Without a doubt, nearly everyone agrees that regular exercise is an essential part of life. Besides feeling better, looking finer, and living longer, people who exercise daily report increased vim and vigor, less anxiety and depression, and a better outlook on life in general. So why is it so difficult for so many folks to commit to a regular fitness lifestyle? Well, there are millions of excuses, some pretty valid, others kind of lame, but as I tell clients, when you really want to do something badly enough, you will make it happen. Here are six habits that I find to be very common among my most successful and fit clients.
Variety is the spice of life. You don’t have to be pumping iron or snorting away for hours on a tread-mill to keep fit and trim. Regular weights and cardio are necessary, for sure, but really fit people participate in all kinds of activities to keep themselves in shape. Power walking, swimming, yoga, martial arts, tennis, cycling and a whole array of different activities can also build muscles and maintain a healthy heart. Just have fun and be adventurous, you won’t regret it!
Make exercise a social activity. Sure, many guys enjoy an intense, solo, uninterrupted weight training session, or a relaxing solitary run on the beach. For many others, the social aspect of exercise is beneficial. Working out with a like- minded, committed friend can keep you on track. Having a trainer to answer to on a regular basis at a scheduled time will keep you consistent and accountable. Zumba and aerobics classes can help you have fun with healthy happy people after a day of drudgery at the office.
Make exercise a major priority in your life. Whether you work out in the morning or hit the gym on your way home after work, make sure that you don’t put your fitness routine on the back burner. Regular exercise is just as essential to your life, if not more so, than any business meeting or conference call.
Don’t make excuses. Too tired to exercise? Not a good reason! So you’ve had a tough day at the office, well who hasn’t? You just need a tiny nap before you hit the gym after work? Chances are you’ll stay sacked out on the sofa long after the gym has close that night. You’ll feel better, more rejuvenated if you can just get to the gym, track or pool rather that succumb to a little fatigue. During exercise, you breathe deeply as you process more O2 and your body produces stress busting hormones that’ll give you that exercise “high”.
Keep a journal and chart your progress. Become aware of all the things that happen to your body as you get fit. Besides bigger muscles and less body fat, better sleep, more energy, clearer cognitive processes, lower resting heart rate and glowing reports from your doctor are a few more things you have to look forward to in the near future.
Reward yourself. Making behavior changes and sticking to them is hard work. Positive reinforcement does wonders for building morale. Whether it’s a new bathing suit, an occasional night out on the town, or a cruise, make sure that you celebrate your accomplishments and reward yourself for making fitness your ongoing lifestyle!
Tom Bonanti is certified fitness trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one gym and massage studiowww.pumpnincgym.com at 1271 NE 9th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33304. Contact [email protected] with questions or contact Tom today for a free fitness consultation.
