6 months ago I made a big decision. I decided to ‘uncover’ the secrets, the diet, the workouts and of course the strategies bikini and fitness models use to get ‘stage ready’ for a INBA bikini/fitness competition and to say I was surprised at what I discovered is an understatement.

The journey (or should I say ride) had more in store for me than eating all the right foods and exercising in a way to get my body in fantastic shape. This journey has totally changed me as a woman, and dare I say changed me in a positive way forever.

Motivation, discipline, habits, confidence, improved self esteem, positive attitude, new learnings, new friendships, improved organisation skills, feelings of accomplishment are just a few of the words that come to mind.

I had a secret.

For years I had admired women who were able to get up on stage in their bikinis with their tone, fit bodies and their body fat so low that their 6 pack abs shone through.

I knew HOW to create a fit, tone body and HOW to speed up your metabolism through nutrition to lose weight and look great, after all, I had been helping women achieve this for over 20 years.

But I was curious,

How do these women train to the next level? How do they create SUPER LOW body fat? Is it possible for me (at 49) to do this and in a healthy way? If I can learn the tricks of the trade, can this help my clients?

Have you ever done something in your life for one reason and at the end of it been completely surprised at HOW it was SO DIFFERENT from your expectations?

Mental Note To Self … NEVER predict that you KNOW the outcome!

I just thought I was in for an improved body.

And so my journey began. I employed a wonderful online coach who gave me all the tools I needed to be successful in getting up on stage in 20 weeks time (which scared the living daylights out of me, I had not worn a bikini for over 26 years).

And this is when things became interesting.

This journey not only improved my body BUT affected my mental and emotional health. Something I did not see coming!

Motivation, Discipline and Good Habits

I discovered that motivation lasts a few weeks at the most.

Have you ever said to yourself … “I’m not ‘motivated’ to lose weight”?

Well the idea of getting up on stage in a tiny bikini at 49 certainly makes you motivated to ‘stay on track’.

BUT then life kicks in – a busy work schedule, a partner who brings home your favourite treat (Kettle chips), a down day and this is when I discovered DISCIPLINE.

Discipline was catching myself in those moments. I practiced saying “I KNOW BETTER” than to eat the kettle chips, practiced making ‘MY WORKOUTS’ as important as my business commitments and practiced choosing to ‘JUST DO IT’ when I was feeling lazy and not wanting to workout. I kept pushing myself through those hard moments and guess what happened?

I created HABITS.

HABITS became a breath of fresh air – I was now looking forward to my ‘workout time’, not thinking about ‘eating the wrong foods’, no longer craving sugar (or kettle chips) and establishing good habits, I started to feel strong in my emotional health. I felt like I was in control of my food and exercise habits, WOW what an amazing feeling this is!

I share this with you not to say ‘ how good am I’ but in hope you too will practice the art of Discipline and habits because this changed my life.

My confidence in myself grew.

I started to feel positive and excited about all parts of my life

I was proud of my efforts

I started feeling ‘in control’.

I competed in my first INBA bikini competition. I loved every minute. I will share with you what I ate and how I exercised in another blog.

The takeaway from this blog that I believe will help you achieve your goal of weight loss and improved fitness is:

1. GET A PLAN. The right plan for you. I chose to get up on stage and learn the strategies to very low body fat BUT for many it is losing 10 kilos, fitting into your old clothes, or looking in the mirror and LOVE what you see.

2. PRACTICE DISCIPLINE. Know that motivation is short lived. Discipline is where the magic occurs and with support, the right plan and a bit of tough love you can create discipline and long lasting habits in no time.

3. NEVER predict YOU WILL KNOW the outcome. I sense I am a different woman than I was 20 weeks ago (emotionally, mentally and physically stronger). You too may find that committing to a plan and following through can change you in ways you never even thought about!

I wish you every success in your journey to achieving your weight loss goals.

If you would like help in losing weight, toning up, creating better health and fitness, please reach out to me, the first step is often the hardest.