly achieve anything you set your body and mind to. I just want you to set yourself up for success with a realistic plan. Start with a 1 to 2 pound weight loss every two weeks. Take measurements of your body and notice how your clothes feel over the next few weeks and months. When you start a healthy lifestyle the numbers on your measuring tape will begin to shrink before the number on the scale. If you are brave enough to throw out the scale, do it. If your goal is to run that marathon, start with a brisk walk. Work up to alternating walking and running. Try walking one block then running or jogging the next. The point is, if you start somewhere and keep going results will happen, I promise. Tip #3 Listen to Your Body - Nobody knows your body better than you. If you are returning to exercise after taking a break, remember that your body has changed. It might not respond to what used to work. You might be experiencing hormone changes that will change the type of workout your body needs. If you are a woman anywhere from late 30’s to 50’s you can be experiencing perimenopause which drops your estrogen production and heightens your stress hormones. High impact cardio workouts could ramp up those stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This could actually make your fat cells more hungry making it nearly impossible to lose that stubborn belly fat. Manage and balance your stress hormones with a healthy lifestyle and satisfying nutrition changes. You might be surprised to see what a breath based exercise like pilates, yoga and walking can do for your hormone balance and waistline. You can learn more by scheduling a 50 minute complementary Health History session with me. Email to schedule. Tip #4 Just Move - The more you move the easier it becomes a habit. I can’t remember ever going to the gym or taking a class in a studio or at home and saying to myself after “Gosh, I wish I didn’t do that.” Never! In fact, I always feel better after moving my body. Even if it’s walking my dog, getting out in nature or feeling part of a community. All of these activities are considered primary food that nourish our mind, body and soul. It’s true, move it or lose it. Today at 50 I feel healthier and stronger than ever. When I think back 20 years ago when I was 30 years old, it feels like yesterday! Twenty years from now when I’m 70 I want to still be hiking mountains, paddling in oceans and enjoying all of life’s physical activities. Keep moving for a happier, longer life with the people you love. Tip #5 Accountability - I’ve never been competitive with other people when it comes to sports and fitness but I find it fun to be a little competitive with myself. Use an app, coach, friend or work with me. I am happy to announce that I am a certified Health and Nutrition Coach. I am here to support you on your individual journey. All of us are bio individuals and there is no one size fits all in optimizing your health and happiness. Let's embark on your transformational journey together.
I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and to schedule your complimentary 50 min Health History call. email ctesthetics@gmail.com