The Solution to Your Health and Fitness Woes

September 12, 2014 5932 views

“You are what your record says you are.” – Hall of Fame NFL coach Bill Parcells

We are afraid of truths in life. Our society is one of coddling. Confrontation and conflict make a lot of people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, that’s not going to take you anywhere, so listen up. If you want something, work for it. Do what it takes, and sacrifice. But please, whatever you do, stop fooling yourself.

Bill Parcells would likely agree, “Your current condition is a reflection of your actions.”

“What exercise should I do to lose/build this? What should I eat/not eat to lose/build this?”

These are the two of the most common questions a trainer and/or health and fitness professional encounters. Notice how simple they are. In fact, too simple. We live in an age of instant gratification, with fast food, high-speed Internet, and movies on demand… but can we (YOU) accept a dose of reality? The answer is not that simple!

Situation: “Person X” asks either of the two questions.

Reality: “Person X” doesn’t require ONE lifestyle adjustment. “Person X” requires multiple lifestyle adjustments, minor and major.

I know it flies in the face of the advertisements and promises we are bombarded with in media. But no one accomplishes much by making “A” change. You’re simply being told what you want to hear. Ask any professional fitness competitor, this is a lifestyle. I prefer to call it “A lifestyle of way more positive (health and fitness) decisions than negative ones.”

There’s nothing in life that comes without sacrifice, right? In fitness, if you are envious of someone else, it’s likely they’ve worked harder and sacrificed more than you. Those defined abs, that shapely butt, those sculpted arms, or completing that Tough Mudder? The person you’re admiring made sacrifices and priorities you probably have not.

Can you imagine a lifestyle that includes preparing more meals at home, skipping Happy Hours, making time for training 60 minutes 3 times/week or more, drinking more water and less of everything else, eating more vegetables, avoiding food in a box or wrapper, sleeping regularly and adequately, managing stress appropriately, eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting outdoors and getting some sun, learning safe and effective movements from a fitness professional, and educating yourself about the quality of foods and their purpose?

The truth is, it isn’t about doing all these things, all the time, or even pursuing perfection. That wouldn’t be sustainable, and that’s where people fail… by trying to do too much. They also fail because they want “the” solution. Well, “the” solution isn’t what you want to hear. It’s not quick. It’s not easy. It requires commitment, discipline, and sacrifice. It is again, “A lifestyle of way more positive (health and fitness) decisions than negative ones.”

But want to know a secret?

Those positive decisions you make become less and less of an effort. Feeling healthier, stronger, and more attractive becomes its own reward. Like random compliments, who doesn’t appreciate those? Not being out of breath when playing with your kids, living in health (don’t take this for granted!), increased sexual performance/pleasure, all worth it. Setting the example for loved ones and children…all totally WORTH IT.

So to address this as simply as we would to a child, let’s open up the cliche book. Because it’s that effin’ simple. “Nothing in life is free. Don’t seek shortcuts at the expense of a little hard work. Quality takes time. Don’t rush the process. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.”

Stop fooling yourself. “The” solution isn’t one action. It’s building “A lifestyle of way more positive (health and fitness) decisions than negative ones.” Even if you don’t believe you can’t do it, I’m telling you, “You can.”

So, if you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done to get it.

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“The” Solution to your Health and Fitness Woes by Fitness Director Mario Singelmann