Fitmark Ambassador Ashley Kurtenbach encourages you to keep a positive support system that works in your fit and healthy lifestyle
In a world of busy schedules, a lot times our health is put on a back burner; and this is typically the excuse I have heard as to why people skip the gym or eat unhealthy. It’s true eating healthy and making it to the gym is time consuming, but when given one body and one chance to live it’s important to take care of it. So many people ask me how I continue to make it a lifestyle with a jam-packed schedule? I may not have kids but I do have a full-time and part-time job, a husband, two dogs, volunteer and travel for work; so my schedule isn’t exactly empty. My biggest attribute to achieving this lifestyle is a great support system, and let me share with you how you can make a fit/healthy lifestyle a priority too if it’s not already.
Take time to talk to your family and friends or whomever you feel will be there for you when you need the support; explain what it is you are trying to accomplish (your goals) and that you need their help to get there. I have taken the time to clarify to my husband, friends, and family that fitness and my health are important for me, in addition to having a passion for competing. Those who love, respect, and support you will work with you or against you. My supporters are with me and there is no way I could do it without them.
Without my husband helping me prepare my food weekly, my mom going out of her way to prepare part of meal so that I can eat with my family when visiting home, or friends not making a big deal when we dine at a restaurant when I make a very healthy choice for a meal versus not-so-healthy; all of these little things add up to helping you get well on your way to hitting your goals, eating clean, and living the healthy lifestyle. If you are not as fortunate, I recommend revisiting with those close to you about your goals and the importance of achieving them.
I always recommend balance; it is the key to living a happy life. For me I definitely continue to work hard during off-season, but also allow myself some flexibility like trying new workouts or enjoying doing some outdoor activities for cardio like biking or trail hiking. This gives me time to spend with those close to me and enjoying hobbies and other activities that I may put aside during on-season. I think this really helps family and friends understand that you can have a passion to hit your goals, in addition to spending extra time with them when you do have the opportunity.
So if you are going to make a lifestyle change or have new goals you are working towards, get a support team that will be by your side celebrate the good, help with the bad days, and root you on until the end!
Live Healthy & Happy Fit Friends.
Stay fit,
Ashley Kurtenbach
Fitmark Ambassador 2013
