Category Archives: Fitness

Olympics Inspiration – ACT

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‘Never wait for the proper mood to start a thing, nor until the spirit moves you. Make your own mood. Make your own spirit. How? ACT. Do something-anything. Inspiration seldom generates action. Action always creates inspiration.’

{Author Unknown} 

The past two weeks have been a Olympics frenzy, the world has been gripped by the games – the amazing achievements from our athletes, the spectacle which was the opening and closing ceremonies and the organisation of the entire event. The olympics really has lifted our spirits, captured our imaginations and inspired a generation.

{Aria}

What can we all take from the Olympic athletes?

#1. Believe in yourself – If you don’t how can you expect anyone else to?

{Pinterest}

#2. Aim for the moon and you’ll land among the stars. – Set your sights high

{Pinterest}

#3. Persist – It takes hard work, determination, motivation and dedication to succeed

{LateNightFashion}

#4.Take inspiration from others who have achieved their goals. Whatever your goal is seek out others who have successfully achieved it. Learn from them

#5. You are too smart to be the only thing standing in your way. Take responsibility for your own destiny and happiness. No-one else can do it for you.

{CrystalKiss}

#6.Take support where you can. The athletes most certainly did not achieve their successes without the encouragement, love and practical support of their coaches, family and friends. If you can – join a group of people with similar interests or focus. Research has found that the power of community is one of the most effective methods of making progress – whether it be anything from sports training to weight loss we all perform better as part of a group.

{eStyleMe}

#7.Keep the dream alive – remind yourself often what you are working towards… don’t allow smaller events or setbacks to knock you off course.

{Pinterest}

‘The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. Its as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today.’

{Robert Browning}

How has the Olympics inspired you?

Catherine, xo

Remember … To be thankful

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Its been a really good couple of weeks, although there have been a few ups and downs. I got bad news and good news, but I have consciously reminded myself of all the things in my life I have to be happy about and I stamp out any negative thoughts that may creep into my head or words and replace with positive ones. This is not always easily done and it is a habit that needs to be practised. It is now 3 weeks since I have made a concerted effort to make lifestyle changes, with my attitude, food, and exercise. And the effects have been amazing.

#1. My mood is fantastic…

I feel like a different person. Not only have I managed to reduce the amount of sugar in my diet which has really helped my cravings and mood swings, but I have lost 5 pounds in weight.

#2. I exercise every day…

Whether it be going for a run, doing a circuits class or simply walking the dog. I move. Every. day. And I am loving it!

#3. I eat whole foods

I have eliminated all processed food. I cook everything from scratch, and I cut the crap.

#4. I have cut out Alcohol

This is not something which I plan to do long term, I’d miss my glass of wine too much! But for now, whilst trying to get in shape I am having an alcohol-free beer instead. And I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out…

#5. I believe in myself

I know that I can do this. I know it is going to take time and patience. But it will be so worth it. And I will do it.

 

Catherine, xo

All images Pinterest

Ready, set, go!

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I’m into my 30th year… It is offically 355 days until i hit the big 3-0! And I’m getting straight to work on my 30 before 30 I’ve started running (I’m using C25K free app ), It gently introduces you to running by alternating walking-running for 1 minutes each and so far, so good! So very pleased with that.

Motivation is at a high, combination of the wonderful weather we’ve been having, getting into a new circuits class at the gym which I am loving and to be honest wondering why I’ve only tried it now! Also the research, mental and physical preparation (getting the right food in the cupboards and being organised with my eating) has all helped massively. Also I’ve broken down my running goals and weight goals into smaller, more manageable chunks so its not so daunting and I’m focussing solely on getting to each mini goal as they come.

Key things which need to be in place when making a lifestyle change.

#1. Self Belief

Mental preparation I feel is key. ‘I can’t’ needs to be changed to ‘I can’ and to more importantly ‘I will!’ Believe it is possible to achieve – you are stronger than you thought. Push yourself to the limit.

#2. Determination

There will be set-backs and disappointments along the way. Prepare yourself for them mentally and remember that this is a lifestyle change, give it time and don’t throw the towel in over a minor bump in the road. Do not allow it to throw you off your true course. It will be hard work, but nothing significant was ever gained without it.

#3. Willpower

When that social event arises, which of course it will, ask yourself what is more important to you? That one night/day of partying and celebration or the long term goal? Keep a journal and record your thoughts as often as you can (I aim for minimum of 3 times per week) This really helps to clear your mind and to express all your feelings. This is super useful when you need extra motivation at times of weakness. Reading how you felt previously/ how you coped with events all help to support yourself and spur you on.

Tip- Every time you feel like eating something you know you shouldn’t or something goes ‘wrong’ in your lovely plan, write down your feelings, before, during and after you made your decision. This will help to identify for yourself in black and white where you are going wrong and how to prepare for the next time in order to have the outcome you wish.

#4. Commitment

Everything takes time. You can’t expect to be able to run a marathon without proper training or to lose weight without consistent healthy eating and exercise. Remember the old saying – it took more than a couple of months to put the weight on, it won’t drop off in a couple of months either. We all want instant results, but have patience, slow sustained weight loss has been proven to stay off in the long run.

Addressing the physiological aspects of why you lose motivation/ break your healthy eating and learning from this is key to moving forward. No-one is perfect and the 80-20 rule is one that should always be remembered. Also having visual representation for your goals is a powerful reminder of why you actually want to run a marathon/get into the best shape of your life.

I want to be slim, fit, happy and healthy

I will eat right

I will exercise hard

I will remain steadfast, disciplined and committed

I will earn my body

Is anyone else making lifestyle changes?

Catherine, xo

image source (1) Nexercise (2) Think Tank Education