5 tips to keep your fitness goals

…because making your fitness goals is the easy part and keeping them is the real kicker, right? I’ve ridden the roller coaster and fought the battle of the bulge. In fact, I’ve lost as much as 50 and 75 pounds on a couple of occasions, and finally swore that I didn’t care what happened, I was NOT doing that again, because it’s not worth the pain and suffering for all parties involved. Let’s toast to that!

So today I thought I’d share a few things that I’ve found help me stick to the plan. I go back and forth a bit, but in general, I’ve been my current weight for 9 years. Including the birth of our second child. Ok, well, I guess I gained just what the dr said I should for that, and then dropped it immediately. The way you’re supposed to be able to, but I never had before.  I’m sure that epiphany involved learning how to avoid eating massive volumes of strawberry cheesecake ice cream. And chocolate.  And that “eating for two” really means you get an extra 200 calories per day. That’s a slice of toast, people. Not matter if you feel like you could consume an entire side of beef. It also involved  walking and swimming during the whole ordeal. (No, I don’t understand women who enjoy pregnancy. Ever. I always felt it was more like something to be survived. Metal worthy survival, even. I still have nightmares and our youngest son is seven years old.)

Whoa. Back on track. So this in my tried and tested shortlist of tips for sticking with your fitness goals. Specifically for women and moms.

1.) Get your family {or friends} involved. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing jumping jacks, yoga, or running at the track/trail. Kids love it. And even if you have to coax them or chat with them at first about things, it’s ok. Take the time to explain to them that regular exercise isn’t about being athletic. It’s about taking care of your body, and your body needs a certain amount of physical activity. Scientific fact. The younger you get used to the idea, the better.

We meet my husband at the track 1-2 times per week and walk or run together. We also ran a 5K together with other family members last year. It was awesome. Our youngest son still talks about how they played “eye of the tiger” on race day while he ran next to his uncle who is 6’4″. That’s a big stride difference, yo. We all laugh about how my sister had to haul our oldest up by the arm when the finish line was in sight saying, “Ooooohhh, no! You’re finishing! It’s right there! Then you can get your Starbucks frappicino!” We created memories that will last a lifetime in the process of reaching a great fitness goal. Hopefully without inducing the need for therapy later in life.

2. Partner up to stay accountable. My sister and I chat about our goals regularly: our latest yoga routine, or what we’re running. We always say good things and don’t talk about our level of fitness. It’s about showing up on the regular. We all know that we look like awkward chickens flapping our wings instead of super models who don’t even break a sweat, so just get over it. We have our moments when we moan and groan, but honestly, it’s more about having someone to moan and groan out loud to. Who isn’t our husband/fiance/boyfriend/significant other. Because no one likes where that conversation goes. As women you know this results in the eye cut to the side – “what are you talking about? You look GREAT honey!” Um. Yeah.  Guys don’t get the way we women discuss this issue ad nauseum.

My husband and I do meet up for running dates, because if we set a loose schedule and say we’ll meet, we’re not as tempted to plop into the chair at the end of the day without exercising. And occasionally I’ll rope him into a yoga session. Well, not literally, but you know. I glean a certain amount of satisfaction watching him sweat and puff and totter all the while knowing I can’t lift a fraction of the weight he’s pressing regularly at the gym. {insert evil laugh}

3. Invest in your success. No, I’m not talking about going out and blowing a bunch of money on primo workout gear that you’ll never wear. I’m talking about investing in individual pieces that contribute to your success. Are you running like we do? Buy a great pair of running shoes – like go to one of those shops that checks your stride and get fitted. Sign up for a race that will help you stay on track with your training. Take care of “the girls” by investing in a great fitting sports bra. Purchase a decent jogger/stroller if your kid is too young to run beside you. Maybe invest a bit of money in a gym membership or a class – because when I pay for something, I’m far less likely to skip out. Because, seriously. I could have bought something I really wanted with that money.

4. Set a schedule. I set a flexible schedule that meets my weekly goals. For example, my goal is to get two running sessions and two yoga sessions in per week. The days depend on my schedule for that week. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday work best for me, so I check in with my husband to see which days work to meet up for a run, and schedule my yoga that other two days. It takes a bit of thought and planning, but it’s worth it.

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Our life is super busy. My goal is four times a week. More often I make three times. Because things come up, plans change, I have an influx of orders that need to go out, or a deadline that can’t be moved. If I get down on the fact that I missed that fourth session, I’m more likely to skip the planning all together for the next week. And yes. I have weeks when I don’t get a single session in. The important thing is to get right back in there and plan for the following week. The best results come from just trying to be as consistent as possible.

So chin up, buttercup. It’s still early in the year. You’ve got time to break and renew your resolutions. But you shouldn’t skip out on health and fitness goals. You’ll be happier overall if you stick to them. Now I’m off to bake some cookies.