Tips to My 8 Week Challengers

Below are some tips from my amazing and incredible mentors, Blair and Emily. They both completed, and won, my 8 Week Challenge in the past, and are here to offer support and advice to you all! :)

Blair's Tips:

1. Trust the process: I cannot stress this enough! Trust. The. Process. Trust yourself, trust your peers, trust the program. I know there will be times when you feel like no progress is being made, but just know that lifestyle changes don't occur over night. It takes time. When I would have one of "those" days, I would just look back at progress pictures and it would be an eye opener as to how far I'd come! I know for so many of you (myself included) this isn't just an 8 week challenge. We are all wanting to change ourselves permanently both mentally and physically. I promise you, if you just trust the journey.. you will get results =)

2. Plan ahead: I know we have all heard the saying "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail." This couldn't be more true! Having easy, healthy choices in your fridge is the best way to ensure success, which is why meal prep is so important! I like to meal prep twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays. I like to keep my meal prep as simple as possible due to the fact I am usually trying to corral two children and cook at the same time. Also, don't only plan your meals, but plan your workouts as well. One thing that really helped me was to sit down and map out my schedule for the week. I would have to decide when and where I would fit my workout into my crazy schedule. If I knew ahead of time that say Thursday I wouldn't be able to make it to the gym, I would make that my rest day for that week. Planning all aspects will definitely set you up for success!

3. Don't give up: This ladies and gents is a BIG one! I know everyone has a busy schedule and sometimes we can let life get in our way, but if this does happen--don't quit! Just forgive yourself, realize you are human, and let it add fuel to your fire! But don't ever let one bad day, or one slip up dictate how the rest of your journey will go!

Emily's Tips:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Prepare your meals, your clothes and your schedule! Know what you're going to eat and how much of it. From there you can meal prep! A crock pot is your friend! Best way to cook large amounts when you have a busy schedule

2 Lay out your schedule for the week and stick to it! If you work out after work, make sure you pack your clothes, headphones, etc.

3. Find good music! It can change your entire work out!

4. If cardio isn't your thing, bring a book or do interval workouts or both!

5. USE YOUR COACH, MENTORS AND SUPPORT SYSTEM! It will be difficult sometimes and they will help you push through

6. Keep track of everything in the same booklet. This way it literally is all at your fingertips. Track how much you're lifting (what weight) this shows you first hand how much progress you're making!

7. Trust the process and take it seriously - it can and will change your life if you let it!

8. Stay active and go at your own pace! If you can do more, do more! If not, just try your hardest!

***** The first week is the hardest! Keep in mind that you only can improve from there! I struggled A LOT during the first week but I stayed with it and worked extremely hard, you can too!! *****