Just Show Up!

Knowing what to do to get fit is one thing—actually doing it is another animal entirely!

Right now, there are probably tons of habits that are a part of your daily and weekly routine, which all contribute to your current level of fitness.

In order to improve your fitness, you have to improve your habits and routines.

As you seek to build new habits into your life, in the beginning, focus on the three foundational habits I discussed in my previous post: get active more often, watch what you eat (following the MyPlate model), and boost your metabolism with some resistance training 2-3 times each week.

Once you’ve set your goals, that’s when the hard part begins--sticking to these goals.

In the beginning, it’s important to give yourself some grace while you’re getting used to a new fitness routine. All of this takes time--probably more time than you would prefer!

You’re not always going to “feel like it.”

Maybe you’ll have a stressful day at work, or sleep well the night before, or you just may not be in the mood. 

Show up anyway.

Do your workout—even if you can’t go full intensity! Get your steps in and make a healthy plate at each meal because you’ve made a commitment to yourself.

Building new habits isn’t easy, and your brain and body are going to resist you! 

However every time you show up for one of your healthy new habits, it makes it easier to show up the next time. 

Remember that our bodies and brains are geared towards making repeated behaviors automatic. It doesn’t want to change unhealthy behaviors that are already automatic! But the more that you show up for your healthy habits, the less resistance you’ll get from your system in the future.

Even when you’re not feeling it--especially when you’re not feeling it--show up anyway. This is where it counts the most.