1. You only have 12 weeks until Christmas
Sure, you may laugh at the ardent commercialism when Costco decides to bust out Christmas trees and wrapping paper in September; however, truth be told: there are exactly 12 weeks until Christmas. Like legit 12 weeks from this very day! Gasp! Do you know what else is significant about the span of 12 weeks? I thought you’d never ask…
It takes roughly 12 weeks, barring individual differences and exercise history, to truly lose body fat and gain lean body mass. I am not talking about dropping a pound or two, but actually shaping your body and changing its composition. Staying committed and grinding it out for 12 weeks takes determination and will power. Just know that Christmas will arrive whether your waistline is ready for it or not. Why not plan ahead and end the year with a new sense of self, a healthy heart, AND a bangin’ body? The sweet spot to transform your current self into your fit self (aka…getting off your butt and making better food choices) is NOW.
2. Fall is Fattening
It is easy to get sucked into tailgate wishes and pumpkin spice dreams. Furthermore, inconveniences of colder weather tend to go hand in hand with decreased fitness levels. Outdoor activities become less fun and downright uncomfortable. If you start to coast along now… sampling every warm, gooey dessert and saying yes to Sunday Funday nachos, you will add an extra layer of winter insulation by the time the turkey hits the table at Thanksgiving. JUST SAY NO never worked for drugs (sorry Reagan era), but it does work for healthy eating. Don’t let yourself slide down the slippery slope of saying yes to food you know won’t properly fuel your body. If cellulite and fat were considered an allergy, you would have a perfect excuse. Use it…the gluten-free peeps need some competition.
3. Fall Fashion
Warmer clothes make it far too easy to simply cover-up the indulgences of fall.
My recommendations…
*Keep a bikini handy to try on once a week as a reminder that the sun still shines on other parts of the globe.
*Buy some skinny jeans and boots that make you feel sexy.
*Book a winter vacay in a warmer, tropical location.
*Buy the perfect Christmas party goal dress that you know will make others want to push you under the mistletoe.
4. Be The Example
Imagine how powerful and amazingly awesome you will feel when the New Year rolls around and you are already ahead of the game. You won’t be one of those sad people signing up for a gym on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Put in the time and your body will reward you. Don’t wait another year.
About The Author
Shannon Baisden is a Fitness Expert, Girl Mom, and Native Californian currently living in the Midwest. Shannon has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of California, Davis, a Master’s degree in Sport Sciences from the University of the Pacific, and holds 15 national certifications in the areas of fitness and nutrition. Professionally, Shannon is a Master Trainer for the American Council on Exercise and designs exercise programs for a variety of special populations. Drawing from her background in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Corporate Fitness, and Fitness Nutrition, Shannon also works as a Health Coach, motivating clients to develop healthy lifestyles. She can be found @shannonbfit and shannonbfit.com.