Natalie here. I know Rachelle is the one with the amazing and inspiring weight loss success stories, but I also had a few things to say about living a healthy lifestyle.
I think know that it's super hard to find the motivation to work out. Wanting to lose weight is one thing, but actually getting up and working out is harder than just wanting to lose weight. Between teaching, preparing for teaching, grading, making copies, and then coming home to fix dinner, keeping the house clean, and spending quality time with my family, I felt like working out was not an option for me. I'm sure a lot of you can relate with that.
After having two babies, I desperately needed to do something to jumpstart my body into finally losing the extra pounds. I wanted to lose weight, but I struggled with the motivation to actually do something about it.
Here's what I did to *finally* find the motivation to get started.
- I had to quit using the excuse of "being too busy" and I had to make time.
- I decided to make a daily schedule that included time to get out of the house and start being more active.
- I set a goal. My goal was to run a 5K. (To make it more fun and less intimidating, I signed up for the Color Run. The thought of getting splashed with color, helped me to be excited about running.)
- To make this a family affair, I bought a double jogging stroller. This was the best decision I made because it allowed me to spend fun time with my kids while also getting exercise.
- I started with baby steps. At first, I just jogged/walked around the block, then I was able to slowly build up to do less walking and more running.
- Little by little I worked on building up my endurance and I could go a little bit further and a little bit faster each day.
- When it was time for my race, I didn't know what to expect. I still felt unprepared, but I did it anyway.
- I did much better than I expected at the race! It wasn't as hard as I had thought it would be.
Here are a few pictures from my race:
{Before the race started}
{A shot of the fun colors}
{Me as I was almost crossing the finish line}
{After the race with my sister-in-law and her friend}
The moral of this story is that you have to start somewhere. Even if you struggle with the motivation, you just need to get started! Start small and know that it WILL get easier as you keep at it!
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Hi friends! Rachelle here.... I just wanted to add a few things about motivation! I am motivated by other people. Does that even make sense? HA! I follow these Instagrams that motivate me:
@gymgirljessie
@mamalaughlin
@mommonntteeee
Also, I'm obviously motivated by looking at the scale and seeing it go down. BUT, I get obsessed with the scale and so I am now looking at non-scale victories (NSV). I like to look in the mirror once in a while (instead of running past it)...I feel like that's a good non-scale victory, what about you?! I also like to do before and during pictures to motivate me:
The picture on the left was October 2012, on the right was October 2013
Speaking of motivation and non-scale victories.... I've always wanted to wear a cute tank to the gym instead of my oversized t-shirt. Well... It finally happened!!!! I got the CUTEST, most comfy tank from Ruffles With Love. I can't get enough! I think I'll order this one next. I really like how the bow is removable and can be put on the back (it's racerback) or even worn in my hair! But BELIEVE me.... I get dang sweaty at the gym, so this was obviously a picture BEFORE I went. ;)
*I really want to ask Vanessa (from Ruffles with Love) to design a workout tank/shirt that applies to teachers and working out. Can you help me with a quick play on words? If your t-shirt quote is chosen, I'll send you that tank for free!
Here's the only quote I can think of:
Teacher by day
Beast by night
So, head over to hear Etsy shop and get a tank to wear (they aren't just for the gym!).
