One week of May is already gone. This perhaps is not the best news, if you’re not feeling ready to sport the typical summer attire due to lingering insecurities about how you feel when you think about pulling out the warm wether clothes. Sweat pants and jeans might be good alternatives in those cooler months, but when the sun is shining and the temperatures soar, they have no place in your wardrobe.
Personally I struggled for years with what my body looked like and with feeling confident enough to wear summer clothes without constantly feeling insecure or worrying about whether or not my cellulite was too noticeable. I by no means have a perfect body now, and have in fact made peace with those imperfections that never seem to quite align with the media’s version of a “perfect body”.
I am thankful for all that my body has accomplished thus far and for all that it has allowed me to do. My mindset has shifted dramatically over the past year. Instead of working out or “dieting” because I hate my body, I have learned to exercise and eat mindfully and healthfully as a way to fuel my body and to take care of it. I am done shaming myself, feeling guilty, or hiding those imperfections. I am instead choosing to embrace them while continuing to work on or maintain my current fitness level.
I don’t know if you saw one of my recent Facebook posts (Find Your THRIVE) or not, but I feel that I am in the BEST shape of my life. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’ve had two kids, struggled with injuries, and eating disorders through out the years. I’ve made horrible remarks about how I wished this or that was different about my body or my life. I’ve spent countless hours at the gym, counting calories and weighing my food, I’ve skipped barbecues and celebrations because I was terrified of gaining weight. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. I’ve gone from not working out or caring what I ate to being extremely strict with my workout plan and nutrition plan. On both ends, I was absolutely miserable. Just perhaps for slightly different reasons, but on either end at the end of the day, I felt empty and inadequate. It felt like I would always be chasing this elusive idea of a perfect body without ever being able to attain it.
That all changed for me when I found a community and a place to belong regardless of what I looked like or how strong or skinny I was. I found a tribe. I found other women working on their own goals, yet still lifting me up as I worked on mine. Our tribe was a place where competition between women had no place. I found workout programs that delivered some of the best results I’ve ever seen in less time than it took me to drive to the gym back in my gym rat days. I’ve found simple, yet highly effective nutrition plans that make eating clean and eating for my goals easy. My nutrition has been simplified and stream lined, my workouts are continuing to challenge and change my body. And the best part is, I’m not doing it alone.
You might be wondering why I bother to share all of this with you? Well, I’d be willing to bet that you might be able to relate (at least in some way) to how I’ve felt and who I’ve been. Maybe that is you now. Maybe its just a painful memory of who you have been. Regardless of what side you find yourself on, there is room for you in my tribe. If you’re needing help to gain control of your life then great, you belong. If you just need a new routine to switch things up, you belong. If you just need a simpler, yet still effective way of maintaining your current fitness, you belong.
My last Summer Shred group was such a hit and filled up quick, I have decided to open registration for this group even earlier! This is great news if you missed out last time. Last month in the Summer Shred, I did the 21 Day Fix Extreme and I plan to continue that program through one more round. My results didn’t seem extreme at the time, and the changes may not look huge, but I can tell by the way my clothes fit that there were some changes. I think it can be an easy trap and a slippery slope to always expect huge results. If you show up day in and day out and you focus on the daily actions, the results WILL come. But you have to honestly show up, and give it your all. Just focus on beating your own personal best each day.
I am looking for 10 ladies to join me in June who are ready to look and feel their best going into this summer!
Here’s what you’ll get:
– Streaming access to EVERY single Beachbody program for an entire year, including any new ones that come out in 2017 (I have it on good authority that there are already several new programs set to be released).
– A dense superfood nutrition shake that will help you fight cravings and curb hunger.
– A portion control meal plan to help you learn how to fuel your body using clean foods and the correct portions for your body and for your goals.
– An accountability group with other women who are on the same journey as you.
– One on one coaching with me and weekly check ins
There are only 10 spots available, and it’s first come, first serve!
Click the link to apply or email findyourthrive@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you and to help you start chipping away at those fitness goals!
Alisha Carlson | The Strong[HER] Way 