Are you discouraged that the number on the scale doesn’t seem to budge? That you don’t have the energy to complete that hour hike in the hills? That you simply don’t have the time to work out? Or the motivation to get to the gym at the end of the day?

You’re not alone!

My #1 rule for exercise is that it should never be a chore.
If fitting in a workout causes you additional stress, then you need to reevaluate your approach.

First of all, there are a lot of unrealistic expectations placed on women in society. We look at fashion magazines and movie stars and the women considered most beautiful are also frighteningly slim. We look at those same sources and the men considered most handsome and desirable range from super fit to not so much.

Not fair, right?? Only if you put any value to those sources.

Our reality is much more simple. We don’t need to be a certain weight to get a job, we need to be happy with ourselves and our goals.

Being healthy and fit is absolutely attainable by following these three simple steps:

Think Big, but Start Small
Set your goal. Set your deadline for reaching it. Now, break it down into a series of smaller goals. Maybe it’s getting to the gym at least three days this week. Three days is all it takes to start seeing and feeling a difference. That’s a lot more manageable, right?

As you progress, start challenging yourself a bit more. Again, you don’t need to take giant leaps forward (for instance, from three days to six days). Maybe you’re still going only three days a week, but you continue to increase the intensity of your workout. Or, you add weights to an otherwise all cardio routine.

Finally, I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating … Recruit a partner! Being accountable to someone other than yourself will rid you of any excuse to get out of this exercise time.

Focus on Fit
Pay no attention to the number on the scale! Especially in your initial weeks of a new routine, you may not see the scale budge too much. This is entirely to do with muscle weighing more than fat.

If you’re losing fat, but gaining muscle, then you’re not going to see a change on the scale. However, you are going to notice how your clothes are fitting differently. This is the best reinforcement to continuing a routine – we ALL want to feel better in our clothes!

Though, be mindful of how your mindset might shift when you notice your clothes are looser. You will probably think that you deserve a treat (and you do from time to time!), but don’t let this derail all the hard work you’ve already put in! At these moments, take a second to remember your ultimate goal and assess what you need to do to be able to reach this goal by your deadline.

Work Activity into your Day
This is really where the FUN comes in. Any sort of activity that gets you moving is a part of your fitness routine. Some of my favorites:
– Midday walk with a friend
– Hiking the Hills
– D.A.N.C.E (anytime and everywhere!)
– Housework blaring your favorite music (see above)
– Take the stairs, but make it a challenge – try to beat the elevator
– Walk, Rollerblade or Bike along the beach
– Watch a comedy and LAUGH
– Walk the mall
– Walk to the grocery store and enjoy the sunshine
– Really, just walk as much as possible!