Valecia Weeks is licensed through the state of Texas as a therapeutic massage therapist who specializes in providing on-site chair massage for corporations and events. She currently provides massage for such organizations as the Houston Ballet and Houston Methodist Hospital. Valecia is also a certified personal trainer with NESTA as well as a licensed ZUMBA instructor.
What’s the difference in a gym the first week of January and that same gym the first week in June? There are actually more warm bodies there in January than in June…not to mention that it’s vacation time as well as end of school year.
Let’s take a look at a few things that we busy divas can do to get motivated to start our personal fitness regimen: It’s amazing just how motivated and determined we divas are at the turn of a new year. Then, life sets in and the motivation is downhill from there.
Making time to even become motivated to become physically active can be an extremely daunting task…one that can be so unnatural that it becomes a chore. In several cases, lack of preparation is the number one cause of not starting an exercise program.
- Set Goals – I’m sure this is something that you heard from your mother. Well, ladies, she was right. If you fail to plan; you plan to fail. It is important that you set a standard for yourself. If you don’t, you will be just floating like a leaf in a tornado wind…not knowing where you will end up
- Make a Fitness Plan – start by making notes (even small ones) of any changes that you desire to make. Prioritize them according to importance to you. For example, you may want to get to the gym 3 times a week instead of 3 times a year. You may want to eat a nutritious breakfast bar instead of the 1500 calorie breakfast that you’ve eaten for the last 10 years. You may want to start having massages once a month to help move the toxins out of your muscles once you’ve worked those muscles out. Whatever your plans are…WRITE THEM DOWN!
- Buy a New Outfit – Now, girlfriend, you know when we look good, we what!? You got it…we feel good. Buy that new outfit in the size that you would like to be (now, be realistic with yourself). Hang it in the bathroom where you see it every time you get dressed. Set a goal of losing 1 pound per week and figure out where you would like to be in a certain amount of time to be able to fit into that outfit.
- Try a New Ladies’ Only Gym – Sometimes this simple change can shift your overall attitude about going to the gym. You won’t have to worry about what the opposite sex thinks of you, how you look, or even how effective you are performing on the equipment. Divas, we can just let it all hang out! Take a friend with you as a workout buddy so she can let it hang out with you.
- Play Your Favorite Music – Find music that gets your brain pumpin’. If you ever notice, when you are in the grocery store, most of the music is fast-paced. Ever thought about the purpose of moving music? It’s so your brain is moving and making your hands move faster to put more groceries in the cart. Same with workout music. If you find music that stimulates you, you will have a more effective and enjoyable workout.
- Plan a Trip – Even the thought of going on a vacation always seems to spark a new incentive to look your best. Pick a goal date (e.g. 3 months from now) and incorporate a vacation into your plan. Your motivation level will definitely increase when you think about looking good during your next beach vacation where you can show off your 6-pack.
Achieving health, fitness and wellness takes effort, but motivation is always the first step. So, get to the gym and let me know how you feel. For more tips on getting motivated to keep up your workout routine, email Valecia at assuringhands@massagetherapy.com