Do You Need Structure to Keep You Motivated at the Gym? I Do!

When it comes to exercise, structure keeps me motivated. Without it, I have a hard time being consistent. Now under normal circumstances, I would never be able to afford a personal trainer, but one of the perks of being your Shape Up blogger is that I get to meet with the fabulous Taj Harris, from Crunch Fitness, a couple of times a week. In addition to the strength and cardio plans celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza created especially for Body by Glamour, meeting with Taj provides another layer of structure that is very comforting (albeit extra painful!) to me. I was already getting used to having her around when she announced last week that she was going on vacation. I was a little bit worried, given my track record...would I be able to stay motivated?

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The answer is a resounding yes! I surprised myself with my consistency this week. I didn’t want to let you, or myself down, so I stuck to the plan. I realize that I won’t always have Taj, so being on my own this week was a good thing. I want to be healthy and fit for life, and no one can motivate me to do that -- but me. Plus it gives me a better sense of how it must be going for all of you. Have you been consistent with the plan? If not, don’t beat yourself up about it--we all mess up sometimes--just get back on it!

I’m a bit slow when it comes to understanding how to do a move and performing it correctly. I need to see it, multiple times. And even then, I will fumble through it a few times before I get it right. Anyone who knows me at all can attest to the fact that coordination is not my thing. But I printed out my routine, (watch Ramona's videos on the perfect form for squats and lunges) and did the best I could. And I feel pretty good about it.

How about you? Do you get new moves the first time, or does it take you a while too? It's so lovely outside in New York City--I think I'm going to have to hit up the park! Where will you be working out this weekend?

by Karina Arrue

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