The first step in being successful on your path to fitness is this: Just Show Up! Teaching fitness classes has made this phrase a part of my life. Whether it?s a fitness class, meeting a friend for a workout, or getting on my treadmill, the first step to making it happen is showing up! 

Throughout my career as a trainer and fitness instructor, there have been many days that I didn?t want to teach a class. But I have to show up, it?s my job. Once I get there, get the music playing and turn on my microphone, I?m there. I?m in the right environment to get myself and all my students going. 

Taking care of yourself is your job too. So I encourage my clients to approach exercise the way they approach their jobs. Getting yourself there, to your health club, to your favorite walking path, or on your treadmill is half the battle.  This idea piggybacks on my last blog about the 3 C?s.  Showing up is truly about commitment, consistency and convenience! 

I?m talking about the mental side to fitness because attitude is everything. The attitude I want you to develop for yourself is positive and flexible. And changing your attitude can be as easy as tying your walking shoes. Counteract your excuses by discovering what motivates you, and use these strategies to get active! 

1.    Set some goals. Start with a short-term goal, say for the next four to six weeks, plus a long-term goal, for the next 12 months.  For example, your short-term goal could be to work out ten minutes a day every day for the next four weeks. Your long-term goal could be to run in a 10K fundraiser for your favorite cause.
2.    Keep an exercise journal. I?m a huge believer in keeping a record of your progress. Write down what you do and how it makes you feel, physically and mentally.
3.    Put it on your calendar. Think of it as an appointment with yourself. Because that?s exactly what it is. It?s your time to give yourself what you need.
4.    Do what feels good. If you love to swim and you hate to jog, then guess which one I?m going to tell you to do. Do what you love. Don?t worry about which exercise burns more calories. The exercise that burns the most calories is the one you?ll do.
5.    Decide which works for you: going it alone or working out with others. Many people find that walking with a friend every morning or attending a friendly fitness class three times a week really helps them stick with their exercise plan. But if you prefer to do it yourself, then keep it consistent by linking exercise with something you really enjoy (watching your favorite show or listening to good music).
6.    Set yourself up to succeed. To outwit your excuses, head them off before they happen. If you?re embarrassed to be seen in your old sweats, get some new gear. If it takes you too long to get dressed for your morning workout, lay your clothes and shoes out the night before.
7.    Be flexible. Doing the exact same thing day in and day out isn?t good for your body or your mind. If you really don?t feel like taking a walk, drop in on a yoga class or do a DVD workout instead. If you?re bored with an activity you used to love, hire a trainer or do some research online so you can take your skills to the next level.
8.    Don?t take off more than one day in a row. The longer you slack off, the easier it is to quit.
9.    Reward yourself. Treat your hard-working feet to a spa pedicure. Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. Take a long bath. If it?s not illegal or fattening, I say, ?Go for it!? 

So that?s my advice?if you want to slim down, you need to show up!