When Fitness is a Lifestyle

When you're looking back at 2006, did you accomplish all of your goals? Are you making more money? Are you enjoying a better relationship with your spouse? Are you in better physical shape? Or are you slipping a little backwards? I am not a big believer in New Years resolutions. The reason is that most people don't stick with a New Years resolution.

I think taking care of yourself and your family is something that is needed everyday. The greatest thing about living life is the opportunity to start fresh each and everyday. Let’s say the past month, six months, or even ten years you have been a slug. However, if you start an exercise program and stick with it your body will heal itself. In doing this you will decrease your body fat, decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease, increase your strength and endurance, increase your metabolism and just generally feel better.

So, let’s say you do nothing again this year. The problem is that with each passing year it gets harder to get going again. Your weight will creep up on you. So instead of having to lose 10 to 20 pounds, now you are looking at 50 or more pounds of excess fat. Not to mention feeling like crap all the time. Today is the day to commit to a lifestyle change not only for yourself, but those whom you love. Today is the day to start (if you are not already doing so) a new lifestyle change. It’s OK to do things a little at a time! Too many people try the all or nothing approach and more often than not it becomes nothing!!!

The first thing to look at is your food. Are you eating healthy foods? Are you eating fresh fruits and veggies? Are you eating breakfast? Are you eating lean protein sources? If your cupboards are filled with crap - throw it all in the trash. Open the packages and dump the food in the trash. If you leave it in the package you may be tempted to get it out in a moment of weakness. Plan each meal and also have a back up plan. Leave some almonds and fruit at work. I also like Balance Bars and a quality meal replacement. Keeping good food around will help prevent a binge.

The next item of business is to do some type of physical activity most days of the week. Put it in your planner and make sure you follow through. If you are not a morning person don't torture yourself getting up at 5:00 in the morning to workout. Remember you are making a lifestyle change that you will be doing the rest of your life. When you exercise beta endorphins are released in the brain and it makes you feel GOOD. If you are not exercising, chances are you will be eating a lot of sugar and caffeine to get the same endorphin rush. But sugar and caffeine are very temporary. Do activities that you enjoy. If you belong to a health club or recreation center, try a new exercise class. If it’s been a while since you have been to Functional Conditioning make an appointment, and let’s get a new workout together for you.

The bottom line is to do the best you can each and everyday. Nobody is perfect. If you have a bad food and/or exercise day, reflect upon what happened and see what you can do next time to overcome the obstacle. The worst thing said to yourself is that you will wait until next week or next month or whatever excuse you can use to get out of personal responsibility to yourself and your family. Do not quit! If you do, it will be the worst decision of your life. I guarantee it!!!

For those of you who continue to stay on track, I admire you. There are days when I do not want to exercise or keep track of what I am eating. However, in the long run I have too much to live for. I have a great family, a career that I love, and many activities that I want to continue doing into my golden years. If you have not been in to see me in a while, I would love to work with you again. Functional Conditioning has one of the highest rates of retention, but if even one person quits I feel that maybe I could have done more. I am always open to your comments and suggestions. I hope that 2007 brings health and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Client of the Month

Mia was referred by her primary care doctor in May 2006. Mia had seen her doctor losing weight, and that motivated her to do the same. In just seven months Mia reached her goal of not only losing 50 pounds, but making a priority of taking care of herself. She works out at an incredible intensity, and puts all her effort and energy into every workout. She just does not go through the motions. Mia has since moved back to New York, and she will be missed. However, I will still be sending her new workouts to do on her own. I have been impressed by Mia because once she put her mind and energy into her goal nothing was going to stop her. Sure she had her ups and downs, but she never quit. Way to go my New York friend!!!