Fitness goals. LET'S GET REAL

This time of year there about a buhzillion people setting fitness goals. I think many people have been eating their way through the holidays and are about ready to give their bellies a break. If you are like the other millions of people out there, you probably start off the year really strong. Hitting the gym regularly, eating nice healthy balanced mealsand feeling pretty darn good about yourself. Unfortunately, for many, this will only last a few short weeks. The problem is that most of the time the goals you set for yourself are overly ambitious, unattainable, or at the very least, unMAINtainable. But don't throw in the towel yet! I have a few easy ways to set yourself up for success this year. No crazy diets, no insane workout schedule, just baby steps to a better you!

Before we get into more detail, here are the things you should be thinking about:

• What is/are your goal(s)?
• How are you planning to achieve them?
• What will you do once you get there?

GOAL SETTING

First things first. You have to set goals that you will be able to not only reach, but maintain over a long period of time. (Like, FOREVER!). Your objective is to make this a lifestyle right? Anyone can get crazy for 6 weeks. It's the weeks after that you should be thinking about.

If you want to be successful this year it is important to set the right kind of goals. While many diets promise you will drop 10lbs in a week, that isn't safe, nor is it maintainable. 1-2lbs of fat loss per week is what is recommended for healthy, longterm weight loss. If your overall goal is to lose 20lbs this year, break it up into smaller short term goals. For example, instead of stressing about the 20lbs, focus on increments of 5lbs. That way you can celebrate all of your small victoriesalong the way and keep working toward your bigger goal. I know when I was trying to get fit I needed constant encouragement and this is the best way to get it!

HOW TO REACH YOUR GOALS

Here comes the fun part. You actually have to make changes in both your diet and your fitness plan in order to see results. These changes themselves can be a challenge. I suggest doing the same thing we talked about in Goal Setting here. First, figure out what you need to change. Make a list of all of the things you think must change in order to see results. Cutting Sugar? Portion Control? Creating A Consistent Workout Schedule? All Of These?!? Whatever it is, these are goals too! These smaller choices are what will make or break your success in reaching your main goal. Take your list and make a plan of attack.

For example you could plan the following:

Week 1: NO SUGAR

Week 2: Increase fruits and veggies

Week 3: Workout 3 days

This allows you to slowly create healthy habits that will be moving you towards your big objective, all while teaching you how to maintain it long-term! See each smaller change you make will start to become habits and as we know…habits are tough to break.

**Print this out, write down your goals and put it somewhere you will see everyday! Snap a pic of yours and upload it to Instagramusing the hashtag#LoveSweatFitnessso we can allhelp encourage one another!

A LITTLE SOUL SEARCHING

Okay, I don't mean pack up your things and back pack around South East Asia for a month to discover who you are. I'm just talking about having a good look inside and a little convo with yourself to discover what your motives are. Your fitness journey can't be about anyone else.

You have to decide if you are willing and ready to make these changes for YOU and for good!

Many of you are probably right where I was a few years back. Sick of yo-yo dieting and never seeing results stick. There are millions of reasons you have started and stopped in the past and you need to dig deep and try to understand what those are. You the saying, "when you know, you know." When you're ready to change for good, youwillknow it. I had my "Ah hah!" moment right before meeting my husband and he helped encourage me along the way. I say it all of the time, but it shouldn't be about being a particular size or looking a certain way. It's about feeling amazingfrom the inside out and living a long, healthy, happy life!