How to Keep a Full Head of Steam once the Challenge is Over
Written by Hank Lopez
Over the last eight weeks, we have seen lots of changes in the gym during our 2014 “Look Good, Feel Good” Challenge. As you walk past the front desk at both our Downtown and Point Loma locations, the first thing you notice is a board full of stars. This showcases all of the hard work and dedication that you all have made over the last eight weeks. So what do you do now that the challenge is over? To ensure your hard work will not be wasted, here is a few tips and ideas to keep you on track.
Make Short-Term Goals – Just because the challenge is over doesn’t mean the work stops. Writing down some goals is always a good option. We can stay on track this way. These goals can be anything that you would like to improve or work on, such as hitting PR’s, coming to the gym at least four days per week or eating clean six days out of the week.
Accountability – Know that you are not alone. There are a lot of fellow Invicti that did the Challenge with you. Collaborating with one another can pay off in numerous ways, such as helping to keep one another accountable for gym attendance. You can even attend classes together. Maybe make some time on a Sunday to get together to prepare meals for the week. This is a great way to get a head start while also limiting some work throughout the busy week.
Look into some Local Events – This could be fun. We live in San Diego, which means there are always things going on. This can give you something to work towards, which also ties right back into goal setting. Get out and do things you don’t normally do and make it a routine. Take up a new hobby, sign up for a local competition or a 5K run, or just get outdoors, such as going on a hike on Sunday or learning watersports. It’s always great to have something to work towards. This will help to keep you engaged and furthermore keep you working hard, being active and staying healthy.
Other Programs and Groups – As you know, here at Invictus we offer a variety of programs outside of our regular group classes. There is always opportunities to get involved with other programs we have. Community is the core here at Invictus. Getting out to the track with Coach Nuno during Wednesday Nights’ “Track Nights” is a fun choice and also a great tool to becoming a more efficient runner. Sign up for “OLY 101” with Coach Cody to learn the fundamentals of lifting or join in the fun at the Olympic Lifting Class that Cody, Bryan and I coach each weekday at 7:00 am at Invictus Point Loma.
Nutrition Coaching Program – Another new thing that’s getting ready to kick off in just a week or so is our 12-week Habit Based Nutrition Coaching Program. This is a great program that launches the first week of April. During the 12 weeks, there will be an initial consult to assess goals and you will receive two emails each week including education and the importance of habit. Also, you will have access to a private online forum where you and other participants in the program can communicate with one another. This is a great program to be a part of and continue to live a healthy lifestyle, or learn ways to improve your current nutritional habits. You will also receive lots of support from Coach Nuno during these 12 weeks.
As you all transition to your next fitness or lifestyle goals, know that keeping up with short term goals, staying connected, getting outside, and checking out some programs we offer are all some good ideas that can help you stay on track. You all have worked so hard over the last eight weeks, while making huge changes in your lives and supporting each other. This defines what this community is all about. So even though the star board is no longer up, you still have your fellow classmates to keep you accountable and focused. Keep working hard and move on to the next challenge!