Staying Consistent With Exercise: secret #2

Did you take some time to narrow your focus when it comes to your health & fitness goals?

If you missed Monday’s secret to workout consistency you can read it in my last post.

We’re moving on today and revealing the second secret to staying consistent with exercise and healthy habits in the New Year.

Secret #2: Unwavering Support

I know this may sound simple, and it is….and it isn’t at the same time.

When you think of ‘support’ what comes to mind? Many of my online clients may not realize it, but their idea of support is really just apathy or non-judgment.

As they make diet and exercise changes, family support means that the people around them are okay with their changes. They’re not telling them no, not giving them a hard time and not really getting in the way.

Don’t get me wrong, this kind of support is good because some don’t even have this! People can get very opinionated and strange when friends/family members start eating healthy and exercising. It’s a touchy, emotional subject for many people.

But what if support meant that you actually had help, encouragement and companionship?

What if feeling supported meant that you had a team around you?

What if you had someone asking you how you’re REALLY doing and how you’re relationship with your body is changing?

What if instead of going at your goals alone you were doing it alongside like-minded individuals who truly understood the ups and downs of the journey?

That is true support. That is unwavering support. And that’s what you need to stay consistent with your workouts this year.

This kind of support can be found through studios or small gyms in your town. I love when my clients (who don’t know each other outside of the studio) ask “Where have you been? We’ve missed you!” when someone has been absent for a few weeks. It’s nice to know someone cares and wants the best for you.

This kind of support can also be found online (hint hint: The Balanced Life). It’s one of my favorite things about the internet. It’s SO much easier to connect with like-minded individuals these days than it used to be.

Take advantage of it! Don’t be shy. Talk with others, join groups, and put yourself out there. True friendships and support systems can form. I see in on The Balanced Life every day.

Consider Tracy’s story. Her husband was serving in Iraq last Fall and given that the weather was changing meeting friends for walks wasn’t happening as much as she would have liked. She was determined to find support as she transformed her body for her husband’s return and she sought that through The Balanced Life.

“Having the opportunity to connect with women who were on the same journey that I am on played a PIVOTAL role in my success. I lost 10 lbs and great improved my overall muscle tone. I couldn’t have done it without support” – Tracy L.

The Facebook groups I run throughout the year are truly what make The Balanced Life special. Every day women are sharing recipe ideas, workout successes, inspiring quotes, they ask questions…it’s truly incredible to watch community form online through shared interests.

What’s amazing is these women connect because they’re all passionate about being real, being authentic and striving for balance. They’re not trying to be perfect, they’re not being restrictive or judgmental, they are truly a team. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.

If you’re lucky, unwavering support can also be found through close friends and family. Making changes isn’t always easy. Especially when there are emotional connections to the way things have always been done.

As you make healthy changes you’ll find that some friends may not be happy about you giving up your “beer and burger” tradition on Friday nights and certain family members may not be excited about removing chips, cookies and ice cream from the kitchen.

But if you take the time to truly share what this journey means to you and invite others to help you along the way, you may be surprised by the support you can find. Being inclusive will help others understand why you’re making changes and avoid the feelings of judgment and alienation that can occur when making big life changes.

Challenge: I challenge you to take an honest look at your current support system. Then rank the level of a support that you feel right now on a scale of 1-10. (1 being low, 10 being high). Post your number here in the comments or over on my Facebook page.

If you feel like you don’t have anyone on your list or on your team, send me an email. I’m here for you and so is The Balanced Life community. I’ve got a new program kicking off in a few days that may be just what you need.

Take some time to think about this and stay tuned for secret #3.

Lots of love,

PS – I’m getting ready to launch my new membership site that will incorporate all the things I believe are crucial to staying consistent with exercise throughout the year. Official details coming soon!

PPS – not so sure consistency is THAT big of a deal? Check out what Kate Hudson has to say about exercise, Pilates and consistency.