I run a boot camp program and I know sometimes it’s hard for
others to avoid comparing themselves with people around them. I hear them say, I’m just not fast enough or
strong enough. The best feeling I get is
when I hear them say, I’m not strong enough but I’m getting there.
Many people beginning an exercise program have a difficult
time imagining going to a gym or someplace other than their living room. I understand that all too well
because I was one of those people. When
I was overweight I started exercising at home and I was embarrassed to have my
own family watch me. I didn’t know until
once I joined a gym that the people around me exercising weren’t focused on me
instead they were busy with their own routine. Many of the people in a gym, including
fit people believe others are watching them too and judging. It’s amazing how we ALL have those
feelings.
Joining an exercise class is one of the best ways to find encouragement
and meet people with likeminded goals. I’ve
taught many classes over the past several years and I’ve watched many
friendships develop and a lot of pounds dropped. There have been studies that concluded if your
friends are overweight then you are at a greater risk of being overweight
too.
The most important thing to remember is don’t compare
yourself to others. Everyone has their
own journey and take their own paths and time to reach their goals. It’s not a race and the prize is the
achievements you reach along the way.
Little goals help you achieve the bigger goal.
Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals
·
Specific-
Set a specific goal.
o
Example: Don’t say my goal is to get into
shape. Instead my goal is to join a boot
camp and exercise a minimum of three days a week.
·
Measurable-
Establish concrete criteria to reach your goal.
o
How much? How many?
·
Attainable-
Identify the goal(s) that are most important to you.
o
Listing your goals will help increase you
self-image and help you begin to reach you goals
·
Realistic-
A goal must be something that you are willing and able to work towards.
o
The higher the goal the more likely you are to achieve
it.
·
Timely-
A goal must have a timeline.
o
When I decided to lose weight I wanted to lose
48 pounds. I set a time frame based on
average weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.
If I lost 2 pounds per week then it would take me 24 weeks. Instead I lost 60 pounds and it took me 32
weeks! Don’t say you want to lose 20
pounds in a month!
