Make SMART Goals for 2016

Be SMART when you are making your goals for the new year or really any time. Take the time to really sit down using this SMART formula to help you really focus on what you want to accomplish for this year.

S- Specific- Be super specific when making your goals. Write down what you really want to accomplish, not just the overall goal but if you want to lose 20 pounds then write it down, instead of just "lose weight".

M- Measurable- How are you going to measure your success? Do you have an app that you can put your info in and the app will keep track for you? Make a spread sheet or have some sort of way you can track and measure how you are progressing. (lose 20 pounds by using a scale and using my iHealth app on my phone.)

A- Attainable- Be realistic in your goals. 100 pounds in 2 months is not going to happen. Make real smart goals based on what you know you are capable of, and maybe push yourself just a little bit. Also don't under value yourself either. And how are you going to do it, being specific again. (lose 20 pounds by March 31st by eating clean, exercising 6 days a week and allowing myself 1 meal a week that is an indulgent meal.)

R- Relevant- Is is worthwhile? Does it fit in with your overall long term plans? (Double my daily page views on my blog by June 2016.) Find your why on why you want to accomplish it and make it worthwhile. This will help you stick with it more when you are having a hard time!

T- Timely- Your goal or objective should have a time limit! That is going to drive you everyday to work harder, and smarter on your goal. A goal without a deadline is just a dream!

And lastly, it doesn't go with SMART but WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL! WRITE IT DOWN! If you don't then it will not happen. Write it down, place it in a place you see everyday. And strive each day to move yourself in the direction that will help to obtain that goal!

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

January 30 Day Plank-A-Day Challenge

It's another month and the holidays are NOW BEHIND US! Time to get busy! I thought it was the right time to do a 30 day Plank A Day challenge! Sounds great right?!?

Planks, oh planks! They kill me every time. Why? Because it is a full body exercise. It uses your whole mind and body to do them. Yes, mind! For me it is a mind over matter issue. If I just turn off my brain and keep it from thinking about how much my legs and core are shaking then I could just hang on a little bit longer. Let's engage our cores, and push our heels back and hold a strong plank. 

Here are the different level of planks you can do: Start as a level one and then you can progress from there as you get more comfortable and strong! 

Side Plank variations:

Each day that you participate, take a picture and post it on your Facebook and/or Instagram account with #PLANKADAY #SunKissedBecky #CTDG so I follow along your journey too! 

So let's go ladies! let's work our abs off! And get a strong core which will help us with all of our other daily things we do!

And, of course, be sure to like our FACEBOOK page and follow us on PINTEREST for motivation, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.

Success in 2016: Plan Your Day

Hello New Year, in just a few days! Are you making your new year resolution list yet? I am still working on mine. But here is one that is on my list. To plan out my day and make sure that I have balance between my family, work, and everyday life stuff. Sadly when you say yes to one thing, you have to say no to something else. Like, if I say yes to working out, then I am saying no to sleeping in. Get it? 

Pick one day a week that you sit down and plan out your schedule, every hour of every day of the week. I am serious! 

1) Family always comes first so start with that. Schedule in any doctor appoints, kid drop offs and pickups, or any other family appointments that you have for the week, oh yeah and church activities.

2) Schedule in your workout just like a doctor appointment. It really is that important for me that I schedule it in secondary in my life. 

3) Next I schedule in my work time. Teaching and coaching. My goal in 2016 is to stick to my schedule. Do what I have to do in the time allotted. I have been crossing over way too much and that is not ok for me and my family. I will no longer sacrifice my family time. I have to become more efficient in my actual work time! 

4) Lastly I schedule my me time. I personally need some alone time for me to just unwind from my activities. I can usually get 30-45 minutes of this a day. I use this for reading or just turning off my brain. 

Here is how to stick with your schedule: 

Turn the sound off on my phone

Set alarms or timers for how long to do something

Close my laptop and put it away

Mute the notifications on Facebook

Only open the window you need to work in right now

Keep yourself focused on the goal in mind

Work from a to do list

Starting today you can plan to make 2016 more successful with these tips! Be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST for more daily motivation and support!

Merry Christmas From The Allen's!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas! I am late on getting our Christmas Cards out for the year to all my friends and family and you are my friends too, so I wanted to share it here so you can see it. I am so thankful for you watching my journey. That you are following me and I hope getting some good health, fitness and life tips. I really appreciate you always coming back! I am so excited for 2016 and the amazing things that are going to happen next year.

Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your day and make it healthy!

Last Minute Gifts For Your Fitness Loving Friends

It's Christmas Eve and you are still looking for something for your fitness loving friends. Well, here are a few places that have great, low priced stuff, perfect for those stocking stuffers!

OLD NAVY! 

Old Navy is seriously one of my favorite places to shop for low priced active wear and they are having a massive sale on their site (just looked last night) 20% off everything, even stuff on sale. Tanks are averaging between $8 and $14. Graphic motivational tanks are a must!

TARGET:

Target has some great C9 Champion stuff, but they are a little pricier. Looking at about $15-20 on avg. there. Check out this cute pull over for just $30!

FABLETICS: 

Another option would be to enroll your friend, spouse or loved one as a VIP member with Fabletics. Every month you can choose a new outfit for the same price. Very affordable clothing. I have gotten many workout clothing from here and love the styles. Very hip and trendy. Super convenient because they send out recommended outfits to you at the first of the month based on your style profile and you can shop at home and you have 5 days to decide if you are going to get anything or not! Super easy. And they get a new outfit every month.

BeachBody On Demand Club Membership

With access to TONS of full workout programs (P90X Programs, Brazil Butt Lift, Insanity and many, many, more) included in your quarterly membership fees it is the gift that GIVES A TON! Plus sneak peeks to new workout programs being released and a discount to Beachbody products including Shakeology. But most importantly, you get me as your coach and motivator to help you set your goals and reach them. You will get access to all of my exclusive tools that have helped me lose weight and helped me to stay motivated and keeping on point!

If you have any questions about any of these please let me know! I hope you all have a happy and healthy Christmas! 

For more motivation, tips and support be sure to follow me over at FACEBOOK and PINTEREST!