Get Up! Get Moving! YES, I’m Talking to YOU!……

Let me begin this post with an explanation as to why I haven’t written in over a week.  I have had lots to say, but no motivation to sit down at my computer because my neck was out for about two weeks after a weekend trip to the lake.  Thanks to multiple chiropractic adjustments, and continued, regular care, I am finally feeling good again!

A little tip for you …. NEVER get pulled by a boat on a tube in choppy water, no matter how fun it looks!  And while we’re on the subject of tips, never compromise your form in a workout.  Learn your limits and do not exceed them.  Whether it be with your own body weight, or the heavy weights, don’t risk injury by pushing too far.

Due to my own lack of motivation during this period of injury, I decided that my first post back needed to address the subject of getting motivated to go out and get your butt in gear with exercise.

I had to really think about what it is that makes me want to hit the gym several times a week.  There are multiple factors as to why I workout.  I do it to be healthy and to maintain health, to get stronger and faster, and to clear my head of any negative thoughts so that I can be a more productive, happier, better me.

There are two tips I have for anyone that is struggling to just get up and get out there and DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING!

The first may seem obvious and simple, but many people struggle with it.

Figure out what you like to do for physical activity.

Working out doesn’t have to be, nor should it be, a chore.  Choose something that you LIKE to do.  This could be as simple as playing a game of frisbee, walking the dog, chasing your kids around the park, or riding your bike.  The object of this game is to start somewhere.  Put down the cell phones, iPads, laptops and video games.  Put down the beer, the chips and the pizza and get off the couch!  Do something that will benefit you for life by getting into the habit of regular physical activity.

For me, the gym is my go to place for my workouts.  I feel totally and completely at home surrounded by machines, equipment, the pool,  and people of various levels of fitness.  When I’m in this place, I know I’m there only for me.  It is the only time of my day that I can honestly say I do something that is just for myself.  I love to blast my music, sweat, and totally clear my head of everything.  I also get inspired by other people working out near me.  It always reminds me of the vast array of things that one can do to workout.  By observing others in their workouts, I often learn a new move to add into my own routine, or to include when planning a workout for a client.  Being around others that are working towards similar goals (whether they are total strangers or not) totally motivates me to keep going.

What motivates you?  What do you like to do?  What will get YOU off the couch????

The second tip I have for getting started and sticking with it is this:

Find a person that motivates you and that you aspire to be like.  When you don’t feel like doing whatever it is that you have chosen for physical activity, think of that person and let their accomplishments drive you towards your own goals.

For me, I have three people that immediately come to mind on days where I dread the gym (yes, I have them too!)…..

First, is one of my best friends from college.  At nine months pregnant with her second baby, and a child under 2 years of age at home, she is still attending crossfit classes regularly.  If you don’t know what crossfit is, look it up!  It’s TOUGH!  Although we no longer live in the same state, knowing that she’s out there continuing to keep up with her workouts makes me know that if she can do it, so can I.

Second is a client of mine from Portland.  “G” was in medical school finishing up her residency at the time I met her.  She could only afford two half hour sessions a month, so during those two sessions, I showed her four routines that she could complete in rotation for thirty days until we met next.  Despite getting off work at 5am and having to attend class as well, I still saw her four days a week, in the gym, with a smile, diligently doing everything I showed her.  I know, that if she could do it, so can I.

Lastly is the most influential person on my motivation to keep moving.  It’s my Dad 🙂  I am so proud of him and so lucky to have someone to look up to that has continued to maintain amazing physical shape and capability.  At 65 years old, he just won the title of “OLDEST GUY EVER” to win the La Jolla Shores Beach Volleyball Tournament.  Entrants in the tournament ranged in age from sub-20’s to my Dad at 65.  This was the 52nd annual tournament and prior to my Dad, the “OLDEST GUY EVER” was in his 50’s!  Thanks Dad, for being someone who shows me that despite aches and pains and stress at work you will continue to get down to the beach and do what you love to do while keeping up with kids more than half your age!  I know I want to continue being physically active until the day I die, and because I have such a great role model in this realm, I know that IF HE CAN DO IT, SO CAN I!

Choose your motivator, or feel free to use one of mine!  Use their successes to create you own.

I heard a great statement the other day from “fully raw Kristina.” (check her out on You Tube)  She said something to the effect of, “If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?”  Think about that.

Start today!  Move, get motivated, get out there and do something for you!  Regular physical activity is something that will benefit you for the rest of your life.  Go out there and get started!

-xo

E