When Fitness is a Lifestyle
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When Fitness is a Lifestyle |
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Why can some people workout first thing in the morning, while others are still sleeping and hitting the snooze button? Is the person who does not exercise on a regular basis lazy? Why do so many things come up to distract us from getting a workout in? Why is Monday always the first day we are willing to start a new diet and exercise program? Why not start on a Wednesday? In this newsletter, I hope to give you suggestions to help you get motivated and stay motivated! I believe that most people are pleasure seekers, and pain avoiders. So, you either workout and take care of yourself because you enjoy how you look and feel, or you exercise and diet because you hate how you look and are afraid it will only get worse if you don't. Don't exercise for anyone but yourself. I see too many people try to get into better shape for their spouse or significant other. Unfortunately then, when you are angry or upset with that person, you sabotage yourself. "I will show them!! I will eat this whole quart of ice cream", you say silently to yourself. If you enjoy doing something, it’s pretty easy to be motivated to do it. I enjoy skiing, basketball, softball and riding my bicycle. I am not a huge fan of running or volleyball. So, for me to stay motivated I do the activities I enjoy or train specifically for those activities. If I tried to force myself to run everyday - that would not last long. Right now I am training for the upcoming ski and snowboard season. Find something you enjoy and train for it. Find a workout partner that will keep you going even if you want to be a slacker. I have had two great workout partners. Both of which have moved to Florida. If you know that someone is waiting for you to arrive for your scheduled workout, chances are you will not let them down. Remember, the door swings both ways. Do not become a team of slackers! A spouse, friend or your personal trainer (me) will help keep your workouts more consistent. Exercise at the right time of the day. If you are NOT a morning person, don't torture yourself or your spouse by trying to workout in the morning. Some people say its better to exercise in the morning. I don't care when it occurs, as long as you do it! Don't think you have to spend at least an hour working out to achieve results. Twenty to thirty minutes of something is better than an hour of nothing. Find a place to workout that is convenient and comfortable. If you have the discipline to workout at home, make sure you can exercise uninterrupted and without too many distractions. If you belong to a health club remember location, location, location. If the gym is a hassle to get to, you will make excuses why you are unable to workout. Never sign a long term contract at a health club! Most decent clubs will let you pay month to month. Chances are, if you are paying for a gym membership you will use it. Mix it up. It’s hard to stay motivated doing the same exercises in the same order with the same weights. Many of my clients come in for new workouts on a monthly basis. They look forward to the new exercises. Changing your workout also prevents overuse injuries and muscle imbalances. If you belong to a health club or recreation center, try taking some different classes. Yoga, pilates, spinning and kickboxing are very popular and will challenge your body in different ways. Ease into any new routine. Take beginner classes even if you think you are a superstar. I have only one thing to say about staying motivated with healthy food choices. Eat foods you like in moderation! Try to eat as close to nature as possible. Stay away from processed foods. If you are making good food choices 70% to 80% of the time you will not have a weight problem. Do not try every new diet that hits the market. You will lose motivation every time, when you continue to lose and gain the same ten pounds. Use common sense and do not expect overnight results. Last but not least. Be kind to yourself. For each one of us motivation is a personal issue that may be embedded deep within ourselves. Do not expect perfection. You will never achieve it! You will make yourself crazy trying to obtain it. Stop comparing yourself to TV personalities, friends, and neighbors. You have a right to be happy and healthy. Health and wellness is a journey, not a destination. As our friends at Nike say “Just do it”! Client of the Month
Ericka is 32 years old, and has done an exceptional job!
She started with Functional Conditioning in July of 2004. Ericka's doctor
no longer has her take blood pressure medication. I am very proud of her.
I know Ericka will continue doing great! |
