I wouldn’t call myself an expert on weightlifting but an enthusiast. I’ve spent countless days practicing, researching, and perfecting my form. I worked at LifeTime Fitness, as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Because I worked there, I had a free gym membership, so I really took advantage of that. 

I made a promise to myself to stay motivated and consistent for at least a few months, just to see if I could actually notice progress. I also noticed that I became happier and stronger after each workout, not just physically but mentally. It’s therapeutic to work out for intrinsic motivation. 

Within 2 weeks I was more toned, and even gaining muscle. When you start to see progress, it keeps you motivated to see more and more. It became a part of my daily routine. Even if I was tired after work and school, I still made time for myself, which can make the biggest difference when it comes to mental health. 

I would say the biggest challenge for people on their fitness journey is staying motivated and consistent. You need to WANT to work out for yourself, with no outside source. If you rely on extrinsic motivation, it will not be long-term. If you have no motivation to better yourself, for YOU then it is easy to lose sight of your long-term goal. This goes hand-in-hand with consistency. If you make something a part of your routine, it feels more natural and less forced.