I have been in the fitness industry since the days of Jane Fonda and record players. That is actually how I started, I would play my mother's record and read along in the book so I would know exactly what to do. I did not have a VCR so that was not an option however I did have the will to get fit.  I was 18 years old and had just been told that I was “FAT”. There are few words that can offend a teenage girl as much as the word fat can. I was devastated but determined to break the pattern I had developed for myself of eating and being sedentary. I am here to tell you that staying focused on your fitness does not have to be difficult.

We Make it Harder Than it Has to Be

I started my quest into the world of fitness when I was 18 and decided I needed to lose weight. I do not recommend severe caloric restriction but I do believe to lose weight you need to limit what you are eating. Common sense dictates that ice cream and cake are not going to make you thin and that portion control will help you in your quest to lose weight. You do not need to tackle the world in your first attempt at weight loss or getting into shape, you simply need to take one step and then the next. Each day resolve to eat right and exercise. If you fail, do not throw in the proverbial towel and give yourself to reckless abandon, instead steady yourself and get back on track without criticism or judgment.

Set Goals You Can Achieve

If your goal is to lose 50 pounds you are better off setting mini goals. A goal of five pounds in three weeks is easier to achieve than fifty pounds in 6 months. You will lose your focus if you set goals too far in advance or too challenging to meet. Staying focused on your fitness does not have to be difficult.
If your goal is to run a marathon than perhaps start with a 5k race which is a much easier 3 miles. You have to start somewhere so why not start somewhere you can reach in the short term to give you the boost you need to keep going?
 
If you can see it, you can achieve it. Another favorite quote of mine is “whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right.”  Know that you can reach your fitness goals and stay focused. All you need is some belief in yourself!