Thursday, January 12, 2012

A Lifestyle of Fitness


What most people don’t realize about fitness is that it’s a lifestyle. Fitness is not something you pick up and put down like the Sunday paper. With a “pick up, put down” attitude towards fitness, you’re likely to have peaks and valleys in regards to your level of fitness. In my opinion, the most important aspect of anyone’s life is their health. Without good health, it’s almost impossible to enjoy life. Who wants to be bound to a wheelchair, take numerous medications, or simply not feel good on a daily basis? Nobody! I’m not saying life won’t throw you a few curve balls and present challenges; however, it’s in our control we deal with our life. Nothing should keep you from finding fitness.

As a personal fitness trainer, you hear many excuses about why people don’t exercise. Listening to some of these excuses made me question what quality of life people want. Make no mistake about it! This is not about being so skinny that your rib cage pierces your skin, or having so many muscles that you have to buy a new wardrobe. This is about having an attitude, that on a daily basis, your overall health is your primary focus. This is reflected in the amount of exercise you partake in, your dietary habits and the amount of stress you deal with daily. Each of these factors contributes to your level of fitness.

So, how can you overhaul your life and create a lifestyle of fitness? Well, you take small steps. That tool between your two shoulders is a powerful weapon. What your mind focuses on usually comes to fruition at some point in your life. Therefore, visualize how you want to look and feel. Once you plant the seed of fitness, your body begins to align itself with your attitude. Lastly, you must put in the work required to see the change you desire. I’m not just referring to weight training, jogging or taking a yoga class. You must harness your diet. You must also eliminate anything or anyone in your life that opposes your positive thinking and fitness goals.  Exercise with like-minded people, or hire a certified personal fitness trainer. Find time at some point in the day to just clear your mind. These steps will help create great daily habits and a lifestyle of fitness. Once you have found a system that works for you, stick to it. After a few weeks, you will notice that your new habits will become a part of your everyday life.