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Flab to Fab: Week 8

Ahhh, the 2 month mark. And as I write this, I am exactly 3 months from the wedding – eeeep!

This week has been a breeze. I actually feel kind of guilty about how easy its been. I’m in a great routine of working out 3 times a week, looking forward to it and feeling amazing afterward. I’ve been feeling so much strength in the diet department – and even when I slip up, I forgive and move on, making sure to even it out by eating lighter the next day, or toss in some extra cardio. I’ve been giving myself a bit more leeway on the weekends, which keeps me from feeling deprived, but honestly, I’m pulled more toward healthy options and have less interest in the naughty stuff. Best of all? I’m slimmer, straighter, and stronger than I’ve been since grad school!

I gots ta keep it real though. If it weren’t for my personal trainer, I wouldn’t be nearly as successful. I might even be heavier, due to the stress I’m under lately. I simply lack the motivation, skill, knowledge and tools to keep myself going, make my workouts pack as much punch, and keep variety involved so I’m not bored. Plus, she’s the ultimate accountability buddy. If I don’t show, if I don’t push myself, I’m wasting her time as well as mine.

I know trainers are a huge expense…. but there are lots of ways to work one into your life, regardless of your budget.

For instance, Tiger has a terrific “add-on” plan. Sure, training 1 person for 1 hour is kinda pricey, but for each friend you bring along, its only $10 more. So, for 2 people training together, suddenly its 40% less each…. great for you and your man to get fit together! Get 2 friends to join, and its even less. You get the picture…. The more the merrier has never been so true! Inquire with your local trainer to see if they have a similar plan.

Or, pick out a few trainers who are advertising on Craigslist that appeal to you. Contact them and offer a trade – maybe you’re good at graphic design, or marketing consulting and can help them grow their business in exchange for a discount, or even some free sessions! If you don’t have a talent, maybe you have time: offer them a certain number of hours each week to canvass neighborhoods and distribute flyers or brochures. There are many ways you can help ease their workloads, and many would love to trade service like that.

And, if all else fails, get yourself a workout buddy. Make each other your accountability partners and vary your workouts. Maybe you switch off on suggesting a session – go on hikes, test out different fitness videos (you know how I swear by Jillian), and challenge eachother.

Make yourself a calendar and get some gold stars, or figure out another (non-food) reward motivator for you. Treat yourself to a manicure every 2 weeks that you stay on track, or a healthy cooking class in your area once a month that you’re successful. Or try tossing $5 in a jar each week you complete your workouts and eat healthfully. Watch your savings grow, as your waistline shrinks!

Alls I’m trying to say is, if I can do it, anyone can do it. With my 31 years of food issues, all-or-nothing diets, and yo-yo weight loss/gain, I’m finally feeling like I’m not only attaining a wedding goal, I’m also making a lifestyle change that’s affecting my confidence, happiness and general outlook.

Stay tuned for a bonus Flab to Fab post this week – all about recipes!

How has your fitness wed-solution been going? Any questions for me about my experience?