When Fitness is a Lifestyle

It seems that people are waiting for the perfect situation to make the commitment to start a healthy eating plan and exercise program. So let’s travel to dreamland where we live in a perfect world.

In a perfect world…..

We could exercise whenever we wanted and got to do things we really liked,

We could wake up at 5:00am in the morning exercise and prepare our healthy meals for the day,

Chocolate would be the miracle weight-loss drug,

Nobody at the office would bring doughnuts, cakes or treats. Instead veggie trays and fresh fruits would be the norm,

The sun would be shining when we needed to go out and exercise,

The kids would hate eating out at fast food restaurants,

The kids could magically transport themselves to all the soccer practices, dance classes and every other activity the have,

Drinking water would never be boring,

We would like the way we look naked,

We would all get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep nightly,

Our kid’s or parents would never get sick,

Watching TV would help you lose all the unwanted pounds without getting out of the recliner,

A famous chef would prepare all your meals. Always the proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat. You would also be within your daily caloric budget,

You would have an endless supply of money to spend on yourself,

You would have the top of the line exercise equipment and enough space for it all to fit,

All aerobic classes that you want to take would be scheduled at your convenience,

You would have a fitness trainer put you through all of your exercises. Making sure you had all the motivation you would need,

Your clothes would never get too tight,

All bathing suits would make any figure look good,

Your ex-spouse would gain all the weight you lost, plus another 10 pounds,

Well as you are aware, life is never going to be perfect. Things will always come up. Do not fool yourself into thinking that you can get started or stay on track when the circumstances are just right. So what can you do?

1. Do what you can with what you have. So many people have an all or nothing attitude. They think if they cannot exercise seven days a week, then they will not do anything at all.

2. Expect the unexpected. Be flexible in your exercise plans and be creative. If you are at your kid’s soccer practice, bring your walking shoes and take a nice stroll. Always have healthy food at home or in an easy to get to place. Nothing is worse then being hungry, tired and nothing but junk food available to eat.

3.Quit comparing yourself to others. So what if your mother-in-law has lost 30 pounds by starving herself! Or if your spouse can eat everything and anything and not gain a pound.

4. Have the right mind set. Fitness is a long term process. Have patience and understand that the scale alone cannot be the only indicator of success. You will have some great days and some not so great days. It’s all about balance.

5. Do not try to be everything to everyone. Meaning, do not take on more than you can handle. If your job is so stressful that you cannot sleep at night and you need a pot of coffee to get through the day, it may be time to find another job. If you cannot keep up with all the kid’s activities, then stop signing them up for all of the activities.

6. Give yourself some slack. Life is not ALWAYS and NEVER. If you are at a birthday party and you want some cake - Have it! Don't play the martyr and deny yourself only to binge on a dozen cupcakes the next day.

7. Exercise at the best time for your situation. If you are not a morning person, then don't torture yourself getting up at the crack of dawn to workout. On the other hand, if you know that after work is a good time to workout, make sure and do it before plopping yourself on the couch.

8. Try to get some type of exercise each and everyday. You will sleep better, have more energy and feel better.

Finally, be kind to yourself. I have noticed that most people are very hard on themselves. They expect miracles overnight. Some of the happiest people I know take things in stride. They do the best they can. Some days are better than others, but overall they see the big picture. Life will never just fall into place. Don't wait until it’s too late to change the bad habits that develop over a number of years. Start now to develop habits that will enable you to live the life you deserve. By putting your own wellness first, you will ensure that you will be a better parent, spouse and more productive at work. I hope this newsletter inspires you to do the right thing.

Client of the Month

Hazel Miller

 Hazel is one of the most successful singers in the Denver-metro area. She has an amazing amount of talent.  Check out her website at www.hazelmiller.com.

There are some people that come into your life and they just make you smile.  For me, Hazel is one of those people.  She has been coming to FC for about two years now.  She has so much enthusiasm and spunk.  Hazel has improved her blood sugar level, lowered her blood pressure and lost well over 20+ pounds.  Plus, she is stronger than she has ever been and able to move sound equipment without much strain.  She is such a joy to see! I hope when you see her, you tell her how awesome she looks.