Where do I start?!

You know you are ready to take the first steps toward a healthier life but you have no clue where to begin! Good news!! You are not alone! There is so much information out there today, so many filtered images, and a revolving door of what we should and should not eat these days it can get very overwhelming to know what is right for you.

Here are 4 EASY STEPS to help get you on the right path toward the best version of you!

1) Clean out the cupboards and the refridgerator!!! Super cereal here! ;) You can do all the cardio and heavy lifting in the world but if you are still shoveling in those greasy chips, the mystery meat in the packages, and tubs of Bluebell Ice Cream in the freezer, you will not be able to crush those goals! And we are all about CRUSHING goals here!

Start this process slow! Cut out a few things a week and stick with it! For instance, start with soda and chips the first week and then move on to adding less dairy or processed meats. The cold turkey method may work for the first couple of days and then you are bound to go back and binge eat it all. Hours later you will be horribly regretting those rash decisions :)

There are also a ton of helpful apps out there to help with food portions and calorie counting. My personal favorite is MY FITNESS PAL (go ahead and add me CUPCAKESANDBARBELLSFITNESS)!!

2) Cardio 4-5x a week for 45 minutes! I myself have made this rookie mistake of over doing it on the cardio. I went from class to class to treadmill to HIIT workout and wondered why my body was struggling at the end of every day. Pick one a day just a few times a week.

I definitely recommend mixing your cardio game up! Try out a new class, find a great spin instructor (if you need one I know the best in town!), go find a new hiking trail, or get a little crazy and sign up for a 5k!! You want to make sure that at least a few times a week your cardio is fun that way you do not burn out and end up cursing out the stairmaster accidently out loud. (We have gotten on better terms)

3) Walk in to the weight section like a BOSS! Don't be afraid of picking up those weights. I promise you the people in that area are more focused watching their own reflections in the mirror or taking selfies they won't even notice if you are just learning how to use them! Or if they are like me they may be thinking about something real hard and not even realize their line is view is you. So go for it!

Start with the classics in your lifting and work your way up to the fancy stuff. Same goes for weight! Do not overdo it on the heavy lifting. That is not to say don't challenge yourself just don't attept to pick up a 50lb dumbbell when you know you can't.

4) Set realistic goals for yourself! Nothing feels better than reaching those goals! Set reasonable goals for yourself so you continue to feel that excitement and stick with it! When you set unrealistic goals and fail it is much easier for you to throw in the sweat rag and drive to that delecious homemade donut bakery around the corner. Sooner or later you find yourself right where you started before and angry at yourself and the gym for not allowing you to have instantaneous results. You don't want the process to be instant anyway! It's way more satisfying to know you dedicated the time and loved yourself enough to build this new version of you!

It does not take long before you start seeing the changes in your body if you stay consistent. Shortly after you notice them others will begin to give you praise to. I want every one of you to get to that point where it becomes your healthy and balanced addiction. You come to a point where if you aren't active that day your body lets you know it and wants to MOVE IT MOVE IT!

So why wait for the New Years Resolution, after the Holidays, or even for next Monday?! Start right now!! Make those goals and a promise to yourself that you will treat your body better, because hey we want it to be around for ahile!!!

#Workout