Motivation seems to be a major hurdle for a lot of people wanting to get in shape these days. There is, and always will be, a reason to start tomorrow, or next week, or when you return from vacation, after you move, etc. The list goes on and on. Maybe you really don’t want to get back in shape, you think it would be nice, but really aren’t making the daily commitment to actually do it. Life is not going to stop for you once you pick a date, there will still be all those distractions and reasons not to get up each day and make the time to exercise, and take the time to prepare and carry your lunch and snacks to keep you going all day. It is an ongoing challenge to live fit, and make healthy choices. We cannot will ourselves there, we really need to be honest with ourselves and take it seriously. I think about what my day looks like tomorrow, plot out the best time to get my exercise in and act accordingly. Even if it means going to bed an hour early so I can get up and fit a run in before work. If it is going to be ‘one of those days’ a 10 minute walk here and there (get off the bus a couple stops early and walk the rest of the way), a mid day stretch, and a brisk walk with the dog in the evening will suffice. If it is raining, take your umbrella - we live in Seattle! You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel the entire day. So get up right this moment and do something - walk up and down the stairs, do a few jumping jacks, walk circles in your apartment - no excuses. To those of you who already do it - cheers!

One dedicated soul joined me on Sunday, Dec.2nd Bodywalk class. It was snowing, then it was raining (pouring actually), but what a workout we got - and fun too. Why does the weather stop many of us from getting our exercise in? With the right clothing, shoes, and attitude, a workout in inclement weather is just as rewarding if not more than sunnier times. Get out there and move!

I met Dawn in June 2007, and I was 227 pounds. I had been working out on my own since March and lost 10 pounds, but got in to a rut. I joined a new gym and my new trainer pushed me as if I were in the military. I could hardly walk out of there. I was afraid of my next appointment. Luckily I was able to switch trainers, and met Dawn. She approached me in a completely different way. I told her my routine and food habits, but I told her I didnt have much control.

She told me to stop what I was doing, and try her way. I decided to give up what I was doing before, because my best thinking only gave me a 10 pound weight loss in 4 months. Instead of giving me a cookie cutter routine, she designs each workout for my needs. With her help in exercise and diet, I lost 40 pounds in four months. I even referred my mother and a friend to her, and would recommend that everyone try a workout her way. It will be challenging, but the rewards will be better and much faster than going at a fitness program alone or a typical workout program.

- Scot Kelly

On a recent 9 day road trip our plan was to be active EVERY day by mountain biking and trail running while driving around sunny CA. We got thrown off on Christmas morning when we awoke to our very expensive mountain bikes having been stolen. What to do now??? We began by driving to the coast and ‘chasing’ waves. Great cardio! Good for the abs as well with all the laughing that comes with it. The next day, we replaced one of the bikes and continued our trip, my husband biking and I trail running alongside him. Because of our determination and commitment to having an active holiday season, we exercised in practical ways. Look at what’s around you and use it to keep you fit, rather than as the excuse. You will discover practical ways to keep active in your hectic lifestyle. I wouldn’t have thought I would spend Christmas afternoon being chased by waves (and burning a ton of calories). I guess my point here is when you skip your walk or run because it is raining outside, or you decide not to go to the gym because it is too cold to walk to your car and drive there, or you’re too busy to ‘workout’, there are ways other than the normal. Do chair squats at your desk if you are too busy to leave for a workout, do calf raises while preparing dinner, socialize in active ways - bowling, walking around the Sculpture Park or Green Lake while catching up with friends (way better for you then meeting for happy hour!), if you’ve been wanting to paint a room in your house - do it yourself (you’ll save money and get a great arm workout), take dance lessons, practice a sport you used to be good at, join the BodyWalk class, re-arrange your furniture (you’ll not only get a strength workout, but then you’ll have to clean under all that furniture;). Make a commitment to yourself to be active everyday…and be creative - it’s alot of fun!

I started working out with Dawn in May of 2007 and in 2 months I lost 8lbs and 2% body fat. During all my workouts Dawn was encouraging and supportive, and most importantly realistic. I never felt pressure to over-perform or to adjust my lifestyle outside of my reach. The parameters we created around my diet and workouts made it possible for me to reach my goals while still do (and eat!) some of the things I love. I’ve always maintained a relatively healthy lifestyle, but it wasn’t until I started working out with Dawn that I actually lost weight and saw changes in my body. It’s been a very rewarding experience and fun too!