“I can’t go to the gym because I don’t have time. “

“I don’t have the energy after work.”

“I can’t eat a sensible, well balanced meal because I’m always on the go and have to eat what I can get.”

“There’s a lot going on in my life right now.”

Does this sound familiar?

I was watching American Idol last week and admiring J.Lo. I love her.  She’s amazing and is stunning EVERY TIME. To which my boyfriend says, “I know, you say it every time. Of course she’s stunning, it’s her job to be stunning. If your job was to exercise and eat right, you’d look like that too.”

That’s arguable. But he’s on to something there. I work really hard at work. Or at least I think I do. But what if I were to put in the same principles and effort that I apply towards work into myself? What would that look like?

• Show up on time.
• Stick to a schedule – be consistent with when you work out, when you eat, when you rest…
• Set meetings – schedule workout meetings with yourself. It’s rude to cancel on other people. Why would you cancel on yourself?
• Focus – just like you shouldn’t surf the web, FB, chat during work don’t text, stare blankly, or workout without a purpose.
• Have a plan – I have to plan months/weeks advance my plan for a project.  Plan out what you’re going to eat ahead of time so you’re not tempted to cheat and venture away from your goals.
• 100% – give it all you got. Just like your boss hopes you don’t half-ass your way through work, put the expectation on yourself that you won’t half ass your way through working on YOU.
• Be aggressive – you don’t “no” for an answer at work. Don’t let your body tell you “no.” Make it change. Keep pushing until it will change.
• Fix it – if problems arise, rise to the challenge and address it. Don’t cry. Fix it. Work It Out. It’s called work for a reason. And it’s called a work out for a reason, because you have to work.
• Work with the best (that you can afford)- Choose the best trainer, eat the best foods, etc. Don’t short change yourself.

My point is that it’s YOUR JOB to take care of yourself just like J.Lo. YOU are more important than anything else (within reason…don’t be overly selfish now). Now get to work.

Luckily, I sweat a lot!

My trainer Justin will be leading a $20 Workout in Central Park this Saturday, April 21 from 3-4 pm. You can sleep in a still get a good work out done on Saturday He specializes in lactic acid training, which is sure to make you burn!

Email me at leangirlsclub (at) gmail (dot) com for more info.

Hope to see you there!

Editor’s Note: Preethi’s blog is The Skinny On Manhattan, not Skinny in Manhattan. Our apologies!

For the last week I’ve been following the Bethenny Frankel Skinny Girl Workout – the stretching segment. You can download it on iTunes for free.

I find Bethenny herself quite annoying but I can’t deny that I’ve been sleeping better, waking up better, have been more alert during the day and have been slouching less. That’s a lot to give credit for, but I genuinely feel better after a week of stretching. Every night I’ve cracked something (not that cracking anything should be the point of stretching) and it feels, oh, so good! The best part is that it only takes ten minutes. That may sound like a lot for stretching but it goes by, oh, so quickly!

[spotted on: WeightLoss.org]

The Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp Spring Retreat - Three days in upstate NY fill with hiking, boot camp classes, yoga, healthy food, spa treatments and more. This is not your momma’s fat camp. It’s a weekend of rest and isolated focus on yourself. How often did you wish that you could escape to “the ranch” like in the Biggest Loser? This is the closest thing to reality.

When: April 6 – April 8

Cost: Varies

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The Poconos - there isn’t one particular resort that’s calling my name but rather the champagne tub at Cove Haven Resorts. LGC featured writer Emily dreams of going here more than I do. Maybe we should arrange a LGC retreat? What’s not to love? It’s a 10 ft tub in the shape of a champagne glass! And you can sip some champagne IN the champagne tub.

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Napa 2 Sonoma Half Marathon - While I may be saving my mileage for the NYC Marathon   this November, one race I have on my bucket list is the Napa 2 Sonoma Half Marathon. I’ve never been to Napa but the thought of running through wine country and then concluding with wine tours (yes, tourS with an “s”) and wine tastings is titilating. Now if only we can pair the wine and the chocolate…

When: July 15, 2012

Cost: $125 registration + travel

I’d love to hear about where you dream of vacationing or where you’re going this year. Leave a comment!

Lucy Race Me Capri - $69

Lucy Soul Yoga V Neck – $55

Nike Free Run+2 in Turquoise White-Pink – $89.97

ADIDAS by Stella McCartney Essentials Sweat Pants in Core Blue – $100