When Fitness is a Lifestyle

I love all the successes that have happened with Functional Conditioning. I wish that everyone could enjoy the fruit of their labor. The worst four letter word in the dictionary is “quit”. The word quit can be a noun, an adjective, or a verb. A few definitions are, to give up; relinquish, to abandon or put aside; forsake, to cease or discontinue.

Now, if you quit eating fast food or quit smoking that is great! When you quit taking care of yourself, that is a problem. When this happens, not only are you giving up on yourself, you are giving up on your own health and well being. It amazes me that someone can abuse their bodies year after year, and expect to be in perfect shape in just a few months.

The people I see that seem to set themselves up for failure are the ones who are very enthusiastic and gung ho in the beginning. They dive in with both feet. Like a firecracker they tend to burn out fast. You cannot go from a couch potato to an Olympic athlete is just a few weeks. If you look at a person with a great physique, ask them how many months it took them to get that body. Brace yourself for them to laugh in your face. It takes years and years of consistent work. If you have spent years upon years of abusing your body it takes time to bring it around. Let’s say you were a pack a day smoker for 30 years. You quit just a month ago. Do you think one month is going to erase the 30 years of tar and nicotine? Now do not get me wrong it’s great to quit a nasty habit like smoking. But it takes time to undo the damage.

So, how do we keep going when we want to quit? First of all, we all have days that we don't feel like exercising or eating healthier.

1. As Nike states “Just Do It”! I don't care what the excuse is. Most people with health issues have plenty of excuses.

2. Do activities that you enjoy.

3. Be normal. Do not let your food and exercise routine rule your life.

4. Have a support system. If someone you love is keeping you from getting into shape, invite them to join you. If they continue to sabotage your efforts, then it may be time to move on. Love does not want your spouse to die a premature death.

5. Time management. Even the President of the United States has time to exercise.

6. All things in moderation. Moderation is not a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

So what is the alternative? Get fatter, increase your blood pressure, develop heart disease or just blame your genetics, family or anything or anyone but yourself. It does not matter if you fall down, what matters, is that you get back up!

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Get off your **s and do something. There is no magic pill or exercise gizmo that can erase the years of doing nothing. I can promise you that Functional Conditioning is not a flawed program. If you give it 100%, you will succeed. However, it must be a lifestyle change. If all you care about is what you weigh on the scale, then I am not your man. Go to a traditional weight-loss clinic and let them starve you and feed you a bunch of crappy supplements. You will be losing weight on the scale, but it will be hard earned muscle that you are losing. Then, after you start to eat like a human being again, gain all your weight back plus ten pounds.

I am most proud of my clients who understand that this is NOT a DIET!!! This is a lifestyle change. 2006 looks to be a great year. I am so thankful for my clients who show me that all it takes is determination, desire and dedication and you can achieve your goals of enjoying a clear mind and a physically fit body. If you are someone who has fallen down, get back up and let’s get you back on track. No guilt, no judgments. I have your best interest at heart. I hope 2006 is the best year for everyone and they can enjoy a healthy and happy year.

Client of the Month

Heidi is a great athlete who took the bull by the horns. She gained four pounds of muscle, and lost ten pounds of fat over the Christmas holiday. She is also donating a kidney to her brother. Heidi is a health care provider and knows the importance of taking care of herself. She is an inspiration to her patients and the rest of us. You rock Heidi - Keep up the good work!!!