Some people procrastinate, as a way of life, tomorrow never gets here when it comes to making changes. So here’s the $20 million question, what are YOU waiting for? While it is true that proper mindset is crucial in making changes, it is also true that there is no magical date or time when it’s going to show up. This is true in regards to fitness more than any other area. There’s no denying that a vast majority of us are in denial. We have a thousand and one excuses for not getting started and even more for quitting. Different things spur individuals into action, whether it’s a less than favorable report from the doctor, or that dreaded three-way mirror in the fitting room.
Here are 7 Signs that it’s Time to Start a Fitness Program
When you climb a flight of stairs, do you stop at the top, bend over with your hands on your thighs, totally winded? Can you sing the ABC song without gasping for breath?When you sit down is your lower abdomen resting on your thighs?
When you push away from the table, does it move with you?
When waving goodbye, does the underside of your upper arm continue to wave after you stop?
When you step on the scales, do you remove all the change from your pockets and take off all your jewelry?
Have you ever put off a health exam for fear of the dreaded weigh-in?
Have you said more than once that you are big-boned, or that hips, thighs and butt run in your family?
Getting Started
OK, now that you are ready to spring into action, I want you to be honest about what you can and can’t accomplish. Don’t set out to run a marathon the first time out. Crawl before you walk, slow and steady wins the race; all the clichés are relevant here. If you have never exercised before, start with 10 minutes of your chosen activity. Why such a short time? You won’t hurt yourself, you won’t feel disheartened by not finishing a lengthy session, and you can only go up from there. On the other hand, go for at least 20-minute sessions the first week if you’ve been sidetracked and are getting back into the groove.
Getting RealAlong with motivation and optimism there needs to be a healthy dose of reality with your fitness plans and goals. Have you seen the weight loss commercial where the newly thin woman announces that she is a size 2? Yippee for her if that actually happened, and if that’s was her target. In the real world that doesn’t happen often. If you’ve never worn a size 2, and wear higher than a 14-16 now, chances are that’s not going to be your outcome. I don’t say this to discourage you from reaching your goals; I say it so that you won’t be discouraged and give up, when the fantasy physique doesn’t appear.
Common MistakesGuys, I will admit that we women stake claim to this more than you do. Comparing yourself to what you see as the ideal woman whether she is Tyra Banks or Carmen Electra is setting yourself up for failure. All the aerobics and resistance training in the world will not change bone structure or give you longer legs. Quit comparing yourself to celebrities and work on becoming a healthier and slimmer you. Our other faux pas is overtraining specific body parts. There is no such thing as spot reducing. Train your entire body to achieve balance and avoid injury. While it is possible to hone in on certain muscles like your abs, there’s no need to do endless crunches. It’s better to do fewer with correct form. Also, keep in mind that you need to burn the layer of fat that is covering the muscles you are working.
Give in but Don’t Give UpThere will come a time whether you’re a newbie or a veteran that you just can’t/won’t/don’t have the energy or inclination to work out. It’s OK to sit one out, just don’t let one missed workout start a chain. When you’re sitting one out, pay particular attention to your dietary intake that day. Don‘t go overboard with the “I‘m taking a day off� theory.
My mom would always tell me nothing beats a failure but a try. If trying is the best you can do to work towards your fitness goals, then try try again. Eventually it will stick. Take Care and Be Well.
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