Motivation- The biggest road block standing in your way to getting in shape is not genetics, despite what most people think. It is simply your motivation level. It can (G.I.V.E) you the edge you need to get fit, or it can take it away. Anybody, and I mean ANYBODY can get in to great shape if he/she puts the effort in. I have seen proof of this first hand in the Marines. I have seen obese men go from XXL camies to wearing small camies. On the other hand, I have seen Marines who wore small camies need to switch to mediums and larges because their chest became too thick.  What it comes down to is that you must truly want to better yourself if your are going to get fit. If you can find that mental state where you cant wait to get to the gym, there is nothing that can stand in your way. Ask any Veteran and they will tell you the same thing.

Drive- So you walk into the gym and are immediately confronted by huge men lifting tremendous amounts of weight or perfectly sculpted females toning their beautiful bodies. Then you look at yourself and a terrible feeling comes over you. We have all been there (even Marines). You absolutely have to realize that getting into shape has nothing to do with the other people in the gym. It is about you being able to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with what you see. It is about keeping your body healthy so you can spend as many years as possible with your loved ones. Every person that is in the gym has been where you are right now, so do not be embarrassed. You need to get in there and do your thing. Nobody will ever care as much about your fitness as much as you, so naturally your opinion is what matters. Not theirs. 

Here are a few tips to help you stay focused on yourself in the gym and not everyone around you. I hope it (G.I.V.E)s you what you need.

1. Music- wear headphones and listen to your favorite songs.

2. Hat- A hat with a bent brim can help give you tunnel vision to cut out surroundings.

3. Hood- Wearing a hooded sweat shirt keeps you in your personal zone.

Take this Veteran Blog as kick in the butt and get out there and get fit!!