Ripped bodies on magazine covers. Pumped muscles bulging across the TV screen. Tone, lean, mean physiques prominently displayed on billboards. They are everywhere you turn. Starring you down. Taunting you with those picture perfect bodies, telling you they are normal, you are not.
And there you are trying to lose 10 pounds and shed that muffin top. You just want to be toned, energetic, well. You can’t and don’t want to attain to the images that flash before your eyes at every turn in your journey to wellness. Well, maybe you do but let’s be realistic. Reality says, you need to make some changes, to take positive steps toward a better, healthier, happier you. Yet, the images before you make it seem impossible to stay motivated; to believe you can attain your goals; they are, frankly, depressing. Am I right?
Good news. You don’t have to look like a billboard photo to be healthy, well, fit. You don’t have to look like a cover model to be athletic, toned, even ripped. You don’t have to be anything other than you and your best you.
So, how do you do it in the face of all those perfect bodies? First, understand that they aren’t perfect. You have to remember that technology covers up a multitude of sins. Secondly, many of those perfect bodies are honed with the help of supplements so again, they are not perfect, they are not normal. Third, they are professionals. They make a living by looking good. That means their days are dedicated to the efforts of looking that way. Do you have 8 hours or more free time available in your day to strive for those perceived physical perfections? Probably not. And do you know what their diets are like two weeks before those photo shoots? You don’t want to go there.
The first step then is to set realistic goals. Don’t watch a DVD and say I want to look like that; that is my goal body. No. Determine what you want, truthfully, authentically. For example… You have a birthday coming up…maybe your 30th…and your husband is organizing a big party. You want to lose those last baby weight pounds, about 10, so you can wear that special dress hanging in your closet. You have 10 weeks to get it done. That is an attainable goal.
Next, determine how. How will you achieve your goal? Will it be through weight training, cardio routines, both? Maybe it’s dance or jogging. Decide what you like and think you will enjoy. Chose your how.
Now what? What tools are available for you to use? DVD’s, books, a gym membership, a home gym, dumbbells, treadmill? What tools are needed and are they available? Obtain, organize, prepare them.
What about a buddy to workout with? They are invaluable for success as they offer accountability and motivation. Workout buddies can push and inspire you to reach higher than you thought before. They can also be real. A workout buddy can look you in the eyes and say, “Girl, I know you ate that doughnut last night! Come on now, let’s be real here!” They can also look you in the eye and say, “Damn, you are looking lean and mean. Look at those arms!”
Most of all be forgiving. No not of those supermodels before you or those gym rats you see every day. I mean forgive yourself; for getting here in the first place; for eating that lousy doughnut last night; for letting yourself go. It’s done and over with. You have a new goal, a purpose, a mission. Let the past be the past and focus on the journey ahead.
Pace yourself. Remember your goals and stay focused in spite of all those so called beautiful bodies you see everywhere. Remember, they put their pants on the same way you do. For that matter, next time you are watching that DVD, just picture those pro’s with their pants around their ankles. It works!
I am here to help you. Contact me anytime at terressacortez@gmail.com or visit me on FaceBook at facebook.com/Terressa.coachtc
