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10 Strategies to Hold Yourself Accountable to Your Goals If I asked you whether eating nutritious foods is essential, you'd probably say, "Of course." And if I inquired about the importance of exercise for health and wellness, you’d likely agree. So, if we know that combining nutrition and fitness is the ultimate recipe for a vibrant, healthy life, why do we often struggle to follow through? Why do we let one slip while focusing on the other? Why do we wait until we’re hit with a wake-up call—like getting winded after climbing one flight of stairs or receiving a concerning blood pressure reading—to take action? In my experience coaching hundreds of people at Marrero CrossFit, the answer often lies in accountability . We’re quick to let ourselves down, but when someone else relies on us, we show up. We’ll go the extra mile to avoid disappointing others, yet we repeatedly let ourselves off the hook. We justify skipping our nutrition plans or workouts, promising to start fresh tomorrow—or next Monday. Over time, this pattern chips away at our confidence, reinforcing the belief that we’re incapable of change. While external accountability can be a great starting point, lasting success depends on building self-accountability. At Marrero CrossFit, we provide a framework to help you get started. From reminders and check-ins to celebrating milestones, we’re here to support you. Your fellow members also step up, sending friendly messages when you’ve been absent and cheering you on when you return. But here's the hard truth: True accountability starts with you. No matter how much support we provide, you must consciously choose to take steps toward your goals every day. We’ll walk alongside you, but your commitment is the key to long-term success. So, how can you stop letting yourself down and set up a system that works? 10 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable 1. Engage with your community. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will cheer you on. At Marrero CrossFit, we thrive on connection. When you actively engage with our community, you’re tapping into a powerful source of encouragement and motivation. 2. Use reminders. Treat your workouts like non-negotiable appointments. Set alarms to remind you when it’s time to prep healthy meals or get moving. 3. Tell someone your plans. Let your coach know when you’ll attend class. Saying your intentions out loud creates a layer of expectation that you’re more likely to honor. 4. Track your progress visually. Hang a calendar in a visible spot and mark the days you stick to your workouts or nutrition plan. Seeing your streak grow can be incredibly motivating. 5. Share your journey. Post your goals and progress on social media or other public platforms. Making a public declaration often strengthens your resolve to follow through. 6. Take progress photos. Change happens gradually, and we often miss it in the moment. Comparing photos from where you started to where you are now can help you see the strides you’ve made. 7. Schedule regular check-ins. Set quarterly goal-setting meetings with a coach or accountability buddy. If you’re a Marrero CrossFit member, we’d love to help you with this. If not, find a friend who shares your drive and set up regular progress reviews. 8. Revisit your "why." Knowing why you want to achieve your goals adds meaning to your efforts. How will hitting your goals improve your life? Keep your "why" front and center to stay motivated. 9. Embrace imperfection. Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Acknowledge challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward. 10. Celebrate small wins. Break big goals into smaller milestones and reward yourself for hitting them. Rewards don’t need to be extravagant—find meaningful ways to treat yourself as you progress. Accountability looks different for everyone. Experiment with these tips and adapt them as needed to stay engaged and excited about your journey. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier life, we’re here to help! Book a No-Sweat Intro with us today, and let’s create a plan to help you crush your goals. Click here to get started! By: Jonathan J. Marcomb Monday January 1, 2025

Elevate Your Strength: The Shoulder Press When it comes to building upper body strength, enhancing shoulder stability, and improving overall functional fitness, the shoulder press stands out as an essential exercise. This fundamental move not only targets your shoulders but also engages your triceps, upper chest, and CORE, making it a powerhouse for upper body development. Performing the shoulder press with proper technique ensures that you maximize these benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. As a natural human movement, the shoulder press mirrors actions we perform in daily life, such as lifting objects overhead, making it a practical addition to your fitness routine. Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Shoulder Press Stand Tall and Position Yourself: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the barbell or dumbbells at shoulder height with your palms facing forward and elbows pointing downward. Engage Your Core: Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain a neutral posture. Avoid arching your back during the lift. Press Upward: Extend your arms and press the weights overhead in a straight line. Keep your elbows slightly in front of your body as you press. Lock Out: At the top of the movement, fully extend your arms without locking your elbows completely. Your biceps should be close to your ears. Lower the Weights: Slowly lower the weights back to shoulder height, maintaining control and keeping your core engaged throughout the movement. Breathe: Inhale as you lower the weights and exhale as you press them overhead. Maintaining proper breathing helps stabilize your core and supports the lift. Risks of Doing the Shoulder Press Incorrectly Shoulder Impingement: Incorrect form, such as flaring your elbows too wide, can lead to shoulder impingement and pain. Lower Back Strain: Arching your back excessively during the press can cause lower back strain and potential injury. Wrist Strain: Holding the weights incorrectly or using too heavy a load can strain your wrists, leading to discomfort or injury. How to Get Started With The Shoulder Press To integrate the shoulder press into your workout routine, try this sample session: Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretches focusing on the shoulders and upper back. Shoulder Press Practice: 3 sets of 8-10 reps with a light weight to practice form. Workout: 4 sets of 6-8 reps shoulder press with a challenging but manageable weight. 3 sets of 12 reps lateral raises. 3 sets of 10 reps front raises. 3 sets of 15 reps face pulls. Summing Up the Value of the Shoulder Press: The shoulder press is a cornerstone exercise for building upper body strength and functional fitness. It not only enhances your shoulder and arm muscles but also improves your posture and stability. By incorporating the shoulder press into your routine, you're investing in a stronger, more capable upper body. To ensure you're performing the shoulder press with perfect technique and getting the most out of your training, book a "Free No-Sweat Intro" with us today: https://www.marrerocrossfit.com/get-started. Let's elevate your strength to new heights! By: Jonathan J. Marcomb Monday September 9, 2024

Deadlifts When it comes to building raw power, improving functional strength, and achieving a well-rounded fitness level, few exercises can match the deadlift. This powerhouse move not only engages multiple muscle groups, from your glutes and hamstrings to your core and back, but it also mimics natural movements like picking up heavy objects from the ground. Doing the deadlift with proper technique ensures you reap the maximum benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to enhance everyday strength, mastering the deadlift is a game-changer for your fitness journey. Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Deadlift Stand Tall and Position Yourself: Place your feet hip-width. The barbell should be over the middle of your feet(knot of shoestrings). Grip the Bar: Bend at the hips and knees to lower your torso. Grip the bar with your hands just outside your knees, using either an overhand grip or a mixed grip (one hand overhand, the other underhand). Set Your Back: Straighten your back and engage your core. Your spine should be neutral, with your chest up and shoulders slightly in front of the bar. Lift the Bar: Push through your heels and extend your hips and knees to lift the bar. Keep the bar close to your body, moving it in a straight line. Lead with your shoulders first and hips always follow. Lock Out: Once standing, your hips and knees should be fully extended, with your shoulders back and chest proud. Avoid leaning back or shrugging your shoulders. Lower the Bar: Reverse the motion by pushing your hips back. Maintain control and keep your back straight as you lower the bar to the ground. Risks of Doing the Deadlift Incorrectly Lower Back Injury: Rounding your back during the lift can place undue stress on your spine, leading to potential injury. Knee Strain: Allowing your knees to cave in or not aligning them properly can cause strain and possible injury to the knee joints. Grip Issues: Using an improper grip can lead to loss of control over the barbell, increasing the risk of dropping it and causing injury. Summing Up the Value of the Deadlift The deadlift is a cornerstone exercise for building strength and functional fitness. It not only enhances your power and muscle mass but also improves your posture and stability. By incorporating the deadlift into your routine, you're investing in a safer, stronger, and more capable body. To ensure you're performing the deadlift with perfect technique and getting the most out of your training, book a "Free No-Sweat Intro" with us today: https://www.marrerocrossfit.com/get-started. Let’s lift your fitness to new heights! How to Get Started With The Deadlift To integrate the deadlift into your workout routine, try this sample session: Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretches focusing on the legs and lower back. Deadlift Practice: 3 sets of 5 reps with a light weight to practice form. Workout: 5 sets of 5 reps deadlifts with a challenging but manageable weight. 3 sets of 10 reps bent-over rows. 3 sets of 12 reps hamstring curls. 3 sets of 15 reps planks with weight. By: Jonathan J. Marcomb Monday August 5, 2024