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Health & Fitness

You Got Results... Now What??

How to continue to stay motivated after achieving results in your fitness program

The first time at stepped foot in a gym at the ripe age of 15 and had my first session with a strength coach I was hooked. I loved the atmosphere, the physical challenge, and the rewards reaped from the hard work. To this day lifting weights has been as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth.

I will do it until I am physically unable. Rain or shine. Winter, spring, or fall. Whether I am completely slammed with clients or enjoying a vacation I will lift weights. It's what I love to do.

I am what you would call abnormal. I know that for most people fitness is often times a means to an end.

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The number 1 reason for starting a fitness program is weight loss

As a fitness professional I know this and I help to guide people safely on their journey to a fitter more awesome version of themselves. It begs the question though what happens when you get the results you want?? Do you stop training? Do you go on a "maintenance" plan? Do you take up Zumba? How do you keep it fresh? Here are some suggestions that can help keep the passion for training alive even after you have succeeded at reaching your initial goal.

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1. Set some personal performance goals

You have been working out hard for the last 6 months, you have lost 14lbs, all of your friends are in awe of you, and you are on top of the world. This is good! Now you can take an opportunity to focus on the performance side of the equation. You can evaluate where you strength deficits lie and focus on improving them. It may be overhead pressing, or pull ups, or push ups, or even your 1 mile run time. Whatever it is pick something you can focus on improving specifically.

Talk to your trainer about it and give yourself a time line for achievement. Something as simple as going from being able to 5 push up to being able to do 15 is incredibly encouraging and can keep you motivated. 

2. Train for an event

I recently had a client complete her first half marathon. We trained strategically and specifically and designed an all encompassing program to get her ready for the event. When she returns to training this week we will sit down again and develop a game plan and time line for the next challenge she would like to tackle. Obviously this is just one example. You can register for a 5k, a mud run, a sprint triathlon, or an urban dare. All of these things can spark a competitive fire as well as instill a strong sense of purpose to your training.

3. Plan an Active Vacation

I know this sounds odd but it can be a serious motivator. Plan a backpacking trip through Europe, or a camping trip in Yosemite that will require a ton of hiking, or maybe even a tropical vacation where you will be taking surf lessons, snorkeling, and will do some stand up paddle boarding. Staying physically fit to prepare for an adventurous vacation can be motivating and rewarding at the same time. You have something to look forward to and you know you will capable of tackling all of the active challenges you have planned for the trip. 

Whatever goals you choose to set for yourself having a focus will help prevent staleness in your training. While some are simply content with working out to stay fit and that is motivation enough others need to have something specific to work towards. If you are in the latter group these strategies can be useful. Always communicate with your trainer so you both stay on the same page when planning a program. A collaborative effort with a qualified professional can get you achieving things you may have never thought possible. 

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