For most of us, choosing to be fit is more of a will test than a one-time decision. Being "fit" is a lifestyle change much more than just a program of exercise or diet. For me, the choice came about 15 years ago. I was about 24 when friends convinced me to start going to the gym as a group. At that time, I knew that I did not really like my appearance, so I thought it would be a good idea. How could it be difficult? Well, it did not take long before I knew the answer to that question. And to tell you the truth, at that time, my workouts were not that difficult. But getting up at 5 in the morning to go to the gym at 5:30 was certainly. Plus, since we were 4 and only one really knew what he was doing, the workouts were VERY long. Too long when you mix the talk about the water cooler that often took over some workouts.So, after trying this approach for about 3 weeks, I was still not motivated and I was eager to work and I was about to quit. As luck would have it, 2 guys from the group beat me, leaving only me and the only person who knew anything about the correct work at that time. It changed everything.With only two of us now, we were much more focused and had very good coaches on the basics. After a month of 1-1, we started increasing the intensity of the workouts and incorporating really fun cycle classes. Somewhere in the next month, I noticed a change. Not only in my appearance, but in my vision and attitude. At that time, I became addicted. I worked regularly at the gym 5 times a week, including cardio, running and weights. I looked and felt good thinking that it would always be my way of life.And it was until about 5 years ago. In 2007, my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer and upset my life. I quickly lost interest in many of my normal activities, including fitness. Over the next two years, I really let myself go and did not worry about going back to the thick of things. A major event that will change a life will do the same for a person, and I was no exception. My wife became really worried about my deteriorating fitness and started to encourage me to come back. I tried but I absolutely could not be motivated. After much research and a hard look in the mirror, I was able to remove the discipline I once had. It was not easy and it took a lot of planning and hard work. So today, I want to share what helped me defeat my fitness demons. I hope this will help you.The reason I give so much of my personal fitness experience is to show that each of us will have a hard time choosing the right one. Physical fitness for life is not really a "one size fits all" approach. We all have different situations that motivate us to get in shape, stay motivated and maintain our lifestyle in the long run. However, I believe that we can all adopt some common practices to help us overcome the obstacles at each of these stages and to become an improved, healthier and fit person.1. Initiate - This is perhaps the easiest of the 3 steps because it only requires deciding to stay in shape, but to do nothing. That said, do not underestimate the importance and key factors to consider when starting your fitness journey. The main things to remember here are:Do this for you! Make sure you do not give in to pressure from others. You must be ready to take this step and feel good, this is the right approach for you.Start with the end in mind. Set goals and imagine what you want your body and health to reflect during the trip. Lose 25 pounds, get ripped off, lower your cholesterol, feel better, keep up with the kids.Choose the right program. The fitness program that's right for you is very important and varies depending on where you start from. Choosing one that is too hard or that does not work fast enough will quickly discourage you and you may shoot too fast. Find the balance of enjoyable exercises that challenges you enough to achieve your first goals. Do not overlook the power of proven favorites like walking, jogging and cycling to get started.
The Road To Fitness
For most of us, choosing to be fit is more of a will test than a one-time decision. Being "fit" is a lifestyle change much more than just a program of exercise or diet. For me, the choice came about 15 years ago. I was about 24 when friends convinced me to start going to the gym as a group. At that time, I knew that I did not really like my appearance, so I thought it would be a good idea. How could it be difficult? Well, it did not take long before I knew the answer to that question. And to tell you the truth, at that time, my workouts were not that difficult. But getting up at 5 in the morning to go to the gym at 5:30 was certainly. Plus, since we were 4 and only one really knew what he was doing, the workouts were VERY long. Too long when you mix the talk about the water cooler that often took over some workouts.So, after trying this approach for about 3 weeks, I was still not motivated and I was eager to work and I was about to quit. As luck would have it, 2 guys from the group beat me, leaving only me and the only person who knew anything about the correct work at that time. It changed everything.With only two of us now, we were much more focused and had very good coaches on the basics. After a month of 1-1, we started increasing the intensity of the workouts and incorporating really fun cycle classes. Somewhere in the next month, I noticed a change. Not only in my appearance, but in my vision and attitude. At that time, I became addicted. I worked regularly at the gym 5 times a week, including cardio, running and weights. I looked and felt good thinking that it would always be my way of life.And it was until about 5 years ago. In 2007, my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer and upset my life. I quickly lost interest in many of my normal activities, including fitness. Over the next two years, I really let myself go and did not worry about going back to the thick of things. A major event that will change a life will do the same for a person, and I was no exception. My wife became really worried about my deteriorating fitness and started to encourage me to come back. I tried but I absolutely could not be motivated. After much research and a hard look in the mirror, I was able to remove the discipline I once had. It was not easy and it took a lot of planning and hard work. So today, I want to share what helped me defeat my fitness demons. I hope this will help you.The reason I give so much of my personal fitness experience is to show that each of us will have a hard time choosing the right one. Physical fitness for life is not really a "one size fits all" approach. We all have different situations that motivate us to get in shape, stay motivated and maintain our lifestyle in the long run. However, I believe that we can all adopt some common practices to help us overcome the obstacles at each of these stages and to become an improved, healthier and fit person.1. Initiate - This is perhaps the easiest of the 3 steps because it only requires deciding to stay in shape, but to do nothing. That said, do not underestimate the importance and key factors to consider when starting your fitness journey. The main things to remember here are:Do this for you! Make sure you do not give in to pressure from others. You must be ready to take this step and feel good, this is the right approach for you.Start with the end in mind. Set goals and imagine what you want your body and health to reflect during the trip. Lose 25 pounds, get ripped off, lower your cholesterol, feel better, keep up with the kids.Choose the right program. The fitness program that's right for you is very important and varies depending on where you start from. Choosing one that is too hard or that does not work fast enough will quickly discourage you and you may shoot too fast. Find the balance of enjoyable exercises that challenges you enough to achieve your first goals. Do not overlook the power of proven favorites like walking, jogging and cycling to get started.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment