Last Updated Mar 2011
Whether you welcome change or cringe at the thought of it, you will experience it many times during your lifetime. The hardest changes to make are those where you are in control. These types of changes require you to be diligent and committed to the goal. Learn how you can transform your body into the one you’ve always wanted by following these six simple steps!
Get Ready to Go, Now!
The first step to change is to decide to do it. Sounds simple, huh? But this is so crucial. If you start this process and you’re not ready, you will fail. Get the waffling out of the way; decide right now that changing your body is not only what you want to do but what you will do.
Decide How
OK, you’re on a roll, you’ve made the decision and you’re on “Go!” Now what? You can’t move forward without deciding how you will accomplish this goal. Can you do it by yourself? Do you need to hire a trainer, nutritionist or wellness coach? Maybe you’ll need all three. Should you join a gym, boxing or Pilate’s studio, or stock up on fitness magazines and TiVo your favorite fitness shows? Either way, the decision has to be made by you. And it must be what you will do and continue to do until you reach your goal.
Enlist Support
Everyone needs a little nudge now and then. It’s critical that you get people and resources in your corner to help you on your journey. Support can come in many forms; friends, family, nursing colleagues and online buddies are all excellent choices. Also think “outside the box,” set up alarms on your PDA or email program for working out and eating meals. Sign up on an online fitness forum so you can talk to other people who mimic your situation and can keep you going.
Clean Out Your Kitchen
Since proper nutrition can account for up to 75% of your success, you must ensure that the place where you are probably tempted most is ready for this journey. Your kitchen should only contain healthy choices, meaning no processed or refined products that contain white flour or sugar. Throw out anything that resembles snack cakes, ding-dongs and chips, and stock up on a variety of vegetables and fruits. If you don’t buy it, there’s less chance of you slipping up and eating it.
Dress for Success
Wear clothing that is made for your activity. There’s noting worse than suffering through a workout with ill-fitting clothing or items that don’t move with your body. Buy new things if you must. If you’re confused about what to get, consult an associate at your local fitness apparel shop.
Maintain a “Can-Do” Attitude
Finally, it’s all about your attitude. You can do this and you have to believe it each and every day that you are on this journey. It you don’t believe that you can do it, no one else will. So, get the change started now!
Need tools to help you implement your new “Get in Shape” program? Visit www.optimumbodysculpting.com to get free tools to help you or your patients get in shape and stay that way!
By Carol Dunlop