My Favorite Fitness Motivators

Wellness
Written By Melissa O'Connor-Arena

This year, I am determined to lose this pesky weight that I’ve been carrying around since being diagnosed with an auto-immune. The Prednisone added 24lbs to my weight in a two week period!! Couple that with the 10 I needed to lose…well, you get the picture!!

  1. Find a trainer who will guide, inspire, and work with you where you are health wise. You never want a trainer to push you beyond your current abilities. Be realistic!! AND see a medical professional before starting any exercise routine.

  2. Enlist a friend to work out with you 3 -5 time per week. They will be your accountability partner. If you don’t have someone in mind, as the gym manager if they know of someone they can pair you up with, which may work out better!

  3. Purchase a heart rate monitor/tracker. This will help calculate your progress! I love my MYONE. My gym has several boards where you can keep track of your heart rate and MEPS. I get motivated by seeing where I stand amongst others which gets me moving!! Do your own research and find something that fits your budget and needs.

  4. Find free fitness apps to get you moving!

  5. My mirror, clothes and scale – ENOUGH SAID!

Whatever motivates you to move your body, keep it up!!

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Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Art and design have always been a crucial part of my life. From coloring when I was a child to taking every art class I could in high school, it's the only thing I ever really wanted to do. I studied all aspects of art for 7 years and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2006. Since then I have worked as a freelance artist and writer, specializing in layout and album design. I also love photography and film.

I've been a professional designer since 2006 and have experience in all types of graphic design and the arts. My clients include DaVinci Roofscapes, Kayu, Terri Cole, Sheherezade, Kate Smith, Patti Green, Christine Gutierrez, and many more. I like to work with people from various fields which has given me a wide range of projects to apply my aesthetic. I have also written for Patch.com, as well as edited texts and books, so if you need writing services I can help you with that too! 

Besides graphic design, I also run a small stationery business that offers all kinds of invitations and other type of paper goods. You can view my shop and check out my blog on my website. I live and work in New York with my husband Dan, son Elliot (5.22.16), and 2 dogs. Both vegetarian and eco-consious, I do my best to live the most natural, organic life I can, and now create the same environment for my son. Besides design, my hobbies include photography, reading, writing, interior design, and cooking. I love music and used to play bass in a band when I lived in Jersey and of course I sing and dance every chance I get. Working with me is like teaming up with a friend, I am easy going, honest, and kind. My mission is to bring beauty to as many lives as I can through art and design and I look forward to working with you!

http://www.graystardesign.com
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