Getting Back on (The Health) Track

Once upon a time-you were in shape.

You had a body that was banging enough to rock two-piece swimsuits. You went to Pilates class, opted to take the stairs instead of the elevator, and drank water like it was sexy. Heck, you were sexy. Then you started that demanding job that made finding time to workout a real problem. You moved. You started that graduate degree that left time only for mental exercise. So you made mental promises to start exercising tomorrow—or after that Christmas vacation (I mean, who eats salads when juicy plantains and fried rice abound).

The thing is, tomorrow never happened, but those jeans that no longer fit definitely did. And although sexy never left you—you’ve seen better days. Now on the way to work, those early morning joggers with their oh-so tight running tights and I-pods strapped to their arms, irritate you. That dress that use to zip all the way to the top, mocks you. And, that friend of yours that complains about how she needs to go on a diet while rocking her size two outfit? Well, she annoys you. Story. Of. My. Life.

Or maybe, your story is different—maybe you’ve never even been in shape. The point is, like me, you’re ready to get in the healthy habit. ***I’ve been quite overweight (close to 200 lbs at less than 5”5), and I’ve also been very much in shape. I’ve also been in the between: several times, I’ve fallen off my “Get Fit or Die Trying” mantra. I usually know enough is enough when clothes that used to have extra room start sucking the life out of me in rather inappropriate areas. It happens to the best of us.

Having been on different sides of the fitness track, I know that finding the will to simply begin is one of hardest parts of living a healthy lifestyle. Fear not! Here are 5 tried-and-true tips that have helped me get back in the healthy habit time and time again:

1. Get some cute working-out outfits: You don’t have to rock designer tracksuits, especially if you can’t afford it. There is something motivating, however, about looking somewhat attractive when going to the gym. Throw out the mismatched socks, invest in a good workout bra, and throw on some lip-gloss! There is absolutely no reason to go to the gym looking tore-up. Plus, you never know who you could meet at the gym, or while speed-walking in your neighborhood (*wink*).

2. Make a banging workout playlist: There’s nothing like an upbeat song to make you run faster, or finish those last five minutes on the elliptical machine. My workout playlists tend to include a bit of techno/house, some R &B+Hip-Hop, a dash of pop and of course, good ol’ Nigerian tunes. Beyonce, Jaz-Z and Kanye West are some of my workout constants.

3. Buy your favorite magazine: Get the latest publication of your favorite magazine (that’s US Vogue for me), or a book you’ve been itching to read, then promise yourself that you won’t read it until you’re on the treadmill-or cooling off from a workout.

4. Give yourself a visual: Post pictures of yourself when you were your ideal weight in your car, on your bathroom mirror, or somewhere that you know you will look at. If you’ve never been your goal weight, find a picture of someone whose physique inspires you. Michelle Obama arms remain my motivation. You can also follow health conscious people on Instagram or twitter for more motivation (Angela Simmons is one of my favorites). Finally, post motivational words such as “Yes You Can!” around your house (the fridge would be a good place to start).

5. Just Do It: Decide that you will get on the train to healthy central today. Not next week-not even tomorrow. Decide to start being health today. Today, you can decide to make at least one healthy decision-whether it just means drinking another glass of water or taking the stairs.

Like the Nike slogan says, Just Do It!

—by Blessing Omakwu

#lifestyle