The fabulous women behind the website Fit Bottomed Girls have been doing a series called “My Fitness Truths”. I. Love. Them! Each one shows something different and it really got the wheels churning in my brain. What would I list out as my own personal fitness truths? Well, I will take a stab at it this fine morning!

I would rather look like I work for my body than starve for it.

I’ve done the deprivation thing and it’s not a good look for me. Every body is different, but I like a little muscle definition on my frame! Let Hollywood emphasize whatever they want…I’ll still feel proud of my arms.

My workouts aren’t social time. Well, besides at conferences.

It’s my time to get alone with my thoughts…not chat with other moms at the gym.

Change begets change. You want progress? Push the limit. Switch it up. Go past the comfort zone. Don’t fear change. Change is good.

I love to sweat.

I know you don’t have to sweat for a good workout…but it sure feels good when you do.

My body deserves respect. It deserves care.

 source

God gave it to me to house something much more important…I better treat it well with nutritious foods and regular movement.

Yes, I like to workout. Yes, I like to eat healthy. That doesn’t mean I can’t also love on some frozen yogurt or enjoy a lazy day.

Healthy living is more than diet and workouts.

You won’t get to your deathbed wishing you weighed 10 pounds less or had a flatter stomach all those years ago. You will cast your thoughts to the love and memories you created. Don’t forget those in a fit, whole life.

Don’t. Give. Up. From escaping binge eating to racing a half marathon…don’t give up. You are stronger than you think.

And when all else fails, picture a “Hammer Time” flash mob.

• What would be one of your “fitness truths”?

Every day I try to think of the things in my life that make me grateful. Today one of those things would be Twitter. I’m serious!

This morning I had little motivation (again!) for a workout so called out for some support via the good ole Twitter.

Someone motivate me to go to the gym...

September 1, 2011 7:41 am via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@TinaFFF

Tina Reale

Then, I got just the swift kick in the rear I needed to get my booty out the door and to Group Power class for some weights action.

@TinaFFF If you go, I'll go!

September 1, 2011 8:06 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@healthydiaries

Maria & Lisa

@TinaFFF Go to the Gym, Tina...You Know You Want To!!

September 1, 2011 8:01 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@BCDCfran

Frances Stiles

@TinaFFF Goooo! I'm there now.

September 1, 2011 7:59 am via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@Sprint2theTable

Laura

@TinaFFF you never regret the workouts you do, but always regret the workouts you don't!

September 1, 2011 7:49 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@bricklyr

Michelle Grasso

@TinaFFF go! I'll hit the weights if you go to the gym 🙂

September 1, 2011 7:48 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@irunlikeagurl

Melissa

@TinaFFF GO TO THE GYM 🙂 you'll feel great afterwards and be high on endorphins!

September 1, 2011 7:42 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@NicoleCulver

Nicole Culver

Twitter. It never fails for a boost in motivation. And I’m so glad I went. As soon as I got to the gym, I headed to Group Power class so I wouldn’t bail out after ten minutes. I could never walk out of a class, so I knew that would keep me going. Of course I had a smile on my face within the first five minutes and rocked out my workout. I even upped the weight on all the tracks from last week! I have really been feeling the Group Power weights class lately and may need to include it as a regular occurrence in my strength training. It has that no pressure workout vibe I’m currently loving.

After class, I came home and did my normal routine of putting Braedon down for his morning nap and then getting my oatmeal breakfast cooking. I always have a quick snack before my workout and save the full oats breakfast for after. That way I can savor them outside of the morning madness.

While making my oats this morning, a sudden stroke of inspiration hit. To get my oats to the just-right consistency I cook them fully and then stir in extra liquid post-cooking until I get them how I like them. Usually I go for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but today…I went a little daring.

That would be black coffee added to my oatmeal with a teaspoon of cocoa powder. Yes, indeedy. I went there. And there is a very good place.

Mocha Oats!!! That big bowl of brown is one big bowl of love. Added bonus to coffee in oats? Two servings of caffeine! You didn’t think I subbed out my iced coffee, did you?!

Apparently Twitter isn’t the only thing that can kick up motivation. Caffeine does a mighty fine job as well. It’s helping me tackle my day, that’s for sure!

• Where do you turn for a quick extra dose of motivation and energy?
• Do you drink caffeine or try to avoid it? I usually limit it to a cup of coffee a day…but some days you just need more.