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Dear Clients, Members and Friends,
As you know exercise needs to be consistent to be effective. Many times, particularly in summer, other activities such as big vacations or visiting family can make it difficult.
Personal trainer, Sam Gast had a discussion about this very issue the other day. A client was saying she was making a determined effort to be consistent with exercise. She said she wanted to pick one time nearly everyday, when she could schedule time to come to the gym. They talked about what time that would be and what days of the week. The client then said she would be out of town part of next week, then home for one week before a family reunion where family would be visiting for a week. Then she said she should wait until all of that was over to make a commitment.
"Don't wait. The time will never be just right."
- Napoleon Hill
In 30 seconds she went from determined to make health a priority, to putting it off for at least a month! How many times have you been somewhat determined to do something for yourself, but then you rationalize, think about how to get it done, how hard that will be, and then easily talk yourself out of it??? What if next time you took a look at your obstacles and then figured out a way around them? Do you think you would reach your goal a little sooner? And looking at this long term, what will happen at the end of that month? Sam's guessing other scheduling conflicts and responsibilities will put it off even longer.
For this client, Sam suggested lowering the bar a little and tackling it one week at a time. What if you simply committed to looking at your schedule at a specific time each week? (for Sam this is Sunday afternoon, when she is refreshed and ready to tackle another week) Allow yourself some leeway by only aiming for 3-4 times per week when you are busy, and schedule that exercise one week at a time. When you are really busy, don't even commit yourself to a certain amount of time (like a grueling 2 hour workout), just say you will go to the gym or head out for a walk at a particular time on a particular day, and however long it lasts,.... it's okay.
So, in one month, when she is ready to commit, how much closer will she be to her overall goal? How much healthier will she be? How much more energy will she have? How much better will she feel? How satisfied will she be with herself that she was able to make herself and her health a priority amidst a busy life? Exercise and fitness doesn't have to be an all or nothing activity, just slowly consistent to be effective. ANYTHING is beneficial.
It has been said that every single decision we make, either benefits you or hurts you. Believe this to be true. Every time you decide to exercise you are doing so to make yourself healthier and stronger, but if you are overly exhausted or injured, you will only derail your efforts. This is only one example, but it can be applied to any decision, particularly with eating, drinking, financial decisions, etc. Once you make a decision and you begin to talk yourself out of it, think about if you are doing so to make yourself comfortable or if it is truly the best thing for you.
Sam Gast
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Cancer Exercise Specialist
[email protected] |
