My friend and I were looking at pictures of ourselves from last year and a few years ago, it may not have been a good idea but honestly, that is what inspired me to get back into the gym. We realized that now we are not as in shape as we were then. This sparked a need for me to get back in the gym with the mindset that I am going to look better than I ever have.

Do people recommend comparing yourself now to a year or two ago? No, because it is unhealthy. As we get older our bodies transform, muscle is either added or lost and so is fat. That is normal. However, I recommend not comparing yourself to the past, rather looking back and reminding yourself what you used to look like and how you felt. I think that looking back at who you used to be is a-okay if you want to see how much you improved or see what you want to improve. For example, I was a little slimmer and I had a little more muscle on my arms so I would like to get back to that – less weight, more muscle.

Here are some things I have found helpful in my transformation process:

1. Make quotes your phone screens.

My lock screen has a picture that says "Just F***ing Do It" and my home screen says "Eat clean. Get fit. Be happy." They are all ways to remind me of my goal. My lock screen reminds me that no matter what the job is, I can do it. My home screen reminds me that how you eat affects what you look like which can affect your mood.

Larissa Hamblin

2. Consume yourself with inspiration.

This can be accomplished in more than one way. You can find people that inspire you or quotes that inspire you. Being so far from home, a lot of my inspirations are no longer around me. Now, I write SoulCycle inspiration on the whiteboard next to my desk and my friend writes some in her planner. These quotes will remind you of your goal and to not give up. These are the most important parts of my process.

Jorge Flores

3. Find a friend that will go on this adventure with you.

The friend that I am on the improvement path with has the same goal as I do – cut out fat, gain muscle. We Snapchat each other when we go to the gym, we take weekly pictures to track our process, and we keep each other in check. Every now an then one of us will want to cheat but we remember that we are in this together, we need to be honest and stick to our word.

Bruce Mars

4. Remind yourself that it will be worth it.

Yes, it will take a lot of time and so much effort. You won't do one work out and wake up the next day looking like you're "end goal." For some people, it takes weeks, months, or even years. In the beginning, it will be difficult but after about 2 weeks, it will become a routine – a lifestyle. All the work you put in is going to pay off, it will be worth it.

Melody Jacob