Tips from Transformers - Tip #3

Looking at the big picture can often be intimidating when it comes to losing weight/getting fit. There are several of us on my Transformers team who need and want to lose a lot of weight (30 lbs or more). If you have a lot of weight to lose, realistically, it could be a long road ahead until your reach your goal weight. We have discussed breaking our goals up into more manageable pieces (three 10lbs benchmarks, for example). More than one of us had heard or read that it is important to reward yourself throughout your weight loss journey to stay motivated. First, you have to set up your short-term and long-term goals. These goals should be personal and focus on the things you need the most improvement on.

So I set my fitness goals as well as my ultimate weight loss goal (90 lbs). One of my fitness goals was to attend yoga weekly. I'm not the best "stretcher" in the world so I figured I could use the help in that area as well as for general relaxation/stress relief. I've probably attended about 60% of the time since July. Luckily the classes are included as part of my membership so I don't have to pay extra (and don't have to feel guilty if I miss a class). One of my other fitness goals was to start weight lifting again and do it consistently. I lost about 35 lbs on the Atkin's diet in 1999 but I didn't manage to keep all the weight off for more than 5 years because I didn't change any of my exercise habits. I didn't want to make that mistake again. In addition to my fitness goals, I also set weight loss goals in 15 lbs increments. That breaks my total into 6 more manageable steps and then I set up rewards for myself when I achieve each of them. I would also like to mention that I discussed these goals with my husband so we could agree on something that wouldn't strain the family finances. See below for my list.

15lbs - Manicure/Pedicure (had a gift certificate) - Achieved 10/27/09

30lbs - Massage

45lbs - Book or CD

60lbs - Massage

75lbs - Victoria's Secret Undies or Bras

90lbs - Trip to Washington, DC with Dan

I'll keep you posted as I achieve these goals!