Psych!!!

Everyone needs a little kickstart every once in a while, and sometimes, you really can't count on anyone but yourself to psych yourself up. It is perfectly normal to have a dip in your motivation, but you can bring it back up all on your own with a few of these tips.

Revisit your Goals - Take a look back at what your original goals were. Did you aim a bit too high, or set unrealistic goals? That is a recipe for disaster, because you are human, and setting yourself up for failure is not how you want to approach your weight loss and fitness goals. If you are not losing weight at the rate you expected, just take a minute to think about your lifestyle, what you are willing (and not willing) to sacrifice, and if your original weight loss goal fits within that plan. Talk to your trainer and get some help setting a realistic goal.

Find a New Motivation - We all want to look fantastic in a bikini, but look deeper and find a motivator that is less superficial. For instance, shoot for lowering your blood pressure, or relieving stress, rather than looking like a Victoria's Secret model. If you approach your weight loss program from a health standpoint, you may see your goals achieved much more quickly. The weight will fall off as you achieve healthier stats all around. In recent studies women that only worked out to look better spent 40-50% less time exercising than women that were working out for non-appearance-related goals. Have your cholesterol checked, or your BMI, and work toward the goal of lowering those numbers, and see what happens.

Teach on Old Dog a New Trick - Gaining a new skill can up your confidence, and get you working out more often, to hone that new skill. Taking a series of yoga classes, or taking on a 5 or 10k race can do the trick…something new, and with a specific goal at the end, such as completing the race in under 30 minutes, or being able to do a handstand for 60 seconds.

Talk it out - Find a few meaningful sayings or slogans that can inspire you, and make them a part of your daily life. Mine is "Someone busier than you is running right now". I stole that from a Nike ad, actually. Their "Just Do It" campagin is short, sweet, and to the point. If you practice yoga, take a traditional chant and repeat that throughout the day. Or if you see something in a magazine, on a billboard, whatever, that inspires you, just repeat it, write it on a few post-it notes and stick them around your home and office, even your car dashboard.

Be eXcellent! Ms. X

Your Irvine Personal Training Expert