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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n17)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Getting Started - by Laura Minor
posted: Aug. 17, 2012

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Getting Started
You have probably noticed that I regularly have guest columnists write for my column; and I love doing so. No, I'm not a slacker... I find it an awesome way to share other perspectives of health and wellness through my trainers. This is the first article that is authored by my amazing client Jen K. She has been working with me for a year and has made incredible strides. I thought it would be great to share her story through her own words. Enjoy!

We find ourselves saying it all the time, "wow, I really need to lose weight." But, at what point do you decide that enough is enough, and you have to make a major change? The answer to that question likely is unique to every individual, maybe it was seeing a picture of yourself and realizing that you didn't look the way you thought you did, maybe you have avoided mirrors for quite a while and suddenly were faced with one you couldn't ignore, or maybe you decided that you wanted to get fit for an upcoming race or activity. For me, it was a combination of all of the above. I saw a picture and was horrified, then I took a long look in the mirror and knew I was unhappy with what I saw. Next, I signed up for the Mini. No matter what the reason, I knew it was time for a change, and I knew the time was now. But, how would I get started? And more importantly, how would I keep going, when the scale stopped moving downward and it seemed I had been plateaued for months. Over the course of the past year, I have lost 60 pounds. How did I do it? I cleaned up my diet, started exercising, and created a few rules along the way.
#1 - Establish your goals, write them out, and keep them somewhere you can see them regularly. Then, break the larger down into smaller parts. Are you out to lose a specific amount of weight? Do you want to try out a new diet for a certain period of time? Do you want to fit into a specific size designer jean? Take your bigger goal and break it down. The more you can feel accomplishment and ownership over your goals, the more motivated you will be to continue. Choose a treat or something to reward yourself with when you meet your goals.
#2 - Schedule your workouts and track your food. Every workout, whether with a personal trainer, going to a class, or out for a run, went on my calendar. I didn't count calories, I chose healthy food in smaller portions and wrote the food down. Don't lie to yourself, write everything down that goes into your mouth.
#3 - Don't get mad at yourself. There will be mistakes. You will eat something that isn't healthy. You might miss a workout once in a while. You're human, it happens. An infrequent dessert, one missed workout, or one extra snack - these things won't ruin your weight loss strategy. The important part is forgiving yourself and moving forward. Also, don't let one slip-up ruin your diet for the day. I used to say "well, I already ate (insert unhealthy dessert here), I might as well keep going." Stop it before you get out of control and lose the entire day.
#4 - Recognize when you're bored with your workouts and don't be scared to try something new. My goal is 5-6 workouts per week. Doing the same thing that many times per week can get boring, easily. Mix it up, try different classes at different gyms. If you can, find coupons for gyms in the area. At one point I was going to classes at 7 different gyms. Sometimes I got nervous at a new place, but they are happy to have you, and half of the battle is just getting yourself there.
When the scale starts moving downward, you'll know all of the lifestyle changes are paying off. Set goals, make them feasible, determine you rewards, and plan how you'll get there. You'll be glad you did.



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
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