As a personal trainer and fitness coach, it’s easy to get caught up in focusing solely on the progress of my clients. But I’ve learned that my own journey is just as important and helps me to feel that I am in integrity. After all, how can I lead by example if I’m not walking the walk myself? Each month, I go through a detailed process to prepare for my workout plans and goals, ensuring I stay on track both mentally and physically. Here’s a peek into my personal routine:

1. Reflect on My “Why”

Before I even start planning, I take a step back to reflect on why I’m doing this in the first place. My “why” keeps me grounded and focused. I remind myself of the joy I get from helping others transform their lives, and how my own fitness journey fuels that passion. This reflection is the anchor that keeps me committed, even when things get tough. I also think thought what actions I am taking that are setting the standard for my kids. So focusing on actions and habits for my WHY that instill these same habits in them.

2. Set Clear, Attainable Goals

Once I’m centered on my “why,” I set specific goals for the month. These goals are realistic but challenging—things like improving my squat depth, increasing my endurance, or fine-tuning my nutrition or sometimes… consistency. I write it all down, making them tangible and harder to ignore. Every month, I aim to push myself a little further, but always within the realm of what’s achievable.

3. Mindset Check-In

Mindset is everything. I’ve had months where my body was ready, but my mind wasn’t. So, I take the time to check in with myself mentally. I might journal about what’s been weighing on me or meditate to clear my mind. If I’m feeling burnt out, I address it immediately. This self-awareness helps me maintain the mental toughness needed to stick to my plans.

4. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool I use regularly. I close my eyes and imagine myself achieving my monthly goals. I picture the strength, the form, the feeling of accomplishment. I see the accomplished workout goal, and the physical changes that come along side of it. This mental rehearsal not only boosts my confidence but also preps my mind to recognize success when it happens.

5. Plan My Workouts

With my mindset aligned and goals set, I dive into planning my workouts. I map out each week, focusing on a balanced mix of strength training, cardio (mostly walks with kids), and mobility work (mostly weekends). I customize these plans based on how my body feels and what it needs. If I’m working on increasing strength, for example, I’ll incorporate more compound lifts and progressive overload techniques.

6. Fine-Tune My Nutrition

Nutrition is the cornerstone of my fitness regimen and what . Each month, I review my nutrition to see what’s working and what’s not (most of the time its communication with my hubs). I adjust my meal plans, focusing on whole foods, balanced macros, and proper nutrient timing (little more advanced structure here). I might experiment with new recipes or adjust my meal prep routine to keep things interesting and aligned with my goals.

7. Track Last Month’s Progress

I always start by reflecting on the previous month’s progress. Did I hit my goals? If not, why? I look at my training logs, nutrition records, and overall feelings of well-being. This honest assessment helps me tweak my plans for the upcoming month, ensuring I’m constantly improving. I went a while without tracking, and it left me feeling a little lost and scattered, it feels way more aligned and driven when I track what I am doing.

8. Dedicate Time to Learning

Staying current in the fitness industry is crucial, so I set aside time each month to learn something new. This could be reading the latest research on strength training, attending a training with a specific expert, or diving into a new book on nutrition or current culture topics. Continuous learning not only enhances my expertise but also keeps me excited about my own journey in ways I can improve.

9. Create Accountability

Accountability is key to staying on track. I create systems that hold me accountable—whether it’s sharing my goals with a friend, posting updates on social media, or using a fitness tracking app. OR…. my favorite getting with a battle buddy that I don’t have to babysit. If your body is inconsistent then they arent a good buddy for you. If you are new to finding someone I always say start with someone that is better than you in the area you want to be better at, and automatically you will get better just by having them in your space. These accountability measures make it harder to skip a workout or fall off my nutrition plan.

10. Schedule Rest and Recovery

Rest is just as important as training. I plan my rest days and incorporate recovery practices like stretching, foam rolling, and getting enough sleep (which is normal for me anyways). I do know that if I have a few days of staying up late I make sure to get back into sleep rhythm again first then all else aligns. I’ve learned the hard way that overtraining leads to burnout and injury, so I make recovery a non-negotiable part of my routine.

11. Prepare My Workout Space

A cluttered workout space can lead to a cluttered mind. I make sure my workout environment is organized and ready to go. Whether I’m training at home or in a gym, I ensure my equipment is in place, my playlist is ready, and my workout clothes are laid out. This preparation minimizes distractions and sets the tone for a productive session.

12. Curate Motivational Content

Everyone needs a little motivation now and then, including me. I curate content that inspires me—whether it’s powerful quotes, uplifting videos, or success stories from other trainers and athletes. Having this content at my fingertips helps me stay motivated, especially on days when I’m feeling less than enthusiastic. Simple things like changing my phone lock screen, or adding a sticky note to my mirror. SIMPLE is KEY!

13. Engage with My Fitness Community

Connecting with others in the fitness community is something I value deeply. I make an effort to engage with fellow trainers, clients, and fitness enthusiasts. Whether it’s through social media, blogs, or in-person events, these interactions provide inspiration, support, and sometimes even new ideas for my own training. And I know that who you surround yourself with is KEY, you are the “average” of the 5 people around you.

14. Establish Pre-Workout Rituals

I’ve developed specific rituals that help me get in the zone before each workout. This might include a consistent warm-up routine, listening to a particular playlist, or even practicing a few minutes of deep breathing. These rituals signal to my brain that it’s time to focus and give my best effort.

15. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is something I’ve embraced fully. I make a conscious effort to focus on the quality of my meals, savoring each bite and paying attention to how my body responds. This practice not only helps me stay in tune with my nutritional needs but also prevents overeating or making poor food choices.

16. Update My Goal Board

I have a visualization board where I keep my goals front and center. Each month, I update it with new targets, images, or quotes that resonate with where I am in my journey. Seeing these visual reminders daily helps keep my goals top of mind and keeps me focused.

17. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of big goals, but I’ve learned the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. Whether it’s hitting a new personal record, sticking to my nutrition plan, or simply showing up for myself every day, I make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate these moments.

18. Stay Flexible and Adjust

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. I stay flexible and ready to adjust my workout or nutrition plan if needed. This adaptability ensures I stay on track, even when things don’t go as expected. It’s all about progress, not perfection.

19. Seek Inspiration Regularly

I regularly seek out inspiration to keep my fire burning. Whether it’s learning from a mentor, reading an uplifting book, or spending time in nature, these moments of inspiration fuel my passion and drive.

20. Practice Self-Compassion

Finally, I practice self-compassion. I remind myself that it’s okay to have off days, to make mistakes, and to take things one step at a time. This journey is about progress, not perfection, and being kind to myself is an essential part of staying motivated and moving forward.

This monthly routine is my blueprint for success, keeping me aligned, motivated, and ready to lead by example. It’s not just about the physical results—it’s about the mindset, the journey, and the personal growth that comes with it.