I don’t think there is still any doubt anywhere that adopting a lifestyle of regular physical activity is very important and helps to improve our health and wellbeing. However, the reality on the ground is that most people find it very difficult to adopt it as a lifestyle. Even when they resolve to commit to a proper, regular exercise program, it doesn’t take long before they fall off the wagon only to go back to their sedentary, inactive way of living.
On the other hand, there are those who adopt the quick-fix approach to exercise and fitness. They only pull it out of the bag whenever they’re trying to quickly shed some weight they recently gained or maybe they’re trying to avoid some immediate negative effects of not engaging in any physical activity over a long period of time.
Neither of these approaches is effective as it is obvious that these people do not yet recognize how important regular exercise is necessary for achieving long term optimal health and wellness.
Regular physical activity has been shown to help us feel better about ourselves and our bodies and also helps us live longer, healthier lives. It doesn’t have to be about avoiding an ailment, or shedding some weight; there’s a lot to gain from regular fitness activities than any of the temporary short term goals we might be working towards.
The moment we realize this, the sooner we would begin to appreciate the need to adopt a lifestyle that includes some form of regular physical activity, especially regular exercise. AND IT ALL BEGINS IN THE MIND
Yes! The mind, that’s where most of it happens. You have to first convince yourself undoubtedly that you need regular exercise in order to enjoy optimal health and then you also need to train your mind to strongly reject reasons, excuses, justifications or rationalizations why you can’t get going and get active.
These excuses are numerous and they’re sometimes very valid; “I don’t have the time”, “I don’t have the energy”, “I don’t even know where or how to begin” and one of the most common ones, “I’ll begin tomorrow, next week, next month or next year” and then it never really happens, or even when it does; it never sticks.
Having a better perspective about fitness is the first place to begin. You first of all need to determine what exactly it is you want out of a life of regular fitness. What are your goals and aspirations? What lifestyle habits can you adopt to align with those aspirations? How do I make sure it sticks?
These are some of the important questions you need to consider when trying to gain a better perspective about your fitness. There isn’t any quick fix to it, you have to look at the full picture. Having a vision of the overall goal is probably the most essential step towards reaching a definitive point in your fitness life. This will require some very serious reflection and a decision to stay on track of your vision and your goals.
Each day gives you another opportunity to pursue all of those dreams and aspirations you have envisioned for yourself and you need to be prepared to handle the truth about the actions you need to take in order to achieve them. Don’t let fear or temporary failure get in the way of your fitness goals. GET UP AND GET ACTIVE!
Find positive ways to counter those excuses that usually try to steer you away from living an active lifestyle. For example;
- “I don’t have time.” Remind yourself that you only need about 30 minutes of exercise in a day to live a very active lifestyle. That’s only ¼ 8th of your whole day and if you think about it, you probably spend more than necessary time on activities like watching TV, scrolling through social media, or chit-chatting with a friend for long hours and these are not very productive activities.
Why not reset your priorities and choose to spend more time being physically active which is in turn good for your health. The key to success in fitness is giving it the priority it deserves.
- “I don’t have the energy.” Remind yourself that exercise increases your strength, stamina, endurance and helps you sleep better which helps you become more productive and efficient in everything you do. It might be that the reason you don’t have the energy in the first place is that you do not exercise, why not do what you need to do to find the energy you need for your everyday living.
- “I am so out of shape, I don’t even know where or how to begin!” Start from somewhere, anywhere – you can even start today! You don’t need to have a gym membership or your own expensive equipment to work out. There are lots of exercise routines that do not require anyone else or anything else other than yourself. You can check here beginner upper body exercises or online to find some of these routines, just make sure to start and then gradually build from there. Little by little.
- “I will start tomorrow or next week or next month or next year.” And then that day never comes. Procrastination they say is a thief of time, nothing drains your energy or motivation more than delayed commencement of something you want to do. It gets worse with each passing day until you finally give up. Start with the very easy ones, do it for just five minutes a day and stay consistent with it. You can then build up from there little by little.
From time to time, re-examine your goals to make adjustments if necessary. No aspiration is ever permanent because life changes and you have to go with the changes. Find a way to track your progress and do not be discouraged whenever you have setbacks.
Think positively always. Your attitude towards your fitness life will help keep you motivated all the time.
Someone once said, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Have the long-term view in mind, stay focused and try not to get distracted for too long.
With Love and gratitude as always, Xo!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not your doctor while I am a health coach by profession. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish any kind of medical relationship between you and me. I will not be held liable for any damage resulting from or related to your use of this information.