The title of this post is a question I get asked almost every single day. I don't mind getting asked this question, I am happy to answer it, but a lot of times it is not the answer people want to hear. There is no magic pill, no magic diet, just pure willpower that keeps me going.
How do I do it?
I just do it! I don't make excuses, I don't let anything get in my way, including negative thoughts. I think about the big picture, and how I will be around for my hubby, kids, friends and family.
I want to live a long, healthy, happy and productive life. If you have a positive attitude and you realize what you are capable of, then you can do amazing things. Our minds are so powerful and sometimes you just need to ignore the negative thoughts that hold us back and just do it, just get it done and you will be so much happier in the end.
How do I get up every morning at 4:45 am and WHY?
I feel good when I get up and start my morning off with a couple of great workouts. My kids and hubby are in bed until 7:30 or 8:00 am so I get up and get my first 1-2 workouts done before they are even out of bed! Also, if I get these workouts done, then when things come up during my day that I need to take care of I already got a workout done and I can go on with my responsibilities and know I did what I could for the day.
How do I have the energy to sustain so many workouts?
I eat right and I eat a lot! If you see me at the gym you will probably catch me eating an orange, apple or protein bar. I try to eat in between my workouts but I eat things that are good for me that give me natural energy. I don't use any drugs or energy boosters, these are not necessary if you are taking care of yourself and taking care of your heart. I drink so much water! In spin I drink around 60 oz in a 1 hour class and in my other classes I drink around 30 oz per hour. I carry my water with me everywhere! I know my limits, my biggest goal other than losing 120 pounds was to not injure myself, and I have been very lucky that the only injury I have had was pulling my left calf muscle and I was able to get that in check very quick. I get a good night sleep. I only sleep about 6 hours at night and I get a 2 hour nap in almost everyday. Sleep is super important but you need to know your body and how much sleep you need. I feel like crap if I sleep 8 solid hours. My body naturally wakes up after 6 hours and I feel so much better if I get up and get going.
What about my family?
My husband and kids are awesome! I get most of my workouts done when they are sleeping or at work and school. In the evening we do sacrifice a little family time so that I can get to the gym but I do make sure that I am spending quality time with my girls and my husband whenever possible. I play with my kids, take them fun places and let them know how much I love them all the time. They know that I am doing this so that I can be here for them and they are learning great habits from my example. When I get home, I spend time with my husband, we stay up a little late but this is our time and it is worth it to me to sacrifice a little sleep so that I can hang out with my Man! I also think that it is good for my husband and kids to have time without me when I am gone at night. They are with me all day so it is good for them to hang out with Daddy and build a relationship with him. Weekends are fun and we do fun things together. We workout at the gym together, go climbing, bike riding, hula hooping, watch movies and play games together.
The biggest thing I wanted to get across with this post today is that you can do it! You can do anything you set your mind to do, you just have to want it and then you have to do it!
Thanks for reading,
Jena
