Happy Monday! I’m so excited for this fun new challenge that is starting next week. Sign ups for those not on the waiting list will be posted on Friday, August 28th!

My brainstorming has been on fire! I keep going round and round about how to make this an effective and encouraging challenge. A challenge that will motivate you to be the best version of yourself. I want you to walk away at the end of the 21 days and feel more confident, both inside and out!

In my brainstorming I have realized that I need to address something before I move forward. In all honesty I don’t really want to touch on this topic, but I feel that I need to. It’s a sensitive topic to me, the topic is “comparison.”

I think in order to be focused on fitness, you need to first be focused on self-acceptance.

As a child I was often teased and made fun of for being thin. It was humiliating and embarrassing, especially to be ridiculed for something that I really couldn’t do much about. I grew through those experiences and also came into my own. I discovered sports and athletics, which helped me to find a way to focus on becoming a stronger version of myself. I often thought that the teasing days of my school years would fall to the wayside, which has not been the case.

Over the years I have continued to experience so much comparison from other women. I would be a rich lady if I had a quarter for every time another women has stood next to me and compared her size to mine. While this in some ways might be a compliment, it usually comes off pretty awkward (for me). I struggle with knowing what to say. I don’t want the other person to feel poorly about their body, but if I throw out a compliment it feels somewhat forced. I also feel as if they are criticizing me for being different from them, which hurts me and hurts me for them. Why can’t we both be comfortable in our own skin? How are we going to raise confident daughters who love their bodies, if we don’t love ours?

Here is how I would describe myself: I have a body type that is referred to as an “ectomorph,” I generally have a high energy level, and I am self-motivated (most of the time). My pursuit to instruct fitness classes in college led to a 20 + year occupation/habit that has been transformational in keeping me moving! And, I was raised in a home where we ate very healthy – thanks Mom!

Here is also how I would describe myself: I have had three babies, babies that stretched out my tummy skin, something I still have to work on embracing. I am getting older, and it shows in my crinkles and gray hairs. I love sugar, insert – any kind of dessert, candy, ice cream, or fun drink. I’m a bit of a yo-yo person, one day I will have tons of motivation, and the next day I will throw it out the window and just indulge. I’m not some die-hard gym addicted kind of person who measures out her meals and is obsessed with the numbers on the scale.

However, I have worked hard to maintain good lifestyle habits. I have discovered habits that work for me, habits that have helped me to stay focused on my health. I want my daughters to see their mom enjoying an ice cream cone and not mentioning the size of her thighs. And I want my son to see a woman who embraces her aging body with grace and style. I don’t want my children to hear that their mom is on another diet, or unhappy with how her clothes fit. I believe I have a responsibility to model a healthy mindset, where fitness is focused on being fit and healthy, and not on being skinny. A mindset that embraces moderation and flexibility.

Life is ALL about choices and when we choose well, we live well.

Even though I have a body type that – used to – lend itself to being thinner, I still have to work hard to maintain my ideal weight. Gone are the teen years where I ate anything I wanted, whenever I wanted. I have to be a “grown-up” and live within the guidelines of moderation. I’ve learned that living a life well requires balance and discipline.

So my encouragement is this…

STOP comparing YOU to everybody else.

Your body is yours and yours alone. Stop using words like fat, skinny, big, small, tall, short…use words like strong, healthy, athletic, sharp, toned, fierce. Your words to others and to yourself can make an amazing impact when it comes to self-confidence and self-acceptance. Start today by choosing to LOVE and EMBRACE your body. If you want to make some “healthy”changes then do so. But never stop loving your body!

21-Day Fitness Challenge FAQ’s

The 21-Day Fitness Challenge will start on September 4th. It is a challenge focused on encouraging you exactly where you are! I want to share in your journey and help you to be your best!

WHO: I’d love for you to join with me! This Fitness Challenge is open to ANYONE. No matter your current fitness level, your dietary restrictions, or your preferences. You will be provided with lots of options, options that you can choose from, options that will allow you to make the challenge work for YOU. This will not be a cookie cutter plan, but more of a “choose your own adventure.” I am not going to provide specific workouts, rather guidelines and direction. I won’t be telling you what to eat at each meal, instead I’ll be giving you basic tools to follow in the kitchen and when you eat out. We’re going to focus on 24 hours at a time, one bite at a time, and one step at a time. Your fitness level is a direct reflection of your daily choices. Therefore we’re going to really focus on each daily choice that you make!

WHAT: I believe that accountability is the key when it comes to making positive steps forward in your life. I also believe that when it comes to health maintenance – there are different strokes for different folks! We will take the 21-days and break them down into three seven-day sections. In each seven-day section, you are going to have a clear vision for what you want to do differently and better. You’ll be required to follow-up with me on Fridays, with your status. It will be a layer to hold you accountable. I want to encourage you and have you know that I care about your progress. Even if your progress feels more like a zig zag! (I can totally relate to this.)

WHEN: The 21-Days will begin officially, Friday, September, 4th. The challenge will run from 9/4-9/24. 21-Days to a better YOU! Sign up to keep up to date with all of the necessary info! Sign up information will be emailed out to the waiting list first – this Wednesday (8/26) – and then regular sign ups will be available Friday (8/28). (Cost for the 21-Day Fitness Challenge is only $21.00 – with a money back guarantee.)