28 DAYS to a HEALTHIER BODY—AND MIND—STARTING TODAY

I have been all over the map with my relationship to my body. I have had times in my life when I've been extremely thin, then overweight; when I have been injured and unable to perform my normal exercise routine; and times when I have worked out for hours on end. All of this has taught me that the body is a work in progress. Since I designed and began following this course in positive reinforcement, which I call Yogalosophy, sixteen years ago, I have never had a major weight fluctuation.

As an instructor, I've given health and fitness advice to women with some of the most admired bodies in Hollywood, and I'm telling you honestly that you are no different than they are. You have the exact same four components as your favorite stars. Here they are:

BODY: a physical body that needs to be cared for
WILLPOWER: a mind as a compass
EMOTIONS: feelings that will motivate you
ME!

Ready to get a healthier body-and mind-starting today? Here are five simple steps that you can take to embark on your own personal Yogalosophy revolution. I'm calling this revolution Y28! Join me! Start today:

1. LOVE YOUR BODY NOW: It may sound radical, but your body is already perfect. If this concept is difficult to internalize, begin by setting an intention to love your body just the way it is. Remember, even if nothing changes, you are perfect just the way you are, and fitness and wellness is a celebration of your greatest gift. Celebrate your body!

2. COMMIT TO SHORT-TERM GOALS: Healthy habits are created one day at a time, and when you have a short-term, manageable goal that you can achieve, you are guaranteed to succeed. Take it step by step. Start by taking the time and setting aside the space for your daily and weekly intentions.

3. MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES: Choose activities, foods, and exercise that you love-when you pursue your wellness goals from a place of love, you will start to make healthier choices. Include a wide range of activities and nourishment in your wellness plan-that feel right to you.

4. VISUALIZE YOUR BEST SELF AND GIVE GRATITUDE: Visualize, declare, and ritualize what you want. Your body hears everything you think and say. When you imagine the best outcome, you experience the emotions and physiological effects that come from it. Create a daily motivation mantra like "Every obstacle is an opportunity" or "This is the feeling of my body changing." Celebrate your body by giving gratitude for what you have. Writing a daily gratitude list will keep you focused on the positive, and when you take time to focus on what you are grateful for, more will come your way.

5. GIVE AND RECEIVE SUPPORT: Connection is what gives us a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are not alone. When embarking on a personal revolution, it's important to give and receive support along the way. Join an online community or choose get healthy with friends, family and/or coworkers. Getting healthy with support is a wonderful way to bond and create community. Sharing your personal experiences with others is a key to happiness.

Want more tips? Check out my book Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover.

Mandy Ingber, the creator of Yogalosophy, is a fitness and wellness expert, speaker, instructor, and author. For over 16 years she has motivated people with her light-hearted approach and unique teaching style, making her accessible to all. Mandy's clients include Jennifer Aniston, Kate Beckinsale, jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, and Helen Hunt, who gave her credit on the red carpet for getting her body "Oscar-ready."

Visit Mandy's website and blog at MandyIngber.com, and check out her yoga-hybrid DVD YOGALOSOPHY. Mandy's new book, Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover (Seal Press/May 2013) is available online where books are sold. For more information visit: www.mandyingber.com/yogalosophybook or amazon.com/author/mandyingber