How to Make Fitness More Fun
You know how some people seem to "LOVE" to go to the gym & work out? What makes them tick? And what about those who seem to eat healthfully all the time. Come on; are they secretly hiding chips and cake in their cars? Maybe, just maybe, they're onto something. And maybe, JUST MAYBE, the secret is......TIME. Not that they have any more time than you do. Everyone claims to be busier than the next person. No, maybe it's that they have put the time INTO these behaviors, which then become habit. Yep, habit. There are plenty of GOOD habits, too! The longer you follow healthy behaviors, the easier they become. And guess what, you just may start enjoying them! Your first step in getting to that happy place is to change your attitude.
What does that mean? Does it mean your life is going to be carrot sticks and sit ups? Nope. What you will gain from making changes will be more satisfying than any greasy pizza could be. Your body and mind can & WILL change.
Healthy food. Change your perception and embrace it! Eating a healthy meal will allow your body to feel better. Think of how bloated and literally weighed down you feel after a heavy, greasy meal. Junk food will lose some of its appeal. When you give up the grease, salt, sugar, your body will feel much healthier after meals. Are we saying, no more pizza, EVER? Nope.
Consider your favorite "junk" foods a treat, instead of a weekly staple. Making foods off limits only makes you crave them more. And now when you do have a treat, you can truly savor & enjoy it.
Our lives should be controlled by us, not food. You may begin to see food as a fuel rather than something that wracks you with guilt. A fuel for workouts. Eating a heavy, fatty meal will make your work outs suffer. And if you're making the time to go to the gym and work out, you don't want anything to compromise that time, or your results. This new healthy eating adventure can really broaden your food horizons, as well.
If they only vegetables you have ever eaten are carrots & broccoli, now it the time to experiment!! Sick of brown rice? Try quinoa. Tired of regular greens in your salad? Try kale.
The options are limitless when you get out of junk food mode. Who knows, you may end up being an inspiration to those around you. Seeing you eating well, laying off the junk, working out, may just rub off on them. Hey, given the chance, wouldn't we prefer to be a role model instead of a bad example?
Now, this isn't going to happen overnight. Make small swaps. Make your workouts a priority instead of an option. Exercise, like healthy eating, will become easier over time! And yes, you will start to look forward to it! When exercise becomes a regular part of your life, you will appreciate your body more.
You'll notice improvements in your shape & strength. The negative self talk may begin to dissipate and you'll find a new confidence. Your life becomes simpler. Hauling groceries or kids doesn't seem like such a chore. You're stronger and have more energy!
Your health will improve. Exercise can help with diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety and high cholesterol, as well as protect your body from some types of cancer. Your sex life can get better. Studies have shown that exercisers have more satisfying sex lives than non-exercisers.
You will find yourself with more energy! And really, all these things combine to equal an overall better life! Don't get discouraged in the beginning, making all these lifestyle changes. Take it one day at a time. One workout at a time. One healthy meal at a time. All you have to gain is better health, stamina and energy!!!
Would you like some help with your fitness program or diet? Please let me know and I will be happy to help you with anything that you need.
In Good Health, Craig Chapin