Finding it hard to drum up the motivation to change your unhealthy ways? Here’s why there’s no better time to take the reigns of your health than right now. 

It’s a common misconception that transforming your health is an endeavour that takes over your entire schedule. So much so, that many Aussies put prioritising their health on the back burner, worried signing up to an exercise program or new gym will mean trading in every minute of free time. 

But as Melbourne-based model and producer Jazz Bell discovered, taking control of her health and fitness inevitably gave her so much more time (and energy) back. Joining the 28 By Sam Wood 8-week challenge, Bell quickly realised healthy habits and a sustainable workout routine that left space for regular self-care were far easier to incorporate into her life than expected.

For Bell, embarking on the 8-week challenge was never about losing a certain amount of weight, but rather emerging from the challenge feeling fitter and stronger in everyday life. In fact, she discovered all she needed was 20 minutes a day to start enforcing positive changes in her lifestyle. 

Unhappy with a few aspects of her routine prior to starting the challenge, Bell also found the 8 weeks of guided workouts and meal planning allowed her to not only diversify her exercise routine but also counteract a pesky work-induced posture problem.

“I'd had enough of my desk slouch, hunched back and shoulders and wanted to feel stronger, especially in my core,” she shares. “I enjoyed the guided Pilates and yoga classes, but my favourite was Strength with Sarah. Simple exercises that I wouldn't usually do myself in an achievable time frame.”

Kickstarting the challenge 

Armed with a new sense of purpose, Bell says the first few weeks of the challenge were easier on her routine than expected, finding plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy her favourite things, “I didn't really cut anything out of my normal lifestyle, I still enjoyed my glasses of wine,” she says.  

And while weight loss was never her goal, Bell was amazed at the results after just eight weeks, “I took before and afters purely because it prompts you on the app, with no intention of sharing them,” she says. “Doing the challenge for me was never about weight loss, as I didn't even weigh myself during the whole process.”

“It was about creating healthy habits and routines and prioritising self-care and exercise. In terms of my posture, I'm just more conscious of how I hold myself but also I feel stronger,” Bell adds. “Holding planks and increasing the weights because they've started feeling easier, these are my wins and it feels great!”

How her diet changed

Given the 8-week challenge is all about setting up a healthy routine, nutrition plays a crucial part. For Bell, who often found herself forgetting to prioritise meal times and fuelling her body thanks to her non-stop schedule, having the app set out a meal plan and recipes helped shift her perspective on nutrition. 

“Using the app as a guide, I tried more varied recipes with the same foods I usually eat but in ways I don't normally cook,” she says. “I often get distracted with work and forget to eat breakfast or lunch, I liked that the app kept me accountable for either eating one of the planned meals or making a conscious choice to replace it. The recipes were delicious, I found myself easily consuming more vegetables and even my partner commented how nice it was to feel fuelled after eating these meals.”  

“I probably ate more than I usually would in a day and found that I didn't snack,” she adds. 

Bell’s typical week of exercise

When it came to moving her body, Bell found exercising in the AM far more effective, leaving no time to make excuses throughout the day. As for the workouts she leaned towards, it seems throughout the 8-week challenge – and still today – variety was the key to her success.

“I changed it up each day but it ended up being 2x runs a week and a mix of 5 to 6 Pilates, weights and Yoga classes throughout the week,” explains Bell. “Most of the classes were between 20 to 30 minutes.”

“The notion that I couldn't prioritise 20 minutes for my health didn't seem right to me. If I couldn't spend 20 minutes out of my whole day on my health and wellness something was wrong,” she adds. “After work do I sit on the couch with my glass of wine or do I take 20 minutes to do a Pilates class?”

The biggest lessons she’s learnt 

Though the 8-week challenge may be over, Bell’s newfound passion for her health and wellness is only just beginning, “I was challenged by two overseas trips during this time but I still managed to do my Pilates, yoga and weight classes during my travels,” she says. 

“Living a healthy lifestyle is more than just spending hours at the gym. For me, it was actually slowing down that helped,” she explains. “Allow the time to enjoy your meal, and take the time to listen to a meditation. Enjoy 20 minutes to yourself doing a Pilates class. All of these things not only make me stronger physically but mentally.”

As for her advice to anyone on the fence about joining the 28 By Sam Wood 8-week Challenge (or any Kickstarter challenge), “Life is short, just start! It's ok to put yourself first!”

“We only get one body and I want to make sure I'm treating mine the best I can, physically and mentally.”