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

Who told you not to get your hopes up???????

Yesterday I was having a chat with a lovely client of mine, and as we talked about her upcoming job interview.....she was a little nervous (who wouldn't be? ) and said that she was worried, because she knew other people who had interviewed with the same company, and were not hired.  First of all, she's smart as a whip, funny, educated, kind and dare I say drop dead gorgeous?  The job is in the fashion industry, and it's right up her alley.

I told her that for the next few days I want her to visualize herself through all of the steps of the interview process....arriving on time:), giving clear and concise answers during the interview, accepting an offer, and actually seeing herself at work, and happy at the job.  So many times we create a self fulfilling prophecy because we "don't want to get out hopes up"....well guess what?  If you want to succeed, then you MUST think big, believe in future opportunities, and have hope.   When you see something in your minds eye, your body will follow!

When I was in high school, and struggling a bit as a downhill ski racer, I found a book on visualization on the bookshelf at my mom's house.  It was a thin, outdated copy from the mid seventies.....but it told me all that I needed to know.  I started closing my eyes for a few minutes every night, and imagining myself at a ski race.  I saw myself in the gate anxious and excited for my run, and approaching each gate with an early line of preparation, carving my edges smoothly into the snow, overcoming the deep ruts left by the earlier skiers effortlessly.  I imagined my team mates hugging me with excitement, and my mom talking about how proud she was.....  I can't even tell you how fast I advanced in my skiing the year I started visualizing.  People were amazed at how fast I improved, and the confidence I suddenly seemed to have.  Just like I said in another post, what you focus on....is what will be.  If in your mind, you think that you will hook your ski tip on a gate, you will.  Everything that you want, needs to start with your beliefs.

Finding your motivation......

What is it exactly that will get, or keep you in shape?  I have always found that planning something in the future, as a goal, is what motivates me to be in shape.  Vacations, weddings, photo shoots, dance competitions......oh did I say weddings plural?  Haha, oops!  I'm just a touch Elizabeth Taylor aren't I?  Well....things could be worse than having something in common with her:)  I always have something planned for the future, which motivates me to look my best.  If I have a latin dance competition, I hang my tiny dance dress on the door to remind myself to stay on track.  If I didn't always have something coming up, I think it would be tough to stay on track.  What's your goal?  Is there something coming up in the future that you would experience differently if you felt better about yourself?

You make time for anything important in life

So many times people ask me for fitness tips, and then when I talk about working out ( which on an average week take me no longer than 4 hours max) or packing lunches for work, and preparing a few other meals.....I get a shocked look and the dreaded:  I don't have time for that!  Ok, so we are all busy....but if you REALLY look at your day, I bet you can cut down on some of the ways you are wasting time, and spend it taking care of yourself.  do you have time to....? :

• watch tv
• text
• talk on the phone
• shop
• sit on your computer
• shop

That's what I thought!  Now stop doing one of those things for 30 minutes a day, and exercise!  You know you have time, just make it important......no excuses!  Oh my gosh, isn't that a brand or was it in the 90's???

I'm off to finish packing for my photo shoot in LA!  xoxo

* looks like in this picture I had "time" to sit on Maggie's couch eating junk food:)  I bet I could have had  "time" for a walk instead:)  xoxo

Dieting and saboteurs

One thing that I have always found, is that the closer I get to my goal....for a photo shoot, or vacation.....the harder it gets to stick to it.  Now part of this is just the fact that I have been being really consistent on plan for a while, and I miss certain treats....but the other factor is something that everyone should be aware of:  Not everyone in your life actually wants you to be successful in your dieting efforts!  Certain people will suddenly tell you that "you should stop now" and perhaps even drop off some of your favorite treats.  It could be your boyfriend, best friend or co-worker, it could be anyone.  That said, the reasoning behind what they are doing could be perfectly innocent, but whatever it is.....as long as your goals are reasonable....stick to them.  Of course I hope that your goal is to be fit, and healthy, not rail thin and emaciated......so within reason, accomplish your original goal.  It's not always easy, but just be aware that there will be an obstacle course ahead of you before you can really get what you want.  If it were easy, everyone would look great!

Slow and steady wins the race

Over the years, I have realized that doing too much, can be almost as bad as doing nothing at all.  Everyone seems to join a gym right after the winter holidays, working out like crazy, only to disappear within the month.   As I walk through the locker room, I'm a little baffled by how many times I hear the phrase:  I was so sore I couldn't move!  To me, it's not necessary, nor is it healthy to feel this way.....and it would definitely hurt my motivation if this was how I felt the day after a workout.

Here's the thing:  If you want to be able to make a real, solid, lasting change in life...say, adding working out on a permanent basis....be reasonable.  I workout 4 times a week, but usually for between forty five minutes to an hour maximum.  Some days when I'm really pressed for time I get a quick, total body workout in within twenty minutes.  I look at my long term goals and commitment instead of beating myself up for cutting a workout short.  Getting in shape involves losing one layer, and slowly adding in another.....having patience, and realizing that it takes time, commitment and diligence is the most important thing.

When clients tell me they don't have the time to work out, I remind them that to start, they just need to get their foot in the door and begin a program.  Even if it's 20 minutes three times a week....that"s a great start!  Something IS better than nothing......consistency.  As my mother always said:  Slow and steady wins the race.