Keeping motivated..you've made it this far!

Well, it's that time of the year. The cold weather begins, the days are getting shorter, our lives seem to have become busier and busier and it's easy to want to start to hibernate. While you were good before to get to your workout before or after work, the dark skies may make you want to slide under the covers for an extended nap.
Before you let your fitness get pushed out of the way, take a big breath and jump back in!

Our first step is going to be to reevaluate our goals. Did we set a goal that was too far to achieve? While dropping 20lbs by the holidays or keeping away from chocolate for our baby-to-be seemed like a great idea in September; Thanksgiving and Halloween might have let us slip and slide back into our old habits. That doesn't mean we have to give up, this is the time to set a shorter-term goal and one that is very tangible: go for an extra hour walk this week or give up chocolate day by day (I used to give myself a sticker on the days I went without chocolate). Feeling success will inspire you to get back in the game.

Spice it up! It is very easy to fall out of love with our routine. Same as we don't want to eat the same food day by day, we also may not want to exercise in the same way day by day. It may not be the right time to start a term class but many studios, fitness centres and pools offer weekly classes that can be joined at any time. The best activity is one you will want to do so perhaps ask friends what things they like to do then tag along! If you're blaming the cold for keeping you in, invest in some good wear! My hubby and I invested in good winter parkas so we have no excuse to get outside. I'm having a panel made so I can continue to wear my coat and wear my baby in her carrier on those extra frigid days. If you hate the way your workout clothes looks, invest in something that makes you feel good. Great motivation to show off!

If you're pregnant, you may be feeling the effects of the next stage of your pregnancy. Nausea and exhaustion in the first trimester may leave you feeling drained and without any desire to move. Exercise is a great way to help combat the effects, remember to snack before you begin and to work at your own level. In your 2nd trimester, you get that surge of energy and are pumped to go harder, remember to pace yourself and work at a level at which you can easily hold a conversation (another great reason to go with a friend!). If you're in the homestretch (3rd trimester), your belly may have taken away your balance and your feet. You can still exercise safely and it will help you control the final weight gain while prepping your body for delivery. It may be tempting to give into the pregnancy stereotypes but remember what your final goal: being healthy, being ready to play and being happy for your child.

It's time to think about you! Are you past the "new baby" honeymoon? You may be feeling incredibly tired and wondering if you'll ever spend time alone again, these thoughts are completely normal but it's very important to set some time aside for yourself. Besides lack of sleep, you may also be frustrated with your body. While nothing fit in pregnancy, it doesn't seem to magically fit after either. You may not get back to the same shape you were before but exercise will help you shed pounds and tighten up the loose skin. Adding exercise to your recovery will help speed it up and let you keep a pleasant outlook on life! If you have a little one that demands more of your attention, learn to spend a little attention on you. Get out for a walk around the block, go grocery shopping, anything!  Whenever a friend comes by, I hand over my little girl so I can wash dishes or vacuum. It might sound silly but I want to do something adult! If you are ever feeling more than just the blues, there are many resources available so do not be shy or embarrassed to ask for help.
Remember: your mental well being is as important as your physical.


Before you slide farther into a slump, remember how important you are to your little one and think of what a great example you are!  Live the example you want to lead!


See you at the gym!