10 Steps to Creating an Awesome Body:

Okay, so you have decided that enough is enough, and you want to get into shape, right? Let me give you a heads up; there is no magic involved, there is no quick short cut, it is a process, but it is never too late!

So, with that out of the way, let’s discuss my top 10 tips for creating an awesome, healthy, better you.

1. Accept who you are.

It is so important to accept who you are right now. You don’t have to be satisfied with where you are at, but be happy that you are here and starting a journey. Don’t beat yourself up before you’ve begun. Weigh yourself, get some measurements done and a body fat percentage done, either by a trainer or a bioscan. This is your platform, your starting point.

2. Decide on your goal.

You must have a goal in sight. A date, a size, a weight, an idea of what you want to look like. Find a picture if this helps. Write it down and look at it every day. Tell people about it, put it up on Facebook, make a statement. That way, you are more likely to hold yourself to it.

3. Create a plan.

You must have a plan. Failing to plan, is planning to fail. Whether you use a personal trainer, an online programme/trainer, you should have a professional in this field help you plan your goal, and then help you stick to it. It is so much easier and enjoyable when you have someone who knows the journey to guide you. Commit to this plan and stick to it!

4. Commit to your goal, to your plan, and to your trainer. Remove all distractions and associations that will hinder your progress, be it a temptation or just a negative influence on you. Associate with like minded people, people you meet at the gym or at the park, or who enjoy fitness and are on a similar journey. Keep away from those friends who party all the time and live on junk food; they’re a bad influence.

Do the work, eat according to the plan, and you will get there.

5. Measure your body fat percentage and keep records of your measurements, and your weight, so that you can track your progress. Sometimes, when the weight doesn’t shift on the scales, it’s these body fat measurements that are the best way to prove to yourself that your hard work is paying off.

6. Throw the scales away! Stop being so focused on the numbers on the scales. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are building muscle (which is what we want) then your weight may increase, depending on how much fat you have lost. Be more mindful of how your clothes are fitting you. Your weight will change in due course; have patience!

7. Reward yourself. Think of something to reward yourself with, like a new set of nails, a facial, a new outfit; something that tells yourself “well done” without sabotaging your progress. Small steps to a big goal need to be recognised and celebrated, but not with chocolate or a night out.

8. Get organised. Organise your food for the week, starting with Sunday. Make this your food prep day; go food shopping and get everything you need for the week, and spend a couple of hours making and preparing what you need, and freezing if needed. This will mean that there is always something for dinner and for lunch, and all the healthy snacks you need. Plan your exercise for the week too, and make sure your gym bag is packed with the right clothes and shoes needed for your workout. Make sure you know what you are doing every day so that you are not walking around aimlessly at the gym wasting time.

9. Knowledge. Become interested in what you are achieving, and what is happening to your body as your lifestyle changes. Learn why it is so important to have muscle for weight loss, learn the best types of cardio for fat loss, and learn what the best foods to consume are and why. Facebook and the internet have many sites  that can teach you all that you need to know.

10. Last of all, the big one – BELIEF!

Believe that you can do this, believe that you can achieve your goal. Believe that you are worthy, and deep down your love for yourself is the key to all of the above. There are two words that you must stop using, they are “try” and “maybe”. Wipe these words from your vocabulary, they only serve to replace belief with doubt.

Now, go for it!