The End Of A New Beginning!

3 days and the 2014 March 12 Week Challenge will be over. 12 Weeks fly's by but its amazing how much you can achieve in that time, and how much life can change.

This challenge I not only had my own goals but I had my clients to reach. I am never not amazed at their dedication and enthusiasm to change their life.

Although the end of the challenge, this is only the beginning, the beginning of a new life, new improved version of yourself, new friends, and new passions. Now is just the start of more to come!

The Best Kind Of Motivation!

I have come to realise that there is actually nothing better than sharing your clients progress with them. Seeing their face light up when they accomplish something new and reach a new goal and the look in their eyes when they see the progress for themselves. That is what makes the job amazing! 

The Ultimate Challenge

I am now into the last 11 days of the third challenge I have participated in. Some might say that one challenge should be enough, but each time I reach a goal I expand on that and push myself further. As ironic as this sounds, each challenge has its own challenges. Over the past three challenges I have had injured ankles, an injured wrist, shin splints, been on crutches, and mental weakness. This challenge is different though. This challenge I not only have myself to guide through the 12 weeks but a bunch of amazing girls too! This time I am a trainer and I have a bunch of amazing individuals with strength beyond what you would believe, working to change themselves and their lifestyles. 

Its a hard balance, mentally preparing yourself and helping others to follow through and reach their goals. At times, while I build up my business, it sometimes means my training and energy is sacrificed, but in the end I think its worth it. Even when I am struggling mentally I have to remember, I have made so much progress to date and struggling is ok, it just means i 100% understand what my clients are going through. 

Over the past year I have changed physically and mentally. My strength comes from knowing where I have been and where I don't want to go back to mentally. I find the biggest struggle is changing my mind set to suit the changes that I have made physically. Despite the progress I make I just can't seem to get my mind to catch up. To remind myself on my side is an image to remind me that "I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then". 

I hope if nothing else, through my journey I can help my clients in changing their lives, being happy with themselves and finding themselves in the process. Because weight loss is just a thing, its the journey that changes you. 

Girls Night In - The Healthy Way!

Saturday me and my lovely clients had a movie night and girls night in- the catch, all the treats were to be made healthier!

I made a number of snacks and then the girls also brought along a contribution!

Our feast included;

- Spinach wraps cut into triangles for dip instead of turkish bread
- Beetroot dip and Guacamole
- Peanut Butter Choc protein balls
- Tuna mix
- Chicken Strips
- Chevaps
- Sweet Potato Chips
- Carrot, Broccoli and Quinoa salad
- Trail mix with choc chips and goji berries
- Strawberries and pineapple dipped in dark chocolate

Bootcamp Time!

My amazing friend and trainer, Lauren Christie is launching her bootcamp this week! 

Bootcamp is an amazing way to get fit while having fun with others! If your in the Perth Area visit her Facebook page for more details and reserve your spot now!

Changing my path!

If you asked me a year ago where I would be I would never have guessed that I would have made such a massive change to my lifestyle and goals. I am now in week two of my AIPT personal training course and on the way to being a qualified personal trainer. It's scary and nerve racking but it's exciting at the same time. I can't wait to be able to use my experiences and everything I have learned over the past year to help others reach their goals!

Reward Yourself.

Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused. Don't hesitate to recognise those milestones, no matter how small. One thousand small changes will still amount to a large change in the long run. This is some of the purchases I treated myself to at the half way mark to ensure that I stay on track. 

Pause.

One thing that I have learnt throughout my journey is that its ok to sit back and have a day off once in a while and just be alone with your thoughts. Everyone comes across some hurdles and we all deal with it differently. This may mean just sitting back and reading while you have a coffee or just taking time to think. But the most important thing is not to think about the outside world, don't for guilty for what you aren't doing, and just be. In the long run this will mean you come out stronger. 

Adventures!

Exercise doesn't have to seem like a chore! Grab the dog and a friend and go exploring! I tell you Nala had a ball rolling around in the mud and we had fun too searching for fun climbing obstacles and cute photo opportunities! 

Seeing Double!

This was completely by accident! Me and one of my gorgeous friends turned up to train together in matching gym outfits! Great minds think alike, right?! 

Meal Prep, The Key To Success

The key to a successful meal plan is simple, meal prep. Making sure that you plan your meals for the day or the week can be the difference between eating what is good for you and eating what is convenient. So plan ahead and you will save money as well and prevent yourself from regretting your choices for the day! 

This Wont Stop Me!

In week three of the 12 Week Challenge, I injured the ligament in my ankle. This meant that I was unable to train my legs properly for the next three weeks! When this happened I was just starting to go hard and put 100% into everything so it put a downer on my spirits for a bit. Over the past few weeks I ahve been emotionally and physically exhausted, but now I have the all clear I have the next 4.5 weeks to do my very best. I dont see this as a loss but rather more motivation. What an achievement it will be to say "Yes, i achieved this and I was injured for part of the challenge". Lets do this!

Inspiration & Support

Throughout the challenge I started my job at the gym. Gaining this position not only helped me to stay focused but also gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing and knowledgeable people who inspired me and supported me throughout the challenge.

Lauren Christie is a Personal Trainer with a passion for training, living a healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to reach their goals. Words cannot explain how much she taught me about training and eating to lose weight in a healthy way. Check out her Facebook page for just a taster of what she has to offer! 

Although this was not where I thought is be this year, I wouldn't change a thing. Not only did i come leaps and bounds within myself, I had the privilege of meeting amazing people like Lauren. This girl kept me focused, taught me what she had to offer, and inspired me to reach my goals. Not only this, she also became one of my very best friends and that's invaluable in its self. 

Chicken And Greens At It's Best!

This meal is another one of me and my friends favourites. The best thing about it is it only takes a couple of minutes! 

It has four easy components; 

1. Chicken lightly dusted in chilli crumbs and cooked in a pan without oil. 

2. A small dollop of beetroot dip, fresh or from the store. 

3. Beans steamed or cooked in hot water for a few minutes. 

4. Asparagus and cashews cooked in a pan until the cashews are brown. 

Give this quick meal a try! 

Can You Spot Me?

Take a look at the 12 Week Challenge Display for the Goodlife Joondalup gym.

I made top three in the state with my achievements in the last challenge! 

Can you spot me?

WISH it. DREAM it. DO it.

The only thing that will stop you from ahciveing your goals is you. The hardest part is getting started, so take the thing you want most, work out how to reach that dream, and do everything it takes to achieve it.  The power is in your hands. 

The Start Is Near!

Its been almost three months since the end of the last Goodlife 12 Week Challenge and the start of the second round is almost here!

The first challenge was a huge stepping stone in my life and has helped me to shape the person I am today. My journey started in March when I heard about Goodlife's 12 Week Challenge. I lacked self confidence, was insecure and didn't love myself (and if you cant love yourself then who will love you?!). At the end of the first 12 Week Challenge I had fought mental and physical barriers and came out a completely different person, on the inside and out. I came second in my gym, lost 15kg and 67.5cm's, reached my goal of umpiring again, and fit into my old clothes again.

But why stop there?

As soon as the first challenge ended I knew I would be in again! This time my goals are different but will have the same outcome. I will transform my life once again!

It is amazing how much you can learn from being in a competition like this and talking to those around you. I now work in the gym and am motivated everyday to continually challenge myself. So from this week onwards join me and ill share everything I learn along the way and show you why if you really want to, you can change your life and be truly happy.

Erin.