Staying Fit with a Full Plate

I consider myself what I would call a Type-A+ personality, mostly because I take things to the extreme at times. When there’s an empty space on my “plate,” I immediately add more. People frequently ask me how I find the time to squeeze everything into my schedule. The answer is simple: I choose to make the time in order to stay fit and focused!

While it would be helpful to have 25 hours in day and 8 days in week to work with, the reality is we don’t. That’s where good time management skills come into play. It is very possible to get everything you need (and want) to get done in a day, done; it simply requires knowing how to best plan your schedule. The first step is to prioritize. Determine what activities will help you to achieve your goal, and then eliminate those that take away from it.

Here, I’ll share with you some of the things I do to accomplish my fitness goals, despite having a full plate.

STRATEGIZE

> Make a schedule/itinerary
If you don't have a daily planner, please do yourself a favor and get one. Make a daily schedule for yourself and find a way to make it work. Spending the time to map out a plan for how your day will look gives power to the realization of your fitness goals. You may also want to write down what it is that fulfills you and what you want to achieve, and then map out the steps you need to take daily in order to make these things happen. Remember, there is time for everything in your schedule when you schedule to make time!

PRIORITIZE

> No excuses
Now that you have your daily to-do list, you must follow through and stick to your agenda. Toss the “I don’t have time” way of thinking. Repeat after me: There is no greater priority than that of my health!

> Don’t “waste” time
We have a set number of hours in a day, so make the most of every minute. Don’t spend your time on unproductive things such lounging around watching TV. Get up and get moving!

> Set your alarm
Get to bed early. Your body needs rest to recovery and rejuvenate. And get into the routine of setting your alarm. You want to be able to get a jump-start on your plan of action for the day. Last but not least, when it sounds … get up! Don't snooze on your opportunity to make the most of each and every day by hitting the button.

PREPARE

> Pack your gym bag the night before
Whether you train in the morning or night, have your bag ready so that it is one less thing for you to use as an excuse to not go to the gym.

> Prepare your workout
Whether you train at home or at local gym, know exactly what you are going to do before you do it. You only need a maximum of one hour to get in an extremely effective workout. Everyone should be able to dedicate one hour a day. Remember, it’s your health so no excuses!

> Lay out your clothes the night before
Yes, just like back in the day when you went to school and laid your clothes out the night before. Regardless of the time of day you train, having your clothes laid out ahead of time will ensure you are prepared.

> Prep your meals
Personally, I have found this is absolutely crucial in order to reach your fitness goals. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend in the gym, if your diet is off, you won’t see the results you’re looking for. Here are a few tips to help make sure you keep your diet in check:

• Portion, cook and freeze your meats and fish. This makes it super easy to just grab-and-go!
• Prepare your meals for the day the night before. If you have a busy work schedule, this is key. Portion and pack your meals so that you have no excuses while you’re out and about during the day.
• Carry a cooler. This will ensure you have healthy meals right at your fingertips. You’ll also want to plan to eat every two to three hours, making sure you keep your muscles fuelled and metabolism fired up. By staying satiated with nutritional meals, you’ll avoid diet pitfalls. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck with unhealthy menu options.
• Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps to curb your appetite and aids in fat loss. So drink up, ladies!

REALIZE YOUR GOALS
If you stick to your goals, and I mean truly stick and be accountable them, I promise you will realize your fitness goals. The added benefit is that you will come the realization you can do anything you put your heart and mind in to. You see, dreams can become reality, as long as you make time for them. Each and every one of you has the ability to plan and create the life of your dreams. Your time is what you make of it, so make the best use of yours!

Now, get moving, HERS girls! You’ve got some dreams to schedule!

DREAM. INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. ENCOURAGE.
LCF