Since young age, I have been a healthy. Wouldn't call myself a physically fit person, as I have never followed an exercise regime, or diets. Life just carried on. Over time, wedding, and post two kids, with no regular exercise and unhealthy eating habits, found myself almost overweight, 95kg to be exact. This was back in 2017.
I had some failed attempts towards developing a healthy physique. This involved stints at gym, some diet programs, and even going for walks and run occasionally. At that time, I didn't understand why I was failing. I would try it for few days, and then give up seeing no evident results. I have read somewhere, to be successful in breaking through any vicious habit its important to develop a new habit. This calls for a focused behaviour change.
Michael Bungay Stainer identifies some essential components to build an effective new habit. Firstly a reason, a trigger and finally a plan. After reading more into these components (because I am an obsessed researcher) I decided to identify these key things for myself to set myself up for an effective behaviour change.
The reason, for me was my own health. I had started to notice tiredness, joint pains and other physical limitations in doing simple tasks. Siting down to play with my girls was also becoming a painful task. A trigger to take serious steps came when watching 'Dangal'' movie, my daughter asked "When do you exercise mom?" This was enough antagonising for me to take some concrete steps. This led me to make an effective plan. I quickly decided to focus on solution oriented plan and signed myself for Michelle Bridges 12 Week body transformation. It was the best thing I ever did. I decided the time is now ...I am going to get my fitness back.
12WBT was an excellent choice. With its tailored to meal plan and exercising regime, it helped me repair the damage done to my body. There were times when I slipped, but the program kept me motivated. Michelle's JFDI (Just the F** Do It) mantra kept me going, wouldn't let me give up. Persistence was the key and I stopped making excuses for not doing my exercises. There were mornings when it was difficult to get up, but consistently following the regime made me jump out of bed and exercise. Simple tips by Michelle of keeping the outfit ready the night before, planning meals ahead kept me organised.
Results that I saw at the four week mark, I couldn't believe myself. This encouraged me further. I couldn't have done without the support of my husband and my daughters. My elder one would check on me all the time, as to what I was eating, whether I woke up to do my exercises. They both would join me on Saturday morning session for the training. I didn't feel tired during the program. The meals directed in the program would keep me energised.
By the end of 12 weeks, I had lost 25kg. It was a great achievement and showed how persistence help you achieve what you set your mind on. If you are looking for a program that will help you loose weight than 12WBT can help you. The program provides an excellent framework that worked well with me and kept me on track. The 12 WBT forums are good way of connecting with like minded people on the journey and keep teacher motivated daily. No more excuses now, just go on do it.
Being on this plan has changed my behaviour for good. I now have a new habit to exercise or go walking 3 times a day. There is no excuse to eat unhealthy, as I am motivated to cook healthy not just for myself but for my family too. This journey has been an important part of my life and has had a great impact on me. Along with changing my behaviour, it has helped me connect with myself in a better way. So now I will never go back to the life where I was and keep moving forward with "life". Next goal for me is to run a 5K.
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