The Gold Medal You Deserve

The Gold Medal You Deserve
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How exciting it's been cheering on our teams and rooting for our favorite Olympic athletes! It is truly awe-inspiring to see people from all over the world so carefully trained and skilled in their craft come together on one platform to compete. As we continue to watch and take in all of the energy of the Summer Olympic Games, let's not get caught up in envying remarkable athletic abilities and carved strong bodies. Remember, these athletes have spent countless hours, even years perfecting their talent. Instead of being dispirited, use the inspiration as motivation and encouragement to continue on your own fitness journey.

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What's important to note is this: we don't need to be Olympians to award ourselves for making sure we are fit for our daily lives and positive influences on the people around us- our friends and family. Do what you love, do what makes you happy and make healthy lifestyle choices. Whatever that might mean to you -- good health, stamina, emotional well-being, physical fitness and having a zest for life!

From time to time, we tend to be harsh on ourselves when we aren't as "thin" or as "toned" as we'd like to be. Even those you see taking home the Gold endure intense struggles and work hard to get to where they are. But ask yourself this -- are you happy, healthy and able to live an active life? If the answer is yes, then you are likely doing what you need for your fitness level. We train not like Olympians but for what our specific needs are that fit our lifestyles.

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Here are some things to keep in mind while you continue on your fitness path:

Have a goal in mind. Whether you're training for a marathon or working at building strength in your muscles, set small goals for yourself every week and continue to track your progress. It'll help you exercise with a purpose, and really measure your successes for an added boost of confidence.

Small achievements are still achievements. You don't need to limit rewarding and praising yourself to only larger, more challenging achievements. Be proud and recognize even the smallest improvements, because those small advances turn into large gains.

Do what you need to do for you. Don't worry about athletes you see on TV, or put too much emphasis on friends and acquaintances who seem to be in optimal physical condition. Focus on yourself and what you need to do to be fit for your own life, within your own means.

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Whichever way you choose to stay fit, keep doing what you're doing... because it's working! Don't ever compare yourself to others. Be the winner of your life, and keep on track to staying fit for your lifestyle.

Judi Sheppard Missett created the original dance party workout and started the fitness revolution that became Jazzercise. Today -- more than 45 years later -- Jazzercise is one of the world's leading dance fitness companies, offering a program that continually evolves with new beats, new moves and new classes. As Founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Judi Sheppard Missett leads a team of more than 8,300 franchisees teaching 32,000+ classes each week around the world. Jazzercise is a pulse-pounding, bass-dropping fitness program that gets results...fast. Customers can incinerate up to 800 calories in one 60 minute workout and choose from a variety of classes including Fusion, Core, Strike, Strength, Flip Fusion, Interval and Dance Mixx. For more information, visit jazzercise.com.

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