Motivation is what gets you started- Habit is what keeps you going

-Jim Rohn

How would you rate your current commitment to fitness?  Is it non-existent, lukewarm, or the best part of your day?  I would assume that for most people, the feeling swings from non-existent to lukewarm.  In fact, I bet only a small percentage of people feel that the commitments they make to themselves be active most days/everyday is the best part of their day. However, I would be so over the moon if everyone felt this way!

I don't believe in exercise as form of punishment and the idea of ‘no pain, no gain’ does not sit well with me. Especially for mamas! My mantra for my clients is “slow and steady wins the race”.  We help our members ditch the “All or Nothing” attitude that often sets them up for failure. For us- it’s all about the art and power of showing up. We encourage everyone to work towards 2-3 workouts/week. We remind our members daily that their bodies are designed to move and remind them that acts of daily living are just as important as the sweat sessions.  The body craves all types of movement: dancing, walking, carrying, and stretching just to name a few. Remember the body needs to move in order to function well.  In fact, the effects of a sedentary lifestyle sets off alarm bells in your body. High blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, weak core, back pain, and the like are better managed, or even prevented, as a result of a healthy diet and regular exercise.  The same holds true for our pregnant clients.  Regular exercise during pregnancy improves circulation, diminishes back pain, reduces stress and elevates your mood, making you a happier mama 2 be!

So, how do you go from lukewarm to committed?

 I believe most of our clients find success when they

1. Create a schedule and booking it in their calendar

2. Select activities that they find fun

3. Stack the habit on to something they are already successful at

They say it takes 10 days of repeating something to make it a habit.

What small steps can you take today, and commit to for 10 days, so that your pendulum swings from lukewarm to committed?  

We hope your pendulum swings towards "best part of my day" very soon!

Are you ready to #Jointhemotherhood? We’d love to have you join us to connect with other people in your community and receive expert instruction for a fun, safe and effective workout. FITMOM Durham has been operating in the Durham Region since 2010 and our community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles. Try out a live, online class by purchasing one of our New to FITMOM 3 class passes. We can’t wait to have you join us!

Originally Published November 2013