So you were doing great, exercising a few times a week, drinking water, eating healthier options, the works…and then all of sudden, out of nowhere, you just totally stopped. Weird how that happens, right?

It happens to the best of us.

Even the healthiest, most fit people have experienced it. At least you’ve recognized that you fell off the wagon, now we just gotta get you back up to speed so you can jump back on!

Okay, first thing’s first…

1. You need to cut it.

You probably feel guilty and I’m sure that you already beat yourself up about it. So, just stop it. For real, stop it. That’s enough. Guilt won’t change anything, it’ll just make you feel absolutely horrible. Since feeling horrible is the total opposite of our goal here, you need to cut it. No guilt. Don’t make yourself feel bad. No negative thoughts about yourself or your body. None of it! Which brings me to my next point here….

2. Keep it positive.

You’ve noticed that you need to make some changes and that’s all that matters because you’re heading in the right direction. Don’t beat yourself up, just get ready to take some action and know that you’re on your way. Really get in the habit of noticing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. For every negative thought or comment you make, replace it with three positive ones. Really get in the habit of noticing your negative self talk because the more you can recognize it, the easier it’ll be to stop and replace it with some happy, positive, self-love.

3. Set your goal.

So to start out, we gotta get you set up with your goal so that you know exactly where you’re heading. What’s your goal? What will get you out of bed early to make it happen? Get VERY specific and VERY clear. “I want to lose weight” isn’t clear or specific and it won’t get anyone out of bed early. There’s no heart in it. You can’t visualize it and it doesn’t give you a clear picture of where you’ll be once you reach your goal.   Also, if your goal is big, break it down into sections and just focus on the first section now. Otherwise it’s real easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. We just want baby steps to get started. 

4. Include your WHY.

Set a deadline for your goal and include WHY you want to reach this goal. Why you absolutely HAVE to reach this goal. How will you feel once you do? What will your life look like once you do? Create a very clear picture and think of as many reasons as you can for WHY you have to get there.

5. Create an action plan & then TAKE ACTION.

Okay, here’s where it gets real. Here’s what separates the people who succeed from the people who continue to “wish” for it. You wouldn’t start a cross-country road trip without a plan for where you’re going or how to get there, would you? Well, don’t start your fitness journey without a clear set goal and action plan either–it’s your roadmap. What will it take to reach your goal? How many times a week will you exercise? When will you exercise? What type of exercise will you do? For how long? Will you hire a trainer or do it on your own? These are all questions you’ll need to answer to create an action plan and get started. Think of every detail. Think of the things that could possible deter you from your goal and note them. How will you overcome those things if they arise? Get very clear.

6. Schedule it & set yourself up for success.

Now that you have your action plan, schedule those workouts. Put in on your books and set an appointment with yourself, just like any other important appointment. Now, what will you need in order to succeed with making that appointment happen? Maybe you need to enlist a friend to keep you accountable, or maybe you need to pack a gym bag the night before so you’re ready to go in the morning. Whatever it is, make it happen and set yourself up for success.

7. Start Slow.

Remember that your body has probably changed some since the last time you worked out, and that’s okay, but don’t try to jump right back in right where you left off. This is just a recipe for disappointment and injury. A lot of people set a fitness goal and then they try to go all out, push too hard, or change too much at once. Then they end up overwhelmed, overworked and eventually they quit. Don’t be this person. Start slow, and ease yourself back into this new lifestyle. Focus on one change at a time-NOT everything all at once.

8. Be Patient.

Just know that this new lifestyle will take some time to adjust to and you won’t see results overnight. BUT you will see results as long as you stick with it. It’ll take time & consistent effort but you WILL get there. Be patient with yourself and learn to love the process. If you don’t love it, you won’t stick to it. If you’re hating your workouts, you haven’t found the right one yet. There are a million different workouts and ways to move your body. Find one that you actually enjoy to do.  

If you’re looking for a place to start and a support system of other amazing women, my Start Strong Challenge is starting up again this month! Sign up here for FREE and get the jumpstart you need to make this fitness thing a lifestyle!

I’m so excited for you to jump back on the wagon and make fitness a part of your lifestyle! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Just know that you’re supported, you can do this, and you WILL!

As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out!

Until next time,

Xoxo

Ashley