SmartMom

So you went into the New Year with a full tank fueled by resolutions to get fit and healthy, right? Now that we’re well into the second quarter, you might find some of that initial vigor and enthusiasm starting to wane. Rest assured that not only is this behavior common, it’s also very normal. It’s time to reclaim your motivation. For some, that’s as simple as drawing inspiration from a new bikini hung in plain sight. For others, getting psyched up may require more of a plan. Here are a few strategic tips you can implement today to address some of the common pitfalls, and keep you right on track to a lifetime of health and fitness:

>> The Plateau: Perhaps you’ve found yourself perched on the edge of a plateau where you no longer see those rewarding changes you saw earlier in the year (i.e. weight loss, muscle definition, etc.). This stagnating phase can actually be a good sign. Seeing fewer visible results is an indication that your body has adapted to what was once challenging and is now more easily attainable. If you find yourself thinking of your to-do list during your workout, chances are you’ve hit a plateau. Time to step it up! Change your routine and reach for new challenges: Add a little more weight to your strength training, increase the resistance on the elliptical or crank up the speed on the treadmill. Avoid adding more time to your workout, unless it’s a realistic and permanent change. As you move forward, be sure to evaluate what you’re doing, and check your results at regular intervals so you don’t slip into another plateau. New challenges equal results – and that equals motivation!

>> Two steps back: Whether you skipped a workout or have completely fallen off the wagon, it’s time to rebound. Don’t berate yourself or obsess over your missteps. Simply pick yourself back up and move on. It’s important that we treat these minor slip-ups for what they are and handle them just as we would any other aspect of our lives. If you had a bad day at work, you wouldn’t scrap your entire career, right? Put it in perspective and move forward. Realize that you slipped, figure out why you slipped and learn about yourself within the context of this mistake. Be strategic and prepare your reaction for when this situation arises again. Often, this is the time that old habits and obstacles (tempting foods, time constraints, schedule conflicts, traveling, etc.) creep back into our lives. Figure out what the trigger was to your downfall, be prepared for it next time and beat it. Game on!

>> Refocus and reconnect: Step outside of the day-to-day concerns that might run you off course, and take time to refocus and reconnect to the reasons why fitness and health really matter to you. Remember those motivating factors that led you to the gym or bike path at the start of the year. While health and fitness should be a lifestyle, you may have immediate goals (your cousin’s wedding or an upcoming 10k), as well as long-term goals (staying healthy for your kids, for example). Keep these motivators at the top of your mind and close at heart, so that your commitment to health and fitness is personal. So, when that alarm sounds at 5 a.m., you’re inspired to get moving.


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