4 Rules

Hello friends and fellow gym buddies. I hope everyone is doing exceptionally well and living active and healthy lifestyles.

Just wanted to send out a quick Monday motivator to get you through the week.

This week I am going to challenge you to set 4 Rules for yourself regarding your nutrition, health or workouts. We live in a society that has rules pouring out of every crevice and cranny. Rules regarding every aspect of life. Rules imposed by our government all the way down to rules imposed by our parents.

According to the Miriam Dictionary (you know I love defintions), rules are "a set of explicit or understood regulation or principles governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere."

We have all heard the cliche that 'rules are meant to be broken', but rules were established to create order and structure in our society, community, government, churches, schools, and everyday life. So why not have rules for the most important thing? Your health and physical wellness!

This photo inspired today's topic:

I love these four rules, not just because of the content, but how each one starts. The rules do not state what one will not do, but what one WILL do. We always need to focus on our abilities, rather than our incapability.

Rule 1: I will never go 3 days without exercise.

• I love this rule because once you miss a day, it is so easy to miss another... and another... and another. Life happens, but even if I can only find 15 minutes do to some cross training or calisthenics or tabata and HIIT.

Rule 2: I will work out at least 3 times a week.

• Again, I will always make an effort to get it in three days a week. When I work out I feel so much better. I am less stressed, I am more calm and happy, and confident. I am also closer to my goals. There is never an excuse not to work out when you have the time.

Rule 3: I will never miss a Monday.

• I like this one. My fitness week starts on Sunday though. That is my meal prep day, I plan my days at the gym and the workouts that I will be doing each of those days. In addition, I always try to get a workout in. It gets me excited about the week ahead, and motivates me to get up early that next morning (Monday) and make it to the gym at the forsaken hour of 5:00 AM. Mondays are crucial for me. If I miss a Monday workout, chances are, the rest of my week is off kilter.

Rule 4: I will never give up.

• This may seem like a silly rule, but it is needed. How many times have we had a bad week (eating unhealthy or not working out) and it turns into a bad month, a bad quarter, and a bad year. Before too long we are no closer to our goals and its January 1st. Never giving up is a crucial rule because it means no matter what I do or do not do, I will not quit. If I have a bad week, I will ensure the next week is better. Once you can string a few good days and weeks together, you will be looking at one amazing year.

Set rules for yourself in your training. You will be focused, clear-minded, and ready to tackle any challenges that may come up. You will be prepared for those difficult days or weeks, and ready to bounce back full force.

Your health deserves some standard guidelines and rules. Grab a marker and paper, and set rules for your fitness today!!

Until Next Time...

~ Q. Olivia