When Fitness is a Lifestyle

Imagine if you will... You have a car that is 45 years-old. The car has been wearing out the two front tires. So, you replace them with different tires (different brands, different tread patterns). For years and years you keep buying new tires, but your car still is wearing out those tires. I am sure you are wondering, “Why didn’t I just get an alignment?”  When the tires are new, they do a good job. However, after a while the tires wear out because they are going down the road at an angle that is not appropriate for the type of work they need to do.

What does this have to do with weight-loss? 90% of the people that come in to Functional Conditioning want to lose weight. But is the weigh the problem? Just like the tires... The tires and the weight are not the problem. The problem has to do with what is causing the tires to wear out, and why you gained the excess weight in the first place.

Diets are like buying new tires. They work OK for a while, then it just wears out. How many diets have you been on? Have any of them worked? I am going to let you in on a little secret. The only thing that works in losing weight and keeping it off is……..

Making a lifestyle change!

If you think that you can get in shape, lose weight, and feel great by only committing yourself part-time, then you are in for a rude awakening.

Now, let’s not just look at the weight number on the scale. As many of you know, I think the scale is a terrible way to judge progress.

I always ask my client’s three important questions:

1. How do you feel?
2. How are your clothes fitting?
3. Are you doing better than before you started with Functional Conditioning?

Making a lifestyle change is not easy. What other alternative is there? Is your lifestyle that you currently are living going to make life easier or harder? Lately, I have a number of clients or their families that have been hit by cancer. So, some people may think “eating healthy and exercise won’t help you if you have cancer”. I totally disagree. If you have been taking care of yourself, the treatment will go smoother and your recovery will be faster.

Another excuse I hear is, “I am way to busy to go to the grocery store and exercise”. That is B.S. If you are working so many hours that you are unable or unwilling to take care of yourself, then it is time to find a new job. Or, if your kids are keeping you too busy, then it is up to you to stop signing them up for so many activities. I know plenty of people who work more hours and travel than you and still FIND TIME TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.

If you are overweight and out of shape, take a step back and look at what caused it. Then, change your lifestyle to achieve your goals. Sitting on the couch watching TV may be your lifestyle, and it will show. Spring is here! Take the poor dog(s) for a walk. Work on the yard (or you can work on mine), go to the park and PLAY with the kids. If you pay someone to do your yard work, save some money and do it yourself.

Spring is also a good time of year to eat more fruits and veggies. If you are going to do salads, don't drown it in dressing. Get out and move! Then ask yourself...am I going to replace the tires again, or do I need an alignment…

Client of the Month

Diana has been coming to see me faithfully for the past 3½ years. She has done a fantastic job! She has made taking care of herself a lifestyle, and it shows. Look at her stats:

Diana ranks in the 91st percentile for women her age for her fitness level
Body fat 14.5%   Rank 83
Resting heart rate 58 bpm (the lower the better)   Rank 95
3 minute step test 84 bpm   Rank 92
Partial Curl Up 85 in one minute   Rank 99
Grip Strength 83 kg   Rank 99
Push ups 50   Rank 99
Sit and Reach 20.3 inches   Rank 77

Not too shabby! Diana has done some huge projects on her home, as well as works full time as a rocket scientist. So, she is smarter than most of us and could also kick some butt!!! I look forward to the next 3½ years working with Diana!

Last, but not least...

One of the greatest parts of my job is to work with so many wonderful people. I appreciate all the great relationships that have been formed over the years. Tess has to be one of my favorite people. She has really taken some shots in life in the past. I have known Tess about three years now. Tess was client of the month in July of 2005. On April 8th 2006 Tess was married in a beautiful ceremony. I am so happy for Tess and Randy. I wish then the most wonderful marriage and life together.