you were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.

If there is one person I admire, it is Jillian Michaels. Her no-nonsense, this is going to suck, attitude is refreshing. Especially when you have tried workout video after workout video where the trainer smiles non-stop. So not realistic. The reality for me is that I hate working out. I do not enjoy feeling the burn, sweating it out, or raising my heart rate. Despite this, health and fitness is something that intrigues me. I love the idea of living a healthier life, setting (and achieving) goals, and becoming a stronger version of yourself. A few years back, I went to see Jillian speak on her motivational tour. It was an amazing night that inspired me and pushed me to work harder. 

Since then, I have made major changes. Like drinking more water, snacking less, trying new foods, and working out on a regular basis. But I wanted to kick things up a notch. With the spring and summer months looming, I felt compelled to set new goals. Working out four to five times a week was one thing....but I wanted more. My goals for the summer? Go running as much as possible. Participate in a 5K. Wear a crop top. How realistic these goals are is yet to be seen. But I wanted to make sure I was able to make those goals a reality. 

That is why I picked up the Jillian Michaels Body Revolution DVD set about a month and a half ago. I wanted the stability of having a routine in place and I loved the idea that the workouts were constantly changing. Basically, the program is made up of 15 DVDs. (It also comes with a food journal, cook book, and online access to her website.) There are three phases and each one comes with four strength DVDs and one cardio DVD. As of right now I am halfway through phase 2....and it is brutal. Half the time my body is shaking so hard during the workout that I think I won't be able to finish it. But then I do. And I feel more proud than I can describe. 

I wanted to save this post until I had actually finished the program but I couldn't wait. As you can imagine, working out six days a week has made exercise a big part of my daily life. Unfortunately, I don't have a huge support system. My fiance is great and encourages me to send him workout selfies and tell him how things are going. But my family has no idea I've even begun doing this. Or that I work out at all. They generally think these sorts of things are silly. (Not working out necessarily but exercise DVDs and celebrity trainers.) I guess that makes it harder in a lot of ways....but I am pushing through. I am motivating myself to be better and stronger than I have ever been before. And that is what really matters. 

So, that is where I am now. About halfway through the program. I will be sure to do a full update (with actual progress, stats, overall experience stuff) once I have made it through the Body Revolution! Until then, I wanted to share a few motivational Jillian quotes. Just in case you are starting a fitness journey of your own - or need a little push on a Sunday afternoon. 

How do you stay motivated? Do you have a fitness routine?

xo Shannon