Get motivated and believe in yourself!

Start to practice an exercise before the frost hits your windshield. Whether it’s Pilates, Yoga, and Kickboxing etc. Get yourself in a routine of working out! Cause lets face it, winter is coming and that means cocktail parties and holiday shopping. Time just flies by and so does your motivation. So start now and make exercise a daily habit!

Everyone wants a better life and if you are constantly working on self-improvement, you will develop more self-confidence, better self-esteem and greater internal motivation to be the best.

Here are some of my tips for staying motivated:

1.     Take group classes- Classes are a great way to learn what style of fitness you are interested in. Bring a friend for support and have an open mind. If you dislike it, still stay the whole class…some teachers save the best for last. Also remember to change it up! * Try a different level or location, even time slot, to keep you wanting more.

2.     Set a goal- Establish a realistic goal and reward yourself once you’ve achieved it! This gives you something to look forward to. “If I stretch for 5 minutes a day for 2 weeks, I will treat myself to those mocha cashmere gloves.” * Pair your goals with items you need such as winter accessories.

3.     Create Playlists- You can arouse your body with the energy of sounds. Music has the power to push you past the finish line, as well as relax & rejuvenate you post workout. I recommend the following playlists:

• Smooth Groves- perfect for Pilates, walking or yoga.
• PUMP ME UP- listen while you spin, run or play basketball.
• Instrumental- un-wind as you stretch or meditate.

I highly recommend listening to instrumental music because it stimulates the mind, enhances abstract reasoning skills and cognitive development.

“More and more doctors are now using music as part of their patients treatment to help them stay healthy and to recover more quickly from illness,” says Victoria Abreo, an alternative medicine specialist. “Heart patients gained the same benefits from listening to 30 minutes of classical music as they did from taking 10 mg of the anti-anxiety medication Valium. Music and relaxation therapy have been used together to lower heart rate and blood pressure in patients with heart disease. Migraine sufferers were trained to use music, guided imagery, and relaxation technique to help reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of their headaches.”

Need recommendations? Email me!

4.     Knowledge is Power- Continue to educate yourself on your mind and body. Now, there are many different roads to knowledge; attending seminars, checking books out from your local library, or reading this online newsletter! Learning will open your mind, increase your wisdom, and create a curious and hungry mentality to help you take care of your body better. But knowing is not enough, you must apply yourself…

5.     Have a Positive Outlook- Those who are positive tend to be more physically active, follow a healthier diet, and have reduced rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, stated in the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. Exercise also appears to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves your mood and may reduce the risk of developing depression. So smileJ and love your body inside and out.

Finding motivation can be much easier than you think. All it takes is the drive. Do you want to live a healthier and happier life? YES! Do you want to look better naked? YES! Do you want to feel more energetic? Of course you do, so do it! Take these 5 tips and apply them, today!

“You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions.” -Aldin Sinclair.

My motivation is you. I am so grateful for all of you and look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow, next week, next month and next year!

Questions? Comments? normajeanpilates@gmail.com