The secret is creating micro-habits. What is a micro-habit? It’s much like how it sounds; they are small, simple actions that require a lower amount of motivation but ultimately builds the momentum to get you to your larger goal habit.

A few years ago, I didn’t jump right into being healthier, fitter and learn everything right away. I started by having a small bit of courage to go to the gym and use whatever machines I knew how to use. It was embarrassing at the time, but if I found a machine that looked interesting and I had no clue whatsoever how to use it, I would stand there and read the instructions on the machine; talk about being the hugest noob at the gym. Eventually, I invested in cuter workout clothes that would motivate me to go to the gym. Hey, even if I didn’t break a sweat, I least I looked good which made me feel less insecure. I soon discovered female bikini competitors on Instagram that inspired me, then bodybuilding.com for the type of exercises these bikini competitors implement into their workout routine, and soon after I was asking my male friends to show me how to “lift weights.” While all of this was happening, I knew NOTHING about good nutrition. I ate completely unhealthy, having burgers after gym sessions, drinking 2-3 Starbucks flavored lattes a day, and skipping breakfast. But who cares? It was a start. At least I was going to the gym.

A few months go by and I’m consistently going to the gym, I’ve incorporated post-workout protein shakes, preworkout, and BCAAs to my unhealthy eating. Then I ran three half marathons (the San Diego Half Marathon Triple Crown Series!), continued to strength train and I was feeling pretty damn good. I didn’t have abs though, and I didn’t realize that there were muscle groups that I was neglecting (back and shoulders ).

You know how everything always just seems to happen for a reason (I’m a huge believer of this ????????)? Soon after, I was introduced to Herbalife and joined their 10-Week Transformation Challenge. Through the challenge, I learned about proper nutrition, creating a workout schedule to hit every muscle group and how to gain muscle, lose body fat, and get abs! The 10-Week Transformation Challenge was definitely the toughest part of my fitness journey, it required so much discipline and determination. However, I created such great habits that they’ve stuck with me and because of that, health and fitness is a part of my life and it’s a positive light in my life, not torture or misery.

My tips on making health and fitness easy for you:

1. Create micro-habits. Drink more water. Go for a longer walk. Use a new machine at the gym. The list goes on!
2. View fitness as fun. Congratulate yourself and get excited when you hit a new personal record or finally have your form down. Heck, get excited for hitting 10,000 steps in your day–I still do!
3. Think of food as nutrients to help fuel your body, rather than as non-delicious healthy food. We need the right amount of protein, carbs, fats and micronutrients to help push us through our workouts and to keep us awake and alert throughout the day. The better you eat, the less your body will tolerate all that unhealthy crap.

I hope this helps if you’ve been hard on yourself lately for not being exactly where you want to be. Remember, it’s the progress that makes this all fun! Be kind to yourself, love who you are, and do this for YOU because you love yourself enough to do it; not because you hate the way you look. ????

Love,

The post Why Fitness Is Easy For Me appeared first on Stephanie Ann Fit.

In 2014, a good friend of mine had an extra bib for the Carlsbad Half Marathon and asked if I wanted it. My initial answer: “Hell no!” At that time, I was still learning the basics of lifting weights, and I had no self-confidence in believing that I could run 13.1 miles. For goodness sake, I think I ran two miles on the treadmill and thought I was going to have a heart attack.

After a bit of peer pressure and convincing, I agreed. I ran the 2014 Carlsbad Half Marathon in 2:36. It was then that I understood why people paid money to run; the energy, the support, and rush of endorphins made the experience unbelievable. Also, the fact that I made it through 13.1 miles, when just a few months before I accused my best friend, Sam, of being crazy for running the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco. Seriously, who the hell runs 13.1 miles? Well, the joke’s on me–because I do! ????????

Succeeding the Carlsbad Half Marathon, I was once again convinced to run the La Jolla Half Marathon, which at that point, I said, “Screw it, that’s already two out of three for the Triple Crown, I’m going for the Triple Crown.”

After a bit of bitching and whining while running America’s Finest City Half Marathon in August 2014 (my fault, I didn’t prepare too well), I did it! It was a great year, I learned so much and felt extremely accomplished. However, in 2014, I knew very little about good nutrition, proper stretching and correct training for a half marathon race. Therefore, I decided that with the knowledge that I have now, I’m going to go for the 2017 Triple Crown and see how much improvement I’ll make on my race time and will be going for a new PR (personal record)! Stay tuned and check back for updates on my training, meal plans and more!

Love,

The post The Half Marathon Triple Crown Series appeared first on Stephanie Ann Fit.

As a huge marketing nerd, I applaud brands that are genius when it comes to promoting themselves. Nike does a phenomenal job. They don’t just sell you a great product, they sell you determination and the hunger to win. When you wear Nike, you’re not just another athlete, you are the MVP, the winner of the game and you came here to DO IT. So obviously, it comes to no surprise that I wear a lot of Nike branded items.

My all time favorite saying on one of my old Nike tees said, “Not just another pretty face (front). I came here to WIN (back).” And Nike was damn right. I came to the gym to win some BOOTY GAINS.

Back to the real reason I wrote this blog post, I want you guys to all know how amazing Nike Free Run Distances are–I own three pairs and I have no regrets!

The first pair, I received as a birthday gift. They were a new style, and I was deeply in love and obsessed with Nike Free Run Flyknits so I had a biased judgment on these new birthday kicks and didn’t like them right away. Yet, it didn’t take me long to fall in love and push the Flyknits aside. These shoes provide a good amount of support and my goodness, they are comfy! It’s like you’re walking on clouds, that’s the best description I can give you–use your imagination. The moment I saw that the Nike Free Run Distances went on sale on Nike’s website, I could only hear myself say, “treat yo’ self.” So I did! ????

I also discovered that as a size 8.5 in Women’s, I perfectly fit a size 7 in Men’s. The third pair of Nike Free Run Distances I purchased are unisex and were in Men’s sizing but they actually fit me better than the first two pairs (I have wide feet for a woman, apparently). If you’re going for a long walk, spending the day at an amusement/theme park, or shopping the full day, these shoes will be heaven on your feet!

Does anyone disagree and have a better pair of Nikes to recommend? I would love to know! Please comment below!

Love,

The post All-Time Favorite Nikes appeared first on Stephanie Ann Fit.