Sometimes we get so stuck in a rut that we firmly believe it’s too late to change. We are so used to maintaining the busy lifestyle we’ve created around our home/work/social life that we believe there is no actual time left to make changes and improve our wellbeing….Here’s the thing….its honestly NEVER TOO LATE!! We create our lifestyle through our daily habits, therefore we can recreate by introducing new practices and slowly eliminating the unproductive patterns that are stopping us from living the lives we truly desire.
It’s easier to do than it sounds, trust me because even I have managed it! I always made the excuses that ‘Hey I’m waaaaaay too busy than to be fitting in time for…sigh... regular exercise and preparing nutritious meals, I work full time I have a husband, two active children and a household to run! Seriously, where do you expect me to find the time???’ I also believed I was … gulp…too old to start a proper fitness program. Ok I know I am only 43 but my excuse would be that I couldn’t be expected to have the energy I had in my 20’s. I would still get out for the odd walk here and there and think that was enough, that as long as I am kept busy and not completely sedentary then I was healthy….for my age! I honestly thought that when you reached a certain age it’s about maintaining your body, I never thought I could actually re create it, until now. I don’t have the energy I had in my 20’s, I’m thrilled to admit I actually have more!
Since starting this program I have seen a lot of changes in myself, not only in my physique but also in my attitude towards everything. I don’t get as overwhelmed by the fast pace of life as I used to and get stressed as easily, which in turn resulted in comfort eating and that’s because I simply changed my habits. 
I didn’t do it overnight, I have taken steps, albeit baby steps, but which have nonetheless taken me forward even though there were many times I slipped along the way. It’s like everything in life, its all about picking yourself up, dusting yourself down and trying again. What crawling baby decides, after falling numerous times in their feat to learn how to walk ‘Ah this walking craic isn’t for me, I’ll give it a miss’ ??…. None! They watch those around them who have mastered this task, learn from their expertise and give it another lash until finally they forget themselves and take off without looking back….a new habit, accomplished! I now choose habits that serve me and reduce those that don’t benefit me. Without realising it before I was shocked at the amount of time I wasted on watching rubbish on TV and scrolling through Facebook….I counted these as winding down time when really they done the opposite.
Regular exercise has umpteen benefits to the human body as we well know and that includes both physically and mentally. I find personal training is exactly that, personal! I may not be working out one to one privately with a trainer but I do feel my trainers are so aware of my goals and what achieving them actually means to me and therefore, I feel are as eager to see me accomplish them as I am. Having this support and drive behind you is exactly what I was missing. Knowing someone wants you to succeed in every way is such a source of encouragement. I also am well aware that the level of what you put into something is what you get out of it. If I went to each session and done the bear minimum and found excuses as to why I couldn’t do a certain exercise I know I wouldn’t be making the progress I am, the only person I am therefore cheating is myself. I go in to each session believing I can always do more, lift heavier and add more reps. The more I push myself the more I achieve and the happier and healthier I am.
My energy levels have soared. My diet has changed to where I constantly think about fuelling my body rather than satiating it. 
I want to consume what will give me energy to push myself further to make me stronger and fitter. I ignorantly thought you couldn’t achieve higher levels of fitness as you age, I’m delighted to now know differently.
Ozone have introduced an exciting new revolutionary fitness testing system called FitRanx which not only focuses on your weight but your actual overall fitness. It helps you stay motivated as it gives you short term goals to strive for whilst still achieving your own personal goals. The short challenges assess your strength and cardiovascular fitness which is so important in achieving a healthy lifestyle. It’s one thing losing weight but another to be healthy and fit and increase your lifespan (I’m not getting any younger remember!!). I’m excited about taking on this challenge in the weeks ahead and will most definitely keep you posted on my progress.
I am also due another review and I am looking forward to seeing how much I have progressed in a mere 12 weeks!! Whether you see it visibly or not I personally know I have achieved more in the past 3 months than I ever have done over the past 43 years messing around with diets. No more chasing quick fixes, instead I am investing in my health. This program is allowing me to rediscover myself emotionally as well as physically and has opened my eyes to just how fulfilling this life we have can actually be!
If you feel you could do with the help and support to change like I did, pop in your details here!
Until next time,
Louise
