Change

Is there anything more terrifying, or exciting, than change? As someone who once moved 6 times in 3 years, and can tell what year a photo was taken by my hair colour at the time, I must admit change and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. Isn't it funny how sometimes it's easier to just keep things the same, even when you're not happy?

Changing your body, in particular, takes a great deal of effort. The type of transformation I'm referring to requires a lot of planning, sweat, determination, and of course - will power. It's so incredibly easy to slip into a world of complacency - despising the way your lifestyle makes you feel but accepting it at the same time.

Lately I've spent more time and effort on coming up with excuses for why I'm not yet in the shape I'd like to be, than I have on making an effort to do anything about it. Honestly, summer is a tough time to stay motivated. I was actually doing quite well until July - then came Stampede and the least nutritious food known to man. Corn dogs, mini doughnuts, pop, mozza sticks, and deep fried mac & cheese wedges (so deliciously evil) all washed down with copious amounts of alcohol of course ;) It was a downward spiral from there....

So now it's back to business. And this time I've found a partner in crime. Someone who wants to be in shape for my wedding (almost) as much as I do. We're off to the gym tomorrow to sign up, and I'm excited like a little kid (or just me) at Christmas. I can't wait to start pushing myself, and her, to be our best selves. Because she's the one who taught me everything I know about fitness and nutrition. Oh, what a team we'll make!

Plan Ahead

My workout routine is, of course, an ever evolving creature. There are a few core principles however, that have remained fairly consistent over the last few years. These are based on what I have found works best for myself, through process of trial and error. Planning Ahead As someone who relies heavily on consistency, planning, and schedules, I find it helpful to pencil my workouts into my daytimer at the beginning of the week. There are several benefits to this system. #1. I can plan my workouts for times that I know will work for me, around other commitments. This means that I'm less likely to have to skip a workout because I'm not forced to choose between say, seeing a movie or working out. For example, on Fridays I do cardio before work, so that I will have Friday evening free. Something always seems to come up on this night. #2. It allows an opportunity to psyche myself up for a good workout. #3. It reinforces the idea that I need to make this commitment to myself. And that time is just as valuable as anything else I have scheduled. Example: This week's schedule Mon- Weights:Arms/Abs (evening) *I rarely have plans on Mon night Tues- Cardio (before work) Wed- Weights: Arms/Abs (evening) Thurs- Cardio (before work) Fri- Cardio (before work) Sat- Weights:Arms/Abs Sun- Rest

444 Days

Q: On what day of a woman's life is it most important to her, to look her very best?

A: Her wedding day, OF COURSE!

Unfortunately, the stress that inevitably surrounds this special day, and the many parties leading up to it do make this a challenging goal to achieve. On the other hand, there's nothing quite like a deadline and the thought of professional photographs to motivate a girl. Photographs that will be displayed in my home (and I'm sure my mom's as well) FOREVER..... No pressure or anything, right? ;)

My wedding is on June 16th, 2012. I have 444 days to get in the best shape of my life. 444 chances to say NO to the chocolate easter eggs in the staff room, and YES to working out as soon as I get home (2 small victories today). 444 chances to shape what I will look like in those photos, and how I'll feel when I look back at them for many years to come.