I never could’ve imagined getting the physical results I did. That a body transformation challenge would so drastically help transform all areas of my life. I said “no” to a lot of excuses, habits, foods, distractions and other past priorities during the challenge. I discovered that what I got out of the challenge equally matched what I was willing to put into it. – Dana Shane
Physical Lessons I learned:
- How to eat in order to fuel my body for optimal performance in fitness and day-to-day life, rather than exercising to counteract unhealthy nutrition choices – producing significant results in my physique as well as my psyche.
- Strength training and lower zone heart rates burn fat more effectively and efficiently. Who doesn’t love that?!
- Life-long health and fitness is a team sport – you will have more substantial permanent results when you seek the guidance of professionals and surround yourself with health conscious peers and community.
- By the time you – or anyone else – starts noticing a difference in your physique, you will already have put in a lot of work and discipline. So it helps to be clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing and remember it every day – every moment if necessary. In other words – it all starts with your head!
But the physical improvements that came out of the challenge ended up being secondary to the transformational life lessons I learned.
Life Lessons I learned:
- You will get out of any experience, exactly what you are willing to put into it. If you’re “thinking about it” or “sort of committed”, it will continue to be something you’re thinking about or you sort of make happen.
- You can’t stay comfortable and expect to grow. Plain and simple. You have to be willing to try new things. To step into uncharted territory. To make attempts at things you don’t know you can do.
- In order to make change you have to be willing to admit that what you’re doing already is not working (even if you think it should be). Be willing to learn and open yourself up to new information and possibilities. Accept support and guidance. “Wanting” something is not enough. Wanting it so much you’re willing to do exactly what it takes to make it happen is everything.
- Achievement lies in the day to day DOING. The action. We all have things we would like to accomplish. But it takes daily commitment, focus and discipline to get there. Make a plan. Focus on the moment you’re in. Do what needs to be done each day. Then wake up and do it again the next. Tweak and improve your plan when you learn something new and beneficial that works for you.
- Nothing is ever accomplished alone. So put yourself out there. Ask for support. Surround yourself with people who want what you want – for you. A lot of us hide our dreams and goals for fear we won’t actually accomplish them. Take that fear out of the equation and go for it!
If you’re inspired to participate in the Lifetime Athletic Club 60-day Body Transformation or Weight Loss Challenge, a new challenge just started this weekend, and you can still sign up. If you live in blood sugar levels the Des Moines area, and you’re looking for a trainer to get you started or guide you all the way through, get in touch with Payton Mass. He’s a miracle worker!
P.S. The photos have not been altered in any way, but there was tanning involved…obviously!
But really I hope this inspires you to go after anything you want in your life. Don’t forget to take the Weekly Challenge and write about it in your FREE TAL Weekly Adventure Journal.
Going after something you want is truly an Adventure! You will always learn something from the experience, and who knows you might just get exactly what you want – and then some!
To see more before and after photos from my body transformation challenge and to read more about what I did and why I did it go to:
www.lifetime60day.com-finalists-summer16/dana-k/
Lifetime Athletic Club members can STILL VOTE now through August 22nd, 5 p.m. CST, one time per day. If you’re a member and you’re inspired and think I deserve to win, please vote!