Staying motivated during your wellness journey can be hard. Some weeks are great and the numbers fly off the scale, but other weeks can be daunting. When the number increases instead of decreases, it can feel so disheartening. It is how we move forward from adversity that defines our journey. So today, I wanted to share ways in which you can stay motivated, even during difficult weeks.

 

  1. Refocus On The Big Picture

Take a step back and look at the big picture and how far you have come. It is not all about the number on the scale. Itemize your accomplishments; big and small! Are you stronger? Do you have more energy? Are you sleeping better? Are your clothes fitting better? There are so many accomplishments outside of simply weight loss, and that progress needs to be celebrated as well!

  1. Change Up Your Routine

If you feel like you make be in a rut, change something up! The easiest thing to start with is to try a new workout. Add in a new class format or go for a jog – just try something different! With nutrition, make a few new swaps for healthier options each week and evaluate how your body responds. Also, evaluate what you are eating and the quantity. Are you eating too much? Are you eating too little? Both can hurt weight loss efforts. The best way to evaluate your eating habits is to keep a food log.

  1. Learn How YOU Relax

What helps one person relax may not work for another. Learn what helps you to physically and mentally relax. Stress, and the inability to unwind, can significantly thwart weight loss. Some ideas to help destress include going for a nice walk, taking a hot Epsom salt bath, meditating, going to a yoga class, or getting a massage.

  1. Make Sure You Set Realistic Goals

If your weight loss goal is too high for a defined period of time, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Most people can healthily lose 1-2 pounds per week on average. Of course, there are times that could be more or less, but that is a good guideline for setting a realistic expectation.

  1. Turn To Your Support System

Find who supports you, and let them support you! This may be a family member, but does not necessarily have to be. It could be coworkers, friends, teammates, or any other Biggest Loser participant that you feel comfortable sharing with. Whoever it is you choose to talk to, just make sure you talk.  Your support system can offer advice, inspiration, and solace when you’re feeling down and unmotivated.

  1. Always Love Yourself

No matter what, do not beat yourself up. Learn self-love and how to celebrate the positive. We are always our biggest and harshest critics. Often telling ourselves things we would never utter towards another person – but to ourselves, we just unleash!  This can be hard for a lot of people, but make sure to learn to be kind to you!

 

Erin ScheriffErin Scheriff

GENERAL MANAGER of Fortis Fitness & YOGALUX

Erin Scheriff is the General Manager of Fortis Fitness & YOGALUX. Originally from the East Coast, she has always been active from a young age; playing softball and basketball in school. After graduating High School, she left New York for Maryland where she earned her B.S. in Biology at Towson University. In 2006 following graduation, Erin decided to escape the cold winters of New York and move 3,000 miles across the country to sunny San Diego! She worked for over 5 years as an Oligonucleotide Biochemist, before leaving to pursue her passion in fitness and nutrition. In addition to being a certified 200 Hour Yoga and Yoga-Sculpt Instructor, Erin is also a Certified Nutritionist Consultant and Certified Clinical Master Herbalist. Her passion is helping people lead healthier and happier lives in any way she can. Working together to create what became Fortis and YOGALUX was the way for her to fulfill that goal. It has been extremely rewarding to Erin to be part of a safe and fun space where people can not only workout and improve their lives physically, but where they can form lasting friendships in a community that enhances their quality of lives both mentally and emotionally as well. In her spare time, Erin can be found working out in the gym, taking classes, running, swimming, cycling, going to the beach, reading, doing yardwork/gardening, helping to run a local non-profit organization, or spending quality time with her family and friends (especially her husband, two young children, and two dogs)!