MOTIVATION...

Do you know what motivates you? What makes you work harder or just to begin something?

Does someone yelling at you do the trick (think Jillian here) or do you need someone to ask you politely OR do you need a team of other people working as hard as you are around you to push you through?

This is very important to understand, to know what works for you.

Have you ever had that feeling when you are really on a roll? Working hard and achieving your goals. Say your goal is loosing 20lbs. You start by throw yourself into it; hit the gym everyday, eat healthier, asking questions, reading fitness magazines, no drinks, no twizzlers, lots of sleep. I love that feeling. Then you start seeing the benefits, I love that feeling even more.

And.....what happens? The habits slowly slip from our control. First it begins with popcorn at the movie, 'my cheat'. Then a few drinks and pizza after a night out. You know where this is going...

We end up chasing that feeling that we had, when we are 'in it' and on a roll. The diet is no longer a diet at all but now a celebration when you remember to eat your broccoli once a day. 

Same goes for the fitness routine or marathon training plan.....killing it at the gym and staying on pace fizzling into walking the dogs a few nights a week when the weather is nice. 

Recently, I personally decided to believe something because I was looking for answers and likely just because it sounded great so I wanted to. This is like asking multiple people for advice until you hear what you want to hear. I essentially set myself up. I was lazy and I was letting life happen around me. Normally I like make life happen. So much more power and ability in it.

Honestly, I do not need the major issues to happen to me to be inspired or motivated. The people around me everyday motivate me. The courage my clients have to keep showing up everyday ready to work to change their lives motivate me. Their changes and successes especially motivate me, I feel so proud. They work and struggle and celebrate and fall off and get back on and push forward. Amazing. My life and people in my life I have been blessed with is all I need to light a fire and motivate me.

Life is a challenge not a competition. 

So if you are tired of starting over, stop giving up.

Take a moment, find a new way.

"The person you thought you were is no match for who you really are"

Confidence....where do I get some of that?

This post is more on personal reflection. How important it is to be self aware and comfortable and proud of who you are. This will lead to the feeling of happiness and that sense of calm we all strive for. The sitting on your deck, sun shining, relaxed in the moment kind.


Life is challenging. So many different people, so many different personalities, how can you possibly figure them all out? How can you possibly get along with everybody? 


You know the moment of self reflection when you are with someone or a group of people and you think; if I acted more like ______ (I will fit in....they will like me...accept me). That is such a heavy thought. Sometimes we skip the conscious thought and just act. Then what? You now have to show up everytime in this situation and act the same way. How exhausted are you? It takes allot of energy to act in a way not true to your personality.


Keep in mind this entire premise, let's call it character, is based on what you think someone else prefers of you.


The TV show House plays on the level of strength of a persons self awareness. It examines patients' personal characteristics and diagnoses their sickness by figuring out the patients secrets and lies (finding their true behavior). The character House says things to people most individuals would only have the confidence to say once a person has left the room. Think about this, to save your life you must truly know yourself.


What an incredible sense of ease that would be, to be able to just relax, be and say whatever you feel in any situation, with anyone. Listen to your intuition. It says go, then go, it says stay, then stay, it says wear the red dress, then wear the red dress (boys...;)! 


How easy does that sound? 


I know it is not easy. It is a practice. To be brave enough to not worry about what others think of you. To be brave enough to be wrong. To risk. 


Is it worth it? Yes. Everytime. You will end up with family who accepts and supports you for what you want and need in life, friends that gravitate towards you with similar interests that you do not need to 'perform' for, and that special someone. That someone you are completely relaxed with, and you know you can depend on for anything because they love the you that you love being. The you that you are proud of.   


One great way to get to know yourself and become more comfortable in your own skin is by being aware of your personality traits.    

Knowing your personality traits helps you to learn what type of person you are and how you are compatible with others. Not just with a partner but with your co-workers, family, friends. Learn how you relate to other types of personalities to be productive and build solid relationships. Learn when you may have to be more patient, or when you need to stand your ground.


Take your own test at the following link and tell me your results: 
KISA Personality Test


I am a ENTJ:

Extraverted (E) 64%Introverted (I) 36%
Intuitive (N) 59%Sensing (S) 41%
Thinking (T) 50%Feeling (F) 50%
Judging (J) 55%Perceiving (P) 45%


I am a very rational, 'can-do', cut to the point boss. I organize, I manage, I don't get caught up in non-essentials, have new ideas and strategies, see benefits in social justice, recognize others potential, recognize the quality of the moment, help others through difficulties, and I am very ambitious. 


Allot of good things, but being very right minded and rational leaves me needing a balance between my extroverted and introverted sides. I need to pay more attention to my inner side and how the world effects me. I need to take my time on important decisions, especially with decisions effecting those close to me. I try to listen to how people feel (especially when I feel there is no rational reason), practice patience, and acceptance. 


A large part for me is to be very appreciative, loving, and positive. Keeps me balanced. To let those around me know I care about them and that they are awesome. To take charge where I know I can make a positive difference but also take the time to step away to reflect and be thankful. Daily routines for me: be accountable, do not waste your time on anger, be humble, spread love. 

Would you have the courage to save your life? 

"Feed your strengths and face your weaknesses."

This is a journey, enjoy :)

Introducing FuelFit

I am very excited to announce I have launched my own Personal Training, Nutrition, & Wellness Coaching company: 


FUELFIT

FuelFit provides exercise programming and nutrition services online as well as in person within Winnipeg.

Specializing in weight loss, athletics, increased energy, general health, and injury prevention. 

FuelFit's mission is to help others find their own path and achieve personal goals through whole body health and wellness coaching. FuelFit will provide efficient, challenging, individualized programming in a positive and supportive environment.

Personal Mantras: 

"Look good, feel good, play good" - This works, trust me! When you look good, you feel good, therefore you will preform better in all things. Simple. 


"Strong stance training" - This is a body and mind stance that I incorporate into all training, you can take on the world with it, I swear :) Calm mind, Strong body.


"Education based training" - This is truly important to me. I believe a training environment should provide clients with the education as to what, why, and how to do movements effectively. This also provides them with the ability to adopt them into their own routines safely.

Equation for success...

If you are ready to provide: Commitment, Discipline, & Consistency

FuelFit will provide: Motivation, Personal Programming, & Accountability 

= RESULTS! 

Real results. Ones that change the way you feel. Change the way you think. Change the way you look. For life.

Be awesome today :) 


Now, get at me! Send me a message, get a free fitness assessment, ask me any & all of your questions. I love hearing from you!

www.fuelfit.ca

sara@fuelfit.ca

Twitter: @getfuelfit

FaceBook: FuelFit
YouTube: GetFuelFit! (under construction...stay turned...)

Certifications:
Personal Trainer Specialist - Can Fit Pro (2008)
Strength and Conditioning Specialist - ISSA (2011)
Fitness Nutrition Specialist - ISSA (In process...)
First Aid/CPR (current)

Take a look through the following links......do you see a pattern? ;)
10 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer
Do You Need a Personal Trainer?
5 Reasons to Hire a Trainer
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Trainer
Busy Women Hire a Personal Trainer

Parents guidance...

My history is flagged. Reader beware. I haven't come through the last 10 years since leaving home unscathed. That is forsure. I have probably induced more stress on my parents then I could imagine.... They have heard many things: "I am dropping out...." "I am working 80 hours a week, I do not have time for dinner...." or my personal favourite dundundah "I am moving in with him...." Oh shoot!

It is interesting to me when your parents really step in to help out. The biggest resistance my Mom made to any decision (other then school choices) was when I told her we were getting a dog. Now, my Mom has great confidence in the importance of learning experiences and having to go through them on your own. This includes being acountable for all of your decisions. Although putting a dog into the situation is putting another beings life into play. She knew I didn't have the time or the help to properly care for a dog, let alone living in the city with limited healthy play space.

I love my parents. They have really stuck through it with me. Given me space. Helped me when they were able. I always knew I had a safe place to go, to get away from it all. And please, can we have lasagna when I visit....again? ;)

The extraordinary thing I have learnt over the years is my own strength through this, the 'learn on your own' way. Strength is something you have to find to truely believe in. 

Through this I learned to risk. Risk my heart. Risk being wrong. Risk being really good. Risk being a woman with a strong voice. All of these risks are worth taking and yes, they are scary.

A have a quote (always) "Do something your future self would be proud of". I have used that mantra for many decisions I have made. This is not something I just came up with but something I learned to do by making decisions and looking back, being proud of what I did. 

When you come to a decision, a point in your life when you need to find the courage to do something. Think about that quote. What will you be proud of? What is the risk? Will it cause others to respect you (remember, this does not necessarily mean 'like' you)?

These things have helped me grow into the person I am today....I chose to decide who I was. Stopped being confused or misled.  

I decided to believe in my ability to lead. I decided to be happy and spread happiness to those around me. I decided not to judge or hold grudges. I decided to forgive quickly but not to trust easily. I decided to tell the truth at all times (and believe me, my family/friends will tell you this is definitely the case, whether good or bad). I decided to place the greatest value on my family and my friends. Life is about the people you share it with and the experiences that you have. My family is my backbone and they expect me to do well and to be gracious. My friends are my reason for living and they expect me to be there with unconditional support, love, motivation, and fun. I decided not to take things too seriously. I decided to be healthy - take care of my mind and body. Be honest. Be afraid. Be brave. Be strong.

"It takes a voice to inspire, not just a thought.

An action to change, not just an idea"

People Change....

Sit up straight. 

Roll your shoulders back, chest out, chin up. 
Take a slow deep breath....

Feel that? 
Feel the calm, control, your strength. 
Smile.

You are able. Whatever it is that you want, you are able.

A past client/friend of mine recently made a life altering change in her professional life and left the job she had known for many years. It took allot of courage but she knew it was the right decision and I am very proud of her for taking the risk. As in my life quote from my first blog post "If something doesn't feel right, rise up and face it, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow". We are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Once you finally commit to making a life changing decision like this you feel a sense of clam. It's the build up that gets you, the anxiety; am I going to do it or  am I going to walk away like I have in the past? After the hoops you have to jump through and the fall out you have to deal with, whatever it may be, you realize it is okay. You survived.

She said in her own blog that she was surprised after she made this huge decision which people from her life offered their support and love. Many people came out of the woodwork that she didn't expect and others who she thought may be there were no longer around....

I can relate with her, as I have begun this new journey or phase of my life I am excited to have the people in my life that I am blessed to have. Like-minded people, who are full of support, love, passion, and going in the same direction in their lives.

People change. It is growth. Let it be and encourage it.

Do not be afraid of changing. Picture who you want to be and begin (today) the process towards this image. Do it for you and only you (not because it may be something others might like). Through this you will find the ones that love you and support you for who you are proud to be everyday. Others who are like-minded and want to be apart of what you are doing will gravitate towards you. You are worth all that you possibly want. You are able. Take the risk. Do good.

"If you could see yourself, just for a day, you'd see how everyone else sees you. And my god, you are beautiful!" 

I do NOT want to know your 2012 resolutions....

I want to know your GOALS! 

I want to know what you want to change AND what your action plan is to do so.

A resolution is just a set up to allow yourself to try something and ultimately give-up. A goal has a timeline, an action plan, it is specific, and measurable, and realistic. I think you get the point here....

What do you want to change in 2012 that you are willing to put the effort in every single day for?

My goals for 2012 are:

Professional goal - expand my own personal training and nutrition business into a local facility by fall
Training goal - run a full marathon, do a back handspring, try crossfit, compete in a fitness competition
Personal goal - develop a proper sleep pattern, move, complete my ISSA Fitness Nutrition Certification
Nutrition goal - continue with carb cycling as a personal experiment for superior client feedback

Once YOU set your goals for each area of your life, determine how you are going to achieve them, track them, and re-access. Let family and friends know what your goals are so they can support you and keep you accountable. Write them where they are visible and you will look at them everyday.

Achieving one of your goals is incredibly rewarding! Keep this in focus and let it motivate you when you struggle. Good Luck ;)

"Calm mind, Strong body"