Need help motivating to exercise? Me too! Read on for some tips...

On New Year's Day, I made a HUGE confession to you. It was super hard to admit to you all that despite being a personal trainer, despite being someone who talks about the importance of fitness everyday, that I was finding it a challenge to actually walk that walk and motivate to exercise everyday. I let my family and my work responsibilities take me away from my own self care. I put my health to the side, in order to care for others. You can read that entire confession here and here. 

I also committed to you that 2018 was going to be different. That I was going to go back to my old ways, to daily Autoimmune Strong exercise, to eating good nutritious healthy food that fuels my body, and to do the things that I know are good for me. As you probably know already, I originally designed the Autoimmune Strong program for myself, for healing my own body, and it worked!! And I did it consistently for years, which had a majorly positive impact on my health. And so my new years resolution was a re-commitment to that regiment, to get my health back on track.

Well, it's been a few days, and I am doing it. I am staying true to my commitment of daily exercise and healthy eating.

But here's the thing.

IT'S HARD!!

It's been a week and motivation has been a struggle. And that struggle is real. And I documented it for you, with the video above. 

And I know I am not the only one. Resolutions are easy, it's doing the work that's hard. But IT"S SO WORTH IT!!!!

So, these are the things that keep me going. I am sharing my Top 3 Motivational Tips For Keeping That Resolution and Getting Your Exercise Routine Started.

1. Remember WHY You are doing it in the first place.

Am I the only one whose clothes aren't fitting right now? Well, even though my jeans are tight, I am still wearing them. Even my leggings are a bit tighter than they should be these days. And I still wear them. The tightness around my belly is a reminder that I need to pay attention to my actions, what I put in my mouth, how I manage my stress, and how I move my body. 

That's an example of a "why". My list of why's is long. Here are a few more: I don't want to have to buy new pants. I want to see muscle definition in my arms. I want to have energy to get through my whole day without needing coffee or a nap. I want to have a clear mind, without having to sort through brain fog. I want to be able to sleep through the night. I want to be able to have the energy to stay up late with friends. And the list goes on and on. Your "why" might look similar or different than mine, and that's ok. And your list of "why's" might change periodically, and that's ok too. 

2. Keep A List of Your Daily Goals

I made a handwritten checklist for this week of the things I want to do for myself. These are the habits I know make me feel good. It looks like this:

- Drink three 20 oz bottles of water a day.

- Eat food that is nutritious and healthy- no chemicals or sugar. Focus on properly sourced meat and veggies.

- Exercise 5 days this week (rest days are important too!)

- Foam roll or stretch every day (even on rest days!)

- Take my supplements after every meal.

- Go to bed no later than 10:30.

At the end of my day, I check my checklist, see what I have I accomplished, and what I need to focus on the next day.

3. Talk about your goals with others.

This can be hard. It's often hard to share with others that we are working on ourselves. So many of us like to put on the appearance that we are perfect (I know I do!) But the reality is that we are human. And humans aren't perfect. And sometimes, we need a little accountability, a little kick in the pants. By sharing our story with others, we give them a chance to help us hold ourselves accountable. My husband reminding me in the morning to exercise is helpful- he encourages me to get going, even when I don't want to. Tell your friends, your family, your co-workers, that you are working on yourself, and they will support you. And maybe they will be inspired by you to work on themselves a little bit too!

"Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight" ~Autumn and Fig

Motivation can be hard, but I am here to support you every step of the way. And, like any new habit, after doing it consistently over time, it becomes easier to keep doing. So keep it up, keep trying- and if you fall down a few times on the way, that's ok! Pick yourself back up and start again.

And remember that Autoimmune Strong has motivation built into the program! The Autoimmune Strong Facebook community is a great place to chat with other members going through the same motivational struggle. And Autoimmune Strong offers accountability buddies, where you can get paired up with another member who will push you, support you, and encourage you to do the best you can.

So try my motivation tips and see how they work for you. And share your motivation tips with m- I would love to hear what works for you!!!