Go Green Get Fit: Cross Fit Champion Nicki Harrosh Shares Top 5 Tips for Getting Fit

With much appreciation to Cross Fit Champion, and Go Green Get Fit Guest Trainer and Blogger, Nicki Harrosh. Here, Nicki shares her story and Top 5 Tips for Getting Fit as a Woman and Mother...

I started Cross-Fit 2.5 years ago when my son was about one and a half. I’d had two kids back to back, and was feeling overwhelmed by motherhood. When I was finally able to get away for a few hours at a time, I went to my first Cross-Fit class and was shocked by what the other women there were able to do. I realized that I too could do those things if I.  It would just take time and hard work.  I was instantly hooked. 

About a year after I started doing Cross-Fit I decided that I wanted to be a coach. One of my primary goals: to make Cross-Fit less intimidating. I got certified as a trainer and started shadowing and assisting classes. Now a coach at TJ’s Gym in Mill Valley, I am constantly in awe of how fast people reach their fitness goals.  All types come in: overweight, older, younger, already super fit, people with injuries, moms, dads, grandmas, you name it. People seem to love working out with us, and I am blessed to be a part of the process for helping people get healthier. It feels simply awesome.

1. Find a friend to work out with, or join a gym that offers classes. Having other people to work out with motivates you to push a little harder.  But most of all, it makes working out fun.
2. Vary your workouts.  It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of always doing the same thing like running, or biking.  The problem is, our bodies adapt to those things, so we don’t get into any better shape.  Being physically fit means having a balance of many physical skills, including cardiovascular/ respiratory endurance, strength, speed, stamina, flexibility, power, balance, agility, and accuracy.  If you want to feel and see change, change up your workouts. Variation will also keep your mind and enthusiasm fresh.
3. Eat well and sleep well. In other words, treat your body like the temple that it should be. Nutrition is so important.  I follow the Paleo diet, and it works well for me.  I eat mostly meat and vegetables, along with some fruit and nuts.  Basically, cut out the processed food and sugar.  It’s not easy, but once you do it and notice how great you feel, not to mention how great you look, you will have the motivation to stay on track. 
4. Make goals for yourself.  Write down or type out what those goals are, and how you plan to achieve them.  Keep these somewhere that you will see them regularly.  Make a time frame for your goals, for example, 6 months.  Also, be specific but realistic with what your goals are.   Be kind to yourself and appreciate small gains.  
5. Schedule your workouts one week ahead of time, or at least a day ahead of time.  By doing this, you will have planned childcare for your workouts, and it will help keep you accountable and motivated.  Though it is time away from your kids, remember that it is also a great stress reliever.  Working out will make you a better mom.  By taking care of your body you are teaching your children to do the same.  Our kids learn by example.

 These tips come from my experience over the past several years of having children, then getting into the best shape of my life. Everyone is different so make sure you take into account your own personal circumstances and medical condition.

NOTE: This post appears as part of our Go Green Get Fit campaign. Inspired? Join us now!