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Are you Working Hard
Enough?
Most instructors know how
hard you are working, and that you aren't always working at
your highest potential. Example: You are in a
weight-training situation and even though you've been doing
the same moves for months, you're still using the same
weights….the same five pound weights. You wonder why you
aren't getting stronger. Guess what? You aren't challenging
your muscles when you always choose the same weights. So,
pick up something heavier. What's the worst thing that can
happen? If it’s too heavy, switch back to the lighter
weights and finish the class. Switch weights often if you
want to see results.
Here’s another example:
You’re in a high energy cardio class. There are people that
are going to go half-speed the entire class. And then there
are those that work half-speed, half way through to take a
break, chit chat, sip some water, then slowly rejoin the
class! You know how I know? Because I CAN SEE YOU! Don't
worry, I’m not staring at you while you work out. My job as
your instructor is to scan the room for safety reasons and
to see how hard you're working. I promise you….. you'll see
better results when you take fewer breaks and put in a bit
more effort.
Compete Only With
Yourself!
Stop comparing yourself to
the other people in class. Who knows what they had for
breakfast or lunch? Who knows how many workouts a week they
do when you don't see them? After all, it's not about
them.It's about you and what you can achieve! Whenever I
teach class, I want my students thinking, "Today I am going
to do more than I did last time. I am going to jump a little
higher! I’m going to do a few more sit ups than before.
I’m going to pick up the eight-pound dumbbells instead of
the five-pound." You go to fitness classes to improve
yourself. We all have special strengths and abilities. You
may struggle at push-ups but you can plank for two minutes.
You may have spaghetti arms but can crush squats all day
long. Just Be You, Do You! Don't worry about anyone else.
Stay in your lane, stay on your own mat, mentally and
physically and watch you fitness levels bloom!
Accept What You Can't
Change
Set reasonable
expectations. You can't do 1,000 burpees in 10 minutes! You
can’t do 100 push-ups in two minutes! You will
never change
the biology of your body. If you're bottom heavy, you will
likely always trend that way when gaining weight. If all the
women in your family get saggy underarms by the time they
are 40, you probably will too. If your mother, grandmother
and aunts have large rear ends, chances are your rear end is
going to be pretty large too! However, you can tone and
shape that rear end, heavy or not. You can strengthen and
tighten your triceps to help that underarm sag. But
remember: there is no amount of exercise that will
completely transform you into someone else — and you
shouldn't want it to. You were made to be you, YOUnique and
special! You can be the very best you possible, and that
should be your goal. Once you accept that, you can stop
fighting your body and start working with it to achieve your
goals.
Are You Rewarding Workouts
With Food?
We all do it. Now that
I've worked out, I can go have that platter of pasta I've
been craving. I can hit the drive-thru for that Big Mac and
fries "because I earned it." You really haven't though.
You've earned the right to refuel your body. You've worked
so hard to achieve a higher level of fitness, to lose
weight, to feel good about yourself, and yet you sabotage
it, sometimes daily, by rewarding your workouts with food!
Take a step back from
food. Instead of it becoming a reward system, it should be a
means to an end. The reward for the work you’ve put in is
called….Pride! Satisfaction! Confident! You can't get
those things from a drive-thru. If you want the burger, eat
it. But don't confuse yourself about why you’re having it.
You haven't "earned" it. You've allowed it. And that's OK,
once in a while. The next time you see the double arches or
any fast food restaurant….think about where you are
physically headed and whether that detour is worth it on
your path to being in the best shape of your life! If not,
keep driving.
I wish you much luck on
your path to health and wellness. Don’t drag yesterday’s
mistakes into today! Start each day with a fresh mind.
Take each class as if it's your last class. Be kind to
yourself: You've only got one body – so help it - help you -
go the distance to look and feel your best!!!
Yours In Fitness!
Angela R. Steward
Certified Fitness Professional
Group Fitness Trainer
Head Instructor and Owner of
FABULOUSLY FIT GEM
5425 Southwyck Blvd.
Toledo, Ohio 43614
Classes: Mon 6p, Tues 6p, Wed 6pm & Sat 9a
Email:
FabFitu@yahoo.com
Phone: 419-699-9399
Stop into any class, your first visit is….FREE!!!!
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