Coaching Session: Getting Back in Shape

We’ve all heard it before. “I used to be very active, and now I just don’t have the motivation to get myself to the gym again.”

First thing’s first, establish a specific goal. Let’s get real and realize that “getting back in shape,” is neither inspiring nor measurable. When we set our sights on something, we want to make them exciting and specific so that we can celebrate our achievements along the way. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to increase your physical activity? Great! Let’s jot down this goal with specific numbers, timelines, and some lively adjectives.

For example, “I will regain my energy and vitality by doing an hour of cardio exercise three times a week.”

Now that we’ve got a solid goal to work towards, here are a few things that will help you along the way.

 1. GET LEVERAGE: This means finding enough reasons why this goal is not an option, but a MUST.

1. How will this affect your life positively? Will it give you more energy to focus at work? Will it help to increase your passion in your relationship? Will it give you more confidence about yourself? Will you be able to spend more time playing with your kids? Start listing how great it will be once you’ve made these changes to your life style.
2. And on the flipside, if you do not follow through on your goal, how will it affect your life? Will you continue to gain weight and feel out of shape? Will you fall behind at work? Will you lose precious moments with your family? Sometimes it takes pain to really push us to take action. The fact that you are thinking about making these changes means you are starting to see some signs of that pain. Things aren’t as you would like them to be.

 2. PARTNER UP: Have you ever realized that we let ourself off the hook all of the time? We eat that extra girl scout cookie, because no one else will know. We will skip out on going to the gym tonight because our favorite show is on. That is a slippery slope, and that is probably why things have changed and you no longer have that lifestyle or habit of staying in shape.
 How do we avoid our self-leniency? We get a partner in crime, someone we can count on, someone who also wants to work out and who will hold you accountable. This means sharing your personal goal with someone you trust and take this journey together. Maybe it’s your best friend, maybe it’s your spouse, maybe you hire a personal trainer. Whatever it is, find someone that will be there to support you, push you, and join you on your journey.

 3. BELIEVE: You must believe that you can get back to that old lifestyle that served you. If you are viewing it as a far stretch from reality, then it will seem extremely daunting. Instead, reconnect with the reality that you have already done this and you are simply reconnecting with that part of your life. Believe in why you are doing, believe in the power of your own will. Each step you take will reinforce your beliefs, so just get started! And get started now!