Cloud Nine

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top: jcrew | skirt: jcrew {old; craving these styles 1 + 2} | scarf: jcrew | shoes: madewell {last seen here} | clutch: asos {old; similar here + loving this bag} | watch: marc jacobs | bracelets: jcrew, stella&dot | glasses: prada | lips: st germain by mac

Okay, I am a little on cloud nine with my fitness progress the past two weeks. I have to be careful because I’ve been here before. Most of us (me included) have two solid weeks of progress and expect to see big changes. Depending on your goal, that’s usually not realistic. I fall in this mental trap all the time and with where I sit right now, I know it is critical that I stay focused on the goal and not spend too much time in the mirror looking for changes. The thing that will carry me through the next two weeks is how I feel. I feel fit because my muscles are sore every day and I know my cardio endurance is getting stronger with every workout. I am seeing small changes, but I know no one else can see them at this point. So I can’t let that get me down or let it start to invade my thoughts. You’ve heard the saying…

“It takes 4 weeks for you to notice your body changing, 6 weeks for your friends and family to notice, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world to notice. Give it 12 weeks.” 

I believe in this, and while it’s great to have deadlines or checkpoints for monitoring progress, I know I’m making a lifestyle change. Just like you can’t be a doctor without going to medical school and spending hours and hours in different hospital rotations, you can’t expect your body to look like an elite runner (or someone really lean/fit) unless you run a lot and do the things that result from those actions/habits.

Hopefully you’re feeling some of my enthusiasm. I feel like I am finally being honest with myself. Not expecting immediate results, and acknowledging that I have to put in the time and work to get the results. And it doesn’t have to be hard. You just have to make it happen. And be patient with yourself along the way.

Here’s a quick look at my workouts this past week (and what I’ll be doing tomorrow):

Monday PM: 30 min. stairmaster + heavy leg lifts + abs (squats, leg press, lunges, glutes, etc.)
Tuesday PM: 30 min. stairmaster + arm/shoulder lifts
Wednesday AM: 3.5 mile run w/ sprint intervals
Thursday PM: 30 min. stairmaster + heavy leg lifts 
Friday AM: 2 mile run
Saturday AM: Track (2-3 mile run + stadiums, sprints, sandbag, abs)
Sunday: Rest

The point is: consistency. When I make exercise part of my routine, I never make the decision to work out based on whether or not I feel like it, I just always plan to do it—like going to work every day. I still am not a morning person, but I’ve made an honest effort to get to bed by 10:30 or 11 pm each night. When I can’t, I don’t expect myself to be able to wake up early for a morning workout. But I know if I do go to bed earlier, I can always wake up early. That, along with preparing my meals for the week, has made all the difference in the world. Simple, but so key to success. 

“When you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

I’ll share more on my meal plan next week. For now, if you’re in a similar spot as me, or just getting started, let’s keep going! We can do totally do this!


Have a great weekend (even if it’s a weekend to reset—you know I’ve been there, too.)! 😉

Amanda

Comments

  1. You go girl with that fitness routine! I'm seriously impressed because I can almost never stick to one! As for this outfit, it's so stink in' cute! Love these colors together so much!!
    Kallie @ But First, Coffee

    Posted May 9, 2014 | Reply
  2. Great look! I love your skirt, the color is amazing!

    Kristin
    Crumbs & Curls

    Posted May 10, 2014 | Reply
  3. Hey Chris says:

    I love this outfit, especially this little pink skirt!!
    http://heeychriis.blogspot.fr

    Posted May 10, 2014 | Reply
  4. Lisa says:

    SO stunning!! Beautiful outfit Amanda!! Xx

    Lisa,xo
    http://chiclittlethrills.blogspot.com/

    Posted May 10, 2014 | Reply
  5. Love the flats.
    xx Stephanie (www.stephaniesstyleblog.com)

    Posted May 11, 2014 | Reply
  6. Julie says:

    Congrats on your fitness plan! I've been working one as well–I'm down almost 20 lbs since January.

    You look great, keep it up!

    Style by Joules

    Posted May 12, 2014 | Reply