It’s pretty hard to believe that it’s been only two years, because it feels like a lifetime ago that I completed my transformation. And if you know me at all by now you know that it’s NEVER really completed. But I had to draw a line in the sand somewhere to declare that I’d reached my first set of goals (though even they morphed and changed along the way during that first year, and have continued to do so ever since).
There is so much I wrote last year that still applies today, so I have repeated it here. However, I am including the key updates because some things have changed dramatically, and I want make sure the full picture is painted for you. And I want to stress that if you are in the same fitness place you were when you read this last year (and you were on your way somewhere else), I STRONGLY encourage you to reread this testimonial to help you reassess your position.
Regardless of where your find yourself, I wish you clarity in locating your unique slice of real estate along the healthy lifestyle spectrum. And if you feel like you’re about to capsize in the wake of the massive informational swells swirling around out there, just know that I would be honored to serve as your personal cruise director.
Now. Let’s get on with it!
They say the hardest part of a weight loss program is keeping it off. I couldn’t disagree more. Once you get a taste of the AFTERlife (life after you have reached your goals) there is no going back. Progress has been one of the single-most effective means of keeping me motivated, and I still stand by that today - 2 years after completing my transformation.
No amount or type of food can satisfy me more than the sweet taste of feeling and looking healthy and strong. I have covered the feeling portion of this lifestyle’s benefits. Now let’s talk about some of the fun physical aspects that I don’t usually mention.
You all know that I am no stranger to indulgence and really enjoy food, but at the end of the day, how does a 15-minute foodgasm really stack up against the following?
- Wearing virtually any clothing I want (shorts that show my thighs, clingy tank tops and bikinis).
- Being told by a lifter whom I admire that I am the “most bad-ass chick at the gym”.
- Having people literally gasp when I tell them I’m 45. GASP.
- Getting asked if I compete and urged repeatedly to do so. Still.
- Hearing from other personal trainers that their clients always ask for my arms.
- Continued success with adding definition in trouble spots that have plagued me forever. So much so, that even a few of the seasoned female lifters I know are beginning to take notice.
- Having enough people interested in what I’m doing to successfully support a website and now fitness coaching business.
Of all these, the last bullet-point is by far the most inspiring, and what keeps me going day in and day out. However, that is not to say some of the other stuff isn’t completely wonderful and amazing too. If feels good to get recognition for what you’ve accomplished, and I’m so humbled to be considered as an authority on any aspect of fitness whatsoever, despite my recent certifications. In fact, I received my Certified Personal Trainer credential almost 2 years to the day of this anniversary. Did that happen by accident? Probably not, given my tendency towards progression patterns. I’ve always got something cooking, and this year I enjoyed a veritable smorgasbord at the fitness table.
So back to keeping it off. At this point it’s absolutely a no-brainer. A NO-BRAINER, kind readers. I’ve done all the hard work of changing my mindset, destroying unhealthy habits and putting my words into action. Committing to a consistent workout routine is tough, and switching your entire meal plan to clean eating can be excruciating in the beginning stages. Why why WHY would I want to relive that? Really. Why? I have worked my way from dreading workout days to relishing them. Wanting crappy food to CRAVING nutrient dense whole foods. With this new way of living I can just keep doing what I’m doing. WHO DOESN’T WANT THAT?!? And if you tell me you don’t, I’m not sure I believe you.
This year I encountered an excellent quote that I’ve now adopted into my personal mantra. It’s available here if you ever need it on your person.
If you’re tired of starting over, then STOP QUITTING.
It’s the perfect, succinct statement that sums it all up in a few words. What it means is that it is SO hard to get back on track time and time again instead of just staying on it in the first place. Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Objects that start and stop repeatedly are on a fast track to nowhere and use up an awful lot of energy just to land back at square one.
So if this is you, then I want you to pay very close attention. All the reading and researching and asking of questions isn’t enough. If you learn nothing else from this post, please understand that this is all about YOU and what you really want. YOU have to stop talking and start doing. YOU have to identify and change your patterns of failure. YOU have to pave a path for success and take control of your future.
Eating clean and working out is not the hard part. The hard part is letting go of your fear and taking what you want.
It’s right there in front of you with your name all over it.
Reach out. Take it.
OWN IT.
If I can do it, then I KNOW you can. I’m just a common mom who found an uncommon way to beat society’s plan for me.
Are you ready to exit the vortex?