Fitness – A Way of Life

Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health; even small amounts of activity can provide benefits such as lower stress levels, improved sleep, and a lower risk of many chronic disease.  However, over 50% of people who start an exercise program quit within 3-6 months.  Quitting an exercise program often has very little to do with lack of motivation, laziness, or lack of desire.  So how can you make fitness part of your daily routine?  Your state of mind and your reasons for getting fit is what makes the difference and helps you live a fit lifestyle.

To get started you must first understand where you are now.  Are you ready to make the changes to make fitness a way of life?  How do you see your future if you don’t make time for fitness?  Use that image as motivation and make a commitment to start making small changes.  Set a goal to maintain those small changes for two weeks and keep track of your progress.  Continue to challenge yourself with activities you enjoy and remember why you need fitness in your life.

People who have a fitness habit know the intrinsic value of fitness.  They know the health benefits and truly believe that exercise makes them feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally.  To make fitness a lifestyle you must transition from external motivation to internal motivation.  People who are internally motivated prioritize fitness; they plan their workouts, they make fit friends, and they reward themselves for achieving goals.  These days NOBODY has time for fitness, but you can make time.  Put your workouts on the top of your “To Do” list or schedule them on your calendar.  Your goal is to show up for your workouts until it becomes routine.

Getting fit requires a plan.  You can’t just show up and wander around the gym trying to decide what to do next; you won’t get the results you want.  No matter what your fitness level, a plan is important to safely progress you towards achieving your fitness goals and living a fit lifestyle.  Working with a professional fitness trainer to create an individualized workout plan will eliminate a lot of frustration and effectively help you get the results you want.

Keep your fitness routine balanced with stretching, strength, conditioning, and performance exercises.  Make sure your exercise choices are appropriate for your level of fitness and your fitness goals and needs.  Stay focused on you; what motivates you physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Remember, you can do things you enjoy and still receive the benefits of exercise.

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