The family wellness makeover: Part 3

HURDLE: Staying motivated
Working out together on cross-training equipment at the gym, Despina told Ria she felt so overwhelmed by everything she had to do that day that she wanted to cut her workout short and do 20 minutes not 30. Ria was quiet for a few seconds, “then, in so many words, told me that she was so proud of everything I had done so far, and she knew I could do the 30 minutes…it was all I needed to hear to do the whole workout.”

Here are other motivation strategies that are working for the Morfidises.

• Acknowledging their achievements.
• George and especially Despina are now working out regularly, and they are both in far better shape than when they started. “I've seen such great improvements in my skiing,” says George. And Despina is skiing with her family, not watching from the chalet! “I have never been successful at an exercise program before,” says Despina. “I feel I can do anything right now.”
• Seeing improved fitness. Both girls went to higher levels in ski lessons.
• George and Despina have become the role models they wanted to be –
to their children and colleagues. Despite his cravings, George does pack healthy lunches and snacks and says, “People look up to me at work. I'm actually influencing people around me to eat differently.”

• Challenging themselves. Now that exercise is a part of their lives, George and Despina have revised their overall get-healthy goals to include specific weight-loss goals. George is aiming to reach 210 pounds (down from an original 250) by the end of the yearlong program, while Despina (who started at 228.5 pounds) wants to get to 180 pounds (with a longer-term goal of 160 pounds).
• Sharing goals with other people. The whole family says that telling other people (through the magazine, at work and socially) what they want to achieve makes them feel more accountable – and that's motivating.
• Exploring other methods to succeed. Despina is working more closely with Buchanan and Berkoff to lower fats and calories in her diet.
• Rewarding themselves. The family took a ski vacation in Quebec.
• Checking in with their doctor. George gets a real boost when Buchanan explains how his new lifestyle is affecting his health – his cholesterol and blood pressure have both improved.
• Using all resources available. Knowing Forest is waiting for her at the gym gets Despina out of bed early in the morning. Also, both George and Despina are working with the coaches as much as possible to get closer to their goals. And they're asking for long-term strategies (for when the program is over.)
• Saying it out loud: “I wanted to be more physically fit, and now I am,” says Despina. “But people who are fit don't look like me. Now I want my body to look more physically fit too. In fact, I'd love to be a size 12.”

Canadian Living June 2006