Plateau

Plateau- Yeah Baby, Here itComes!

My dear friends, you’re about to enter into the eye of the beast that spells serious lifestyle change: the dreaded P-L-A-T-E-A-U…  Last month was awesome.  Everyone was excited about change, everyone implemented a lot of change and everyone, across the board saw a dramatic result. Now the reality sets in. Working out is fun, but hard, painful and time consuming.  Eating properly can be expensive, require a lot of preparation and takes me out of the social loop.  My life is crazy and I don’t have theluxury of making it to the Gym everyday. This isn’t “The Biggest Loser” how do you expect me to make this dramatic change without being locked away with professional supervision 24/7?!

That’s the paradox of this challenge.  It is the ultimate in reality.  The changes have to be real and they have to stick.  That initial weight loss is the euphoric plus of starting your new habits.  In order for those habits to have a greater, long-term effect they have to stand the test of time, even if the weight loss is less dramatic this month and I can almost guarantee you it will be.  All of you are facing high levels of stress; moving- high pressure multiple jobs- constant travel- new additions to your family- new educational prospects that are costly both financially and energetically. There is a lot going on in all of your lives and that will never change.  The stress will ebb and flow, but the trick is learning how to take care of yourself throughout the ongoing stress of life.  

Here are some tips to getyou through this rough patch:

• Schedule your workouts like a business appointment. 

You’d never miss a business meeting, flight for work or an audition. These are work priorities. So is your exercise, if you’re not caring for yourself properly you will not perform your work duties to the best of your ability.  There are numerous studies singing thepraises of the high productivity levels of happy healthy employees in job settings where exercise is encouraged and even facilitated by youremployer.  So schedule it like it’swork and you’ll find you have more time to exercise than you think.  Don’t tell colleagues you’re going tot he gym or out for a fitness walk or to a kickboxing class, tell them you’regoing to a meeting.

• Water, Water, Everywhere!

If you got it, drinkit!!  I know it sounds like a lotof water and yes you’re going to be in the bathroom constantly.  So what?  Buy stock in Charmin- but whatever you do drink half yourbody weight in ounces of water daily. This will flush toxins out of your system.  Keep your muscles and your skin hydrated to you will lookand feel fresh and clean.  It will also help you sleep as the acid level in your body will go down with the amountof water you drink and relaxed happy muscles fall asleep faster that overcaffeinated, fatigued muscles do. They also repair faster so your workout will be even more effective!

• Everybody’s Got That Somethin’

We all have that slightly psychotic, well-intentioned friend who is just crazy about… you fill in theblank.  Water skiing, boxing, Latin dancing, Pilates- whatever!  Its time for you to finally say “Yes!” when you’re friend tries to drag you alongfor the fun.  In order to stay engaged, your body needs a constant change of stimulus.  Doing the same workout everyday is the kiss of death in Plateau-ville. You must keep your mind and your body active and constantly challenged with new movements, dynamics and experiences that take you out of your everyday environment.  If you don’t have that well-intentioned friend become that person and pick something wild, crazyand wonderful that you’ve always wanted to try.  Do it this weekend get high off it and have an amazingtime.  You’ll get fit, happy andyou won’t know what hit you!

See you all very soonJ

xoxoLawson