5 Successful Habits of
Fitness Professionals: Jodi Atkinson
Have you ever wondered what type of habits fitness professionals live by? What do they eat? What type workouts do they do? Do they practice what they preach?
Believe or not, these are common questions we get asked all the time. To shed some light on what habits we subscribe to for success in our lives, this week we are addressing some of those common questions.
Last week, we profiled Cortnee, and this week we are continuing with our Successful Habits of Fitness Professionals series with Jodi, who is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Follow along as Jodi shares her top 5 strategies and habits for success when it comes to health and fitness!
#1: Get Your Mind Right
Changing my mentality has been a huge part of getting in shape. When I had two toddlers and I was pregnant with my 3rd child, I went to Florida to meet my husband for a much needed get a way. While waiting for my flight in the airport, I “treated” myself to a big cinnamon roll. After that baby was born, I spent a lot of time losing weight and getting in shape. I had to change my mentality. Since then, when I pamper myself, I try to treat myself to the kind of food that would be delicious but also healthy like a plate of salmon or a yummy salad or I treat myself to something non-food related.
#2: Focusing on Adding, Not Subtracting
When I first tried to cut back on carbohydrates, I thought about carbs all day long. I did well avoiding them most of the day, but by dinner, I found myself scarfing down pancakes with my kids. Since then, I’ve found that if I focus on what I need to add into my diet, not so much on what I need to subtract out, I do a lot better. I try to make sure I have gotten in my proteins and vegetables and am drinking lots of water. I often use the vegetables as a substitute for carbs. For example, broccoli with my chicken instead of rice. Steamable frozen vegetables that can be popped in the microwave for 5 minutes have been a huge time saver and have helped me reach my goals of getting in enough vegetables. I tell myself I can eat all the vegetables I want, so I will never have to be hungry.
#3: Make Exercise a Priority
Working out has to take a priority in my life. Life is hectic with 4 kids, a job, and volunteering. I carve out time every day 6 days a week to exercise and I try not to schedule anything else on top of my workout. I used to feel guilty telling a friend I couldn’t help watch her kids because I was exercising. But I’ve realized that I need to take care of myself and then I can take care of others. Just like the airlines say, “put the mask on yourself, and then help your children.” Getting my exercise in makes me happy physically, mentally, and emotionally, and in turn allows me to be a better mom, wife, and friend.
#4: Eat Tasty Food
I’ve found that I have to find healthy food that tastes good. Eating should be enjoyable. I can’t eat kale everyday. I just can’t do it. It tastes like dirt to me. But I can sneak spinach into a lot of foods and I don’t even notice it. I add it to protein drinks and lots of main dishes. I love how it shrinks down when it’s cooked to almost nothing, and I know I’m fueling my body. If I want something sweet, I try to reach for fruit. If I’m thirsty, I go for water. Wherever I can substitute something healthier without sacrificing too much flavor, I do it.
#5: Move More
When I started my fitness journey, I saw an Oprah episode that suggested getting a pedometer and tracking 10,000 steps a day. So I decided to try it. I quickly learned that if I ran for an hour in the morning, I’d already have my 10,000 steps in and exercise done. I quickly started seeing my clothing sizes drop. Since then I’ve added strength into my exercise routine, which has really improved my overall well being. But I try to look for any way I can to get more steps in. Take the stairs, park farther away from the building, take the kids or dog on a walk. Sometimes I’ll add in some exercises at home on the fly on top of my regular workouts. When it’s cold I’ll do some jumping jacks or push ups to warm up before I grab a sweater. Sometimes I’ll do a plank while reading or have a plank contest with the kids. Having some sort of device to track and give me “credit” for all the moving helps motivate me as well.
**Stay tuned for next week when Certified Personal Trainer, Tayler, shares her top habits for success!**
Written by DeHenzel Training Systems
5 Successful Habits of Fitness Professionals: Jodi Atkinson
About DeHenzel Training Systems: DeHenzel Training Systems offers In Home Personal Training services throughout Northern Virginia and Washington DC. Aside from in home, personal training is also available at the office gym or outdoors at a local park.
Within Northern Virginia, we service Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties including: Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lorton, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Tyson’s Corner, Vienna and Woodbridge.
