Remember last time, when we discussed the contemplation stage? This is when you are kinda-sorta-maybe thinking about making a change, but you're not ready to pull the trigger just yet. We asked the question of why you want to make that change, and took it a step further by elaborating in detail what that would mean to you.
Now let's assume you have already established why you want to make this change, and you have firmly planted it into your mind and heart by visualizing what your life will look like as a result. At this point, the burning question is, what's next?
This leads me to the next step toward behavior change: the preparation stage. The main question to be answered in this phase is "when?"
Have you been looking at specific fitness programs and found one or more that sound interesting and fun to you? Have you been actively investigating local fitness groups or clubs? Are you seriously considering purchasing an exercise program and/or equipment? If you answered "yes" to any of these, this stage applies to you.
You are starting to feel more confidence in your ability to make this change a reality, and getting a little excited about it! However, you may feel some anxiety when it comes to taking action. Perhaps you are intimidated at the prospect of exercising around people, or afraid you might get injured, or simply unsure about spending the money.
If this sounds like you, then I would suggest the following tips to push yourself over the fence and moving forward into greener pastures!
- Set specific goals. I recommend setting one appearance goal (losing 20 pounds, for example) and one performance goal (such as completing a 5k). If you have a long way to go to reach your ultimate goal- such as losing 50 pounds or more- then be sure to set "stepping-stone" goals along the way to keep your motivation and momentum strong!
- Set a start date- and make it public. Tell your family and friends that you are starting a program, and ask for their support. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Find a fitness support or challenge group to plug into for motivation, ideas, and encouragement (P.S.-- I can help you with this- just let me know!)
- Plan and prepare. Make an appointment with yourself to do those workouts. Set aside time to make a meal plan, shop for and prepare your meals. I like to cook healthy meals in advance and store or freeze them. The more you can do in advance, the better able you will be to set yourself up for success, as you won't be as tempted to give in to unhealthy choices when healthy ones are already right there at your fingertips!
- Make a financial investment- even a small one. You can attend a Weight Watchers meeting or purchase a day pass at a fitness facility for as little as $10. If you are nervous about being around other people, you can purchase a small set of fitness bands or hand weights for about the same amount, and purchase a home-based fitness program on DVD.
- Go to www.beachbodycoach.com/YOURPERSONALBESTLKN and set up an account with me, so you can sign up for 30 days of access to Beachbody's streaming fitness video programs for FREE! This will give you access to literally hundreds of workouts-- we're talking WELL-KNOWN WORLD CLASS programs that you have already heard of- from the beginner-friendly Slim in 6, 10 Minute Trainer, Hip Hop Abs and Yoga Booty Ballet to the intermediate Brazil Butt Lift, Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire, to the super-advanced P90X series, Insanity, The Asylum, and Chalean Extreme! You even get sneak-peek preview workouts from Beachbody's latest and greatest programs, including 21 Day Fix, Body Beast, PiYo, and even CIZE, the latest offering by Shaun T, that is NOT YET RELEASED!! And did I mention that it is FREE???!
This will set you up for success when the time comes to act on it, which we will talk about next time!
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