And How Badly Do
YOU Want It?
By Brian Calkins, Cincinnati Ohio Personal Fitness Trainer
Unless you know "Why?" you desire to
embark upon a new habit of exercising and eating right, it is
too easy to quit once the "voices" inside your head begin to
"speak". These are the "voices" that tell you to hit the snooze
button and skip your fitness boot camp session in the morning,
that you are "too busy", that you are too tired or too old or
you just don't have the time.
Consider this: what if I promised to
give you a thousand dollars for each hour that you exercised
tomorrow? Would you work out? What if I told you that this offer
is good, every day, for as long as you continue to exercise
without missing a single day? But there is a catch: you can't
change a single thing that you currently do in your life… your
job, family commitments or other hobbies and activities. Would
you exercise tomorrow? How about the next day? I bet you would!
Now, I can't give you that kind of
reward, but if you answered "Yes", then the problem is not your
lifestyle, that you are tired or have reached a certain age or
have too little time. The problem is that you simply don't want
it badly enough.
Clients that we work with all have very
powerful reasons to get up each morning and follow through on
their exercise… a carrot, if you will. Seldom do they miss a
workout and although they don't eat perfectly, they strive to
consume the best meals possible to reach their goals. Why?
Because they want it badly enough and know their reasons "WHY?"
Are you ready to discover your own
reasons why you want to change your lifestyle behaviors? Are you
ready to become consistent with your exercise routine? If so,
then take out a sheet of paper and write down 5 reasons "WHY?"
you want to begin a new and healthy lifestyle (or enhance the
one you're already on). Then, when the "voices" start to speak,
you can shout back, "No! This is "WHY" I am doing this.
Because…"
Now, after writing down 5 reasons, take
three of them and embellish a bit by putting your heart and soul
into expounding on the most important reasons you need to begin
exercising and eating quality, nutritious foods. Then, every
time that you are faced with the "voices" you can pull out your
reasons and read them. Copy your reasons and put them
everywhere. On your fridge, your car, your office, even your
wallet or purse. Have it ready to pull out at a moment's notice.
This is "WHY?" you are doing this.
Your "WHY?" will help you get out of
bed early to exercise or forgo your hour lunch in exchange for a
healthy smoothie and a 30 minute workout . Your "WHY?" will keep
you on track when work or the kids or other obligations come
calling for your time.
When you feel like quitting, remember there was a reason, a
"WHY?" you started. You can succeed! Remind yourself each day
"WHY?" you are traveling this journey. Review your
list often.
Below is a partial list of reasons why
people make the unwavering commitment to exercise and eat right.
Exercise helps me:
- sleep better, relax, and improves my
mood
- feel more energetic and productive
- keep up with my kids or grandkids
- clear out the mental cobwebs and be
more focused
- reduce my level of anxiety and
manage stress
- to improve my self-esteem and boost
my confidence
- to lose weight and feel wonderful in
the process
- improve my physical appearance
allowing me to feel good about myself
- increase my strength and endurance
giving me the ability to enjoy all the activities I love
Additional benefits of exercise
includes:
- Increasing your resting metabolic
rate to allow you to burn more calories throughout the day
- Increases your stamina and ability
to do continuous work
- Improves fitness levels, or your
body's ability to use oxygen
- Perform at higher levels of
productivity while becoming less fatigued
- Provides protection against injury
when playing sports or engaging in favorite activities
- Improves your balance and
coordination
- Increases bone mineral density to
prevent osteoporosis
- Reduces triglycerides and bad
cholesterol
- Enhances sexual desire and
performance
- Reduces heart disease and stroke
- Reduces the risk of developing
certain types of cancer
- Increases insulin sensitivity,
preventing type 2 diabetes
- Improves the function of your immune
system
So, what are your reasons "Why?"
Write them down now and don't forget to review them often!
See you at camp, bright and early!
