Other people telling you......it's okay.

So as you may or may not know, I'm in the last two weeks of getting ready for a photo shoot in Canada:)  To get ready for any kind of modeling which is fitness based takes (at least in my opinion) a great amount of discipline and strength, and it is by no means easy.  The very act of preserving my muscle, and getting quite lean at the same time requires planning, and science.  Let's just say that after years of doing this, I know what it takes.

Enter into the equation the opinions that other people often give:  You don't need to be so strict, you're perfect just the way you are just this once won't hurt you, why can't you have a drink?  It's no big deal....

Here is the thing, when I have a target that I need to hit, no one is going to move me from that target.  This is a photo shoot, and I believe in showing up ready, not expecting, or needing to be photoshopped.  When you see a picture of me, that is really my body,  I worked for it, I earned it, and I did it in a slow and steady, healthy way.  It's not my genetics, it's not a pill, it's hard work and planning.  When people tell me that I can just have one, or relax today, I remind myself that we have drastically different goals, and that yes, they can have one.......but if I want what I want.....then I have to fuel my body the right way, and treat it like it's my business, because that is exactly what it is.  I'm not having a martini, or a plate of fries right now......I have a goal on mind.

People don't need to understand your eating, or why you jump rope like Rocky in the boxing room, they don't need to be in a magazine, or to be able to do 10 pull ups.....everyone's goals are different....but it's your job to remember and protect yours.  If you don't know how to get there, then learn.....but whatever you do, don't take advice from someone that doesn't share your goal.  Live it, feel it....do it.

Stay gorgeous and healthy and get after it!

Megan

Tabata .........the best kept fat burning secret:)

Tabata is one of my favorite (okay, and least favorite) fat burning secrets.  I love it, because it works.....and really reaches into those hard to get to stores of abdominal fat, but I hate it because......well because it's a grueling 4 minutes!  Tabata is an exercise protocol that was created in Tokyo, Japan.  To do a round of Tabata, you need 4 minutes.  I personally love to go in the boxing room at my gym and set a timer so I don't lose track of time, but you can do it anywhere that there is a wall clock.  For 20 seconds, you do an exercise at your maximum intensity.  I do kettlebell swings, high knee jumping rope, or burpees.  You could also do the elliptical, or jumping jacks.....there are many options.  So 20 seconds of hard work, followed by 10 seconds of rest, then repeat until 4 minutes are over.  At first you may not think it's that hard, but after a few rounds, trust me....it will be grueling.  It brings to min pre-season soccer practice when I was in high school, where I just couldn't imagine finishing the workouts!  That said, your metabolism will be cranking when you are done, fat will be burning.....and you will most definitely have a workout high.  I love, love this workout, and that I can be done with my cardio in 4 minutes!  When I really want to push myself, I do two rounds with 2 minutes in between, that's it, that's enough:)

stay gorgeous and healthy!

Megan