The Transformative Power of Exercise:

"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for global mortality, contributing to approximately 3.2 million deaths a year."

Even knowing facts and statistics like this one, I still chose to do what I wanted and eat what I wanted with no care in the world. It wasn't until I was an adult and had children that my lifestyle choices truly caught up to me. I had always been "active" so I never thought about my body breaking down or changing as I got older. I know how challenging it can be get started or starting over after injury or life changing event. It wasn't until I looked into the mirror one day and did not recognize myself that I decided to make changes.

As a young mom, the biggest thing that pushed me to start my health and wellness journey were my children. I really wanted to have the energy to move around with them and play with them. I wanted to be able to keep up with my children as they grow and be around long enough to play with grandchildren. I realized that my overall quality of life would be a direct reflection of my health, they go hand in hand.

Starting your fitness journey isn't just about aesthetics. We all want to look good, but your fitness journey should be about connecting with your body.. for longevity. Your fitness journey should adapt with you as you change. Exercising improves your overall health, helps you maintain a healthy weight, improve circulation, and reduce the risks of heart disease and certain cancers. Strengthening your muscles and bones improves posture, builds joint stability, boosts metabolism, and helps regulate hormone function. Adding mobility and stability training can help reduce the risks of falling. Exercising boosts your cognitive function and helps regulate sleep.

The benefits of starting your fitness journey are endless, but sometimes it can be daunting to start alone. If you have been contemplating starting your fitness journey but aren't sure where to start, here are a few tips:

• Find a community. Join a class or online group. Tell a friend about your goals and do it together! You can do it alone, no doubt, but there is something powerful about being a part of a community of people who are working along side each other towards a similar goal. (Join my virtual studio today! )

• Write down 1 SMART goal (specific- measurable- attainable- realistic- timely) and focus on that one goal.

• Start SMALL--- aim for consistency and not perfection. Start by taking a walk or trying at home workouts if you are intimidated by the gym.

• Take the first week of each month to do a self evaluation, physical metrics and assessments. Use this week to assess your nutrition and how you have been fueling your body and to evaluate your goals/habits. Make a plan for the remainder 3 weeks with 1 new habit to adopt. Each month you can evaluate your progress.

I encourage you take small steps today. Don't until Monday or the New Year, change starts taking place the moment you make the decision. Starting a fitness routine may be a gradual progress... find something you enjoy that fits your lifestyle and be consistent.

What has been holding you back from getting started?

If you are not new to your fitness journey, how did you get started and what tips and tricks help you be consistent?