Top 3 Tips to Get Moving! {and keep going}

FAQ....."But Sarah, HOW do I get started?"

My answer? Start.

I know, I know...it sounds so simple! But it's not always that easy...let me shed some light.

It doesn't matter your age, weight, ethnicity, upbringing, family history, or starting point. Your daily habits and lifestyle choices (yes, you choose) dictate your heath (both mental and physical), your longevity, your mood, your energy levels, your relationships, your finances, your personal development, and most importantly your self confidence.

One of the simplest ways to improve in all of these areas is by incorporating daily, intentional movement into your routine. It doesn't have to cost a fortune or take a ton of your time, it just has to be consistent. Showing up repeatedly for yourself IS how you build self confidence. By not disappointing yourself, you retrain your mind and start to recognize your ability to follow through on the promises you make to yourself...and that is the TRUEST form of self love.

So there is magic in momentum but the question at hand is just WHERE to start?!

I have three tips to get you moving and help you keep it up, finding that sweet spot where consistency meets confidence, helping you create LASTING changes that have the ability to positively impact every aspect of your life....

1. Find what you LOVE

When I first started out on my fitness quest, I fell in love with running. That "free" feeling, my performance improvement, and visible health and aesthetic changes were all major motivators for me. Now I know not everyone enjoys running...or yoga, or Zumba...we all like different forms of movement.

Ask yourself these questions when trying to find what you enjoy most:

Is this challenging, yet fun? Do I feel strong (mentally & physically) and energized after? Can I track my progress in a "non-scale" way?

Once you answer these questions about various types of exercise, you'll know what you are most likely to stick with...because no one will continue something they hate.

I have found in more recent years I really enjoy strength training (and the amazing health benefits that come with it), many varieties of yoga, and the occasional run for those high vibe endorphins! i challenge you to experiment and try a few different things in form of classes, online communities or apps, or find a coach (like me!) who can help.

2. Find an ACCOUNTABILITY partner

When's the last time you broke a promise to yourself? Mine was yesterday when I told myself "this is the last tiktok video I watch...." But when is the last time you broke a major promise to your child, best friend, your boss, or your partner? Probably more few and far between.

When we set a goal, it's often easy to put it off, or write it off completely if we don't share it with others. But there is a sense of urgency and commitment when we vocalize our intentions with someone else.

Finding a person in your life that can help hold you accountable (just meaning holding you to your word by supporting behaviors that are in alignment with it) is crucial. Support can go a long way and its even more potent in how it effects change in your life if your accountability partner has similar goals, is a positive influence, and inspires you to take action.

Ask yourself these questions when looking for your accountability partner:

Do they inspire me and motivate me to be / do better? Are they making positive changes in their own life? Is this person available (emotionally & physically) if / when I need them?

Another great way to support yourself on your journey is connecting to larger groups that have similar goals, desire the same changes, or live their life in alignment with the life you aspire to create. Community can come in the form of class members at a local fitness studio, searching health and wellness hashtags on social media, or connecting with family and friends that could use support as well.

The best accountability buddy though? A coach or trainer (like me!) can not only empower you on your journey, but can offer personalized guidance and a detailed plan to help you closer to your goals in health and in life.

3. Be CONSISTENT

The number one reason I see people fail to start or throw in the towel? They lose MOTIVATION.....but I'm here to tell you, you will 100% guaranteed lose your motivation at some point.

Now that's not a bad thing, hear me out. You will go through different seasons in life; new jobs, relationships, locations, and amount of responsibilities will most certainly change. Your goals will evolve and your "why" will look different from others. The only constant in life is change, and it's inevitable.

That's where consistency is king. Once you've solidified the behaviors that march you closer to your goals, you are golden. Now I understand that is easier said than done, so ask yourself these questions when seeking consistency when building better for you habits (more specifically exercise):

What time of day am I most flexible / have the most energy to expend? Which environment will help me develop my routine (home, gym, classes, solo or in a group, ect)? How can I hold myself accountable / make it easier to show up (sign up for classes, preparing for the next morning the night before, make plans to workout or walk with a friend, ect)?

And guess what? Life isn't perfect and neither are you, so be prepared to fall short sometimes. IT'S OK, it's all about progress not perfection...Just don't make a (bad) habit of it, or you'll lose that confidence in yourself we talked about earlier.

My most coveted advice? Make a contingency plan for yourself; a "If not_____, then____" plan. For example: "If I sleep in and don't make it to the gym, then I will go for a short walk." or "If I can't exercise for an hour like I planned today, then I will do a 15 minute circuit on my lunch break" or "If the yoga class is booked, then I will look on Youtube and do it in my PJs at home".

Still need help with consistency and showing up for yourself on a regular basis? Hire a coach or trainer (like me!) to support, encourage, and challenge you to stick with it. Results come with time and commitment, period. And YOU DESERVE nothing short of feeling amazing every single day, mentally and physically...you might even use that as your "why" for getting started or to keep you going!

*Follow me on Instagram & Facebook where I share FREE workouts! It's a perfect place to start without investing too much time or money.

**Check out my online & in person personal training and wellness coaching plans (coming SOON) for a clear and concise plan to get where you want to go.