Over the past couple of months prepping for the 2013 San Diego Highland Games has allowed me to train hard, lift heavy and eat more. All in which are amazing, but after the Highland Games I started stepping on the scale to see what I had gained (which I rarely do). Why would I think it's necessary to check my weight or think I need to lose weight. Well, society says so. Women are forced to think rail thin and model like is what we are suppose to look like. My entire life I have had an athletic type body. Playing softball, gymnastics, dance, cheer and horse back riding developed my muscles at a young age. I will never be rail thin and I'm 100% happy with that. So, why weigh myself? why care about the number? I somehow think if the scale says I weight 150 lb. I'm good and it makes me happy but, if it's higher, I think I need to drop a couple pounds. This is bullshit thinking. I'm happy and proud of my body, the number on the scale doesn't matter. If you work your ass off in the gym and eat clean 80% of the time, sounds like you are doing your best and shouldn't worry about the number on the scale! This is my farewell, sayonara to the scale! I'm not stepping on the scale the rest of Summer! You should join me!

I started kettlebell training in March 2012 to lose some baby weight and get back into shape. I made my goal to hit the gym three times per week and never miss a training day. Between being a mom/wife, working 40+ hours a week and training for the Highland Games, I always manage get my ass to the gym. My training days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and once on the weekends. I typically train 4-5 hours per week. Don’t say you don’t have time, you sound silly!

Staying consistent and accomplishing my fitness goals have made me better in all aspects of life. Over the past year, I’m able to move better, increase flexibility, lift heavier and sculpt my body. I’m going to break down a few tips that helped me get on the right track and stick to it.

1. Select the same training days and make them a PRIORITY every single week. It’s important to be consistent! Sometimes, life happens and you need to reschedule your workout but don’t make it a habit. (If I miss a training day, I make it within the same week). Most important rule!

2. Most effective workouts: Being a busy working mom you need to utilize your time and get the best work out in the shortest amount of time. You need to choose the most effective work outs to get the best results and not waste hours in the gym. My favorite exercises involve using kettlebells and bodyweight. You can use one kettlebell for a quick complex or do multiple exercises. Follow up your work out with conditioning. My personal favorite is hill sprints! Check out this article on some quick fat torching work outs! http://www.hollymersy.com/1/post/2013/05/got-20-minutes-3-fat-torching-workouts-for-busy-people.html

3. Set Goals: If you are just starting out make some basic and long term goals. My first goals were to hit the gym three days a week and do a pull up. I accomplished my basic goal of hitting the gym and seven months into training I was doing pull-ups!

4. Believe in yourself:  Get motivated and believe in yourself! YOU are the one who controls your results. Work hard and your body will reward you. Group classes at Ambition Athletics are great because we motivate and support each other.  Group classes or boot camps are great for learning and getting a quick work out in.

5. Eating Habits: Check out my “Zero to one hundred” blog on clean eating. Clean eating is a very important part of the puzzle. Start with baby steps. No soda, sugary juices, alcohol and cut back on coffee creamer. http://527053849852482930.weebly.com/1/post/2013/04/zero-to-one-hundred.html

6.  Support: If you are in a relationship, it’s very important your spouse understands your commitment and helps support you throughout your journey. If your other half is eating fast food every day it’s going to be difficult to maintain your healthy eating with constant temptation around. Discuss and make positive changes within your household. It will truly benefit your entire family.

7.  Balance: Once you start your journey into becoming a strong and sexy momma you will develop your own balance to all aspects in life. Being a parent/wife, working, training, fun, etc. Create a healthy balance so you don’t get burnt out or overwhelmed.

We are powerful women and can do anything we put our minds to! June is buddy month at Ambition Athletics in Encinitas www.ambitionathletics.com. Want to be my training buddy? Come get motivated and train for free during the month of June. Email me for more details [email protected]