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Fitness Tips Learned the Hard Way
By Ginny Porter and Jack Holleman
- Consistency Counts!
More than anything else you do, consistency helps you reach your goals. Some days just getting to the gym, or putting on gym shoes may seem beyond you. But once you are ready for action, it all comes back. Of all the times I have gone to the gym to "just take a sauna," I don't think I have actually skipped the workout!
- Clothing Is Important.
Wear the right clothing. Appropriate gym clothing allows for movement and absorbs sweat. And, as you reach your goal, your clothes will show more and more of you! This show, of course, is just for your own self-image. Nobody else is really interested, or really cares. Of course, it goes without saying that good supportive shoes and a water bottle, and a sweatshirt to avoid chills are required. The headset with inspirational music is optional.
- No Matter How Bad You Feel... Someone Else Feels Worse!
When feeling bad about that bum knee, look around for the person with two bum knees. Look for the person recovering from a real accident, or just trying to cope with a chronic condition. This will inspire you to take better care of yourself, and keep your program on track.
- This Change is Good.
If you have been a runner, and cannot run, find something else. If you have been a couch potato, learn a new way of life. If you are afraid of the gym, don't be. You can be 20 or 90, and fitness will bring benefits that can measured in many ways; personal safety and strength, cardiovascular health, bone and muscular strength, looks, independence and self esteem. What else can do all that?
- Use Workouts as Time Outs.
These time outs are not the punishments of facing a wall, but the joy of turning off the stresses of the day and letting your mind become clear. Focus on the workout, not on the job, the terrible day you had, the stresses of home or work. Just enjoy moving around, sweating and getting healthy. It will be like a mini-vacation for your mind!
- Get Back To It.
If you have taken a few days off, gained a few pounds on vacation, missed a workout (or 2 or 4) over the holidays, it is alright. Stop punishing yourself, shrug it off and get back to your routine. The
first day will be hard but gratifying, and you will remember your personal reasons for getting fit.
- Find a Way.
On vacation, or stuck at home? Then find another way to get some exercise. Walk the dog, play with the kids or grand kids, do pushups,
sit ups, walk up and down stairs, do leg lifts, squats, lunges. Some
exercise is better than no exercise. Think carefully and you will find that no matter where you go, you can do something to stay in shape.
- Do It for Yourself.
Don't go into an exercise program for someone else. Do it for yourself, and it will be very easy to continue. Exercise for health and personal improvement, and all else will follow. Find a buddy who has similar goals, and remind each other what you are in it for.
- Listen To Your Body/Find Something That You Enjoy.
If it hurts, stop. Fitness does not require pain. If a new exercise brings back an old injury or (heaven forbid) creates a new one, eliminate the exercise. There are so many ways to get fit: bike, swim, walk, take a fitness class, use a trainer, lift weights, use machines, exercise balls, learn yoga. And the list goes on and on. Keep trying until you find something that suits you!
- Fitness Is Forever.
Keep at it until it becomes part of your lifestyle, and something you like and look forward to. There are no quick fixes.... we need to stay strong and fit to do everything else life requires of us - including having fun!
Jack Holleman and Ginny Porter are the authors of The Pocket
Trainer/Strength Training Guide.
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