Those that get it and those that do not.
Embarking on a health and fitness journey can be daunting or challenging task for some, especially for those that are very much accustomed to their old ways for years, possibly even decades.
Suddenly the idea of completely changing your routine to improve your health, where you go from eating takeaways three times a week to hitting the gym three times a week.
Some on the back of this will create a platform to excel and transform their lifestyle, drop a ton of fat and keep it off long-term and are a different person all together.
For others, after a brief and unsuccessful stint, it’s not long before they revert back to their old ways and rebound harder than before. Causing more weight gain and potentially greater implications of poor health ie. obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The big question that needs to be asked is this…..
Why do some people go on to achieve great success and why do many not create sustainable and healthy habits/behaviours?
Here’s are two reasons as to why I think that is and how it could help those who are unaware, get a little insight or cause some much needed awareness into why it may or may not be working out for you.
1. Improvements in Mental Health and Wellbeing —
Often overlooked or not considered a factor alongside health and fitness, I certainly believe any form of exercise can help transform our mental health to release positive affirmations (thinking good thoughts about something which can motivate or inspire you) and put simply, make us feel good.
Generally speaking if we feel good for doing something, why would we want to not keep feeling this way?
If it’s because it’s hard work, build up to it slowly and surely. Don’t throw yourself in the deep end and go all-out.
This is where I believe if something makes you feel good (like training) and doesn’t harm your health, you’d want to keep installing habits/routines that maintain this sensation. Wouldn’t you?
What if you’re knackered or can’t be bothered?
It’s completely normal and OK to feel tired sometimes, a bit groggy or generally not feeling up to the task of working out, BUT when deep down you know you’re going to feel better for it, the ability to push past these emotions can cause a host of benefits where we get a surge of energy, satisfaction, joy and a good night’s sleep after completing a workout.
I remind myself of this once in a while, if I’m not particularly up to it and will remind my clients to do the same.
I often refer to the 20 minute rule. This where if you’re feeling tired, go and train for an initial 20 minutes, get the heart rate up, get some blood flowing and move.
If you’re still feeling crappy, at least you gave it a go. It could be the case that after that first 20 minutes, you go on to have a great workout!
(If you’re constantly feeling fatigued and health is in a bad way, I’d recommend speaking to your doctor or GP for further advice)
If we get a release of certain hormones which make us feel this way, it’s likely you’ll start treating those around with more positive actions and respect. Alongside making choices (80% of the time) with our nutrition that give us boosts of energy and give our bodies what they need to function optimally. If we’re now at a point where the body is feeling great, we want to prolong the health and fitness continuum.
2. Empowerment
The ability to put your body through it’s paces is an unusual thing in itself.
I know there’s a lot of people that would never willingly do this to themselves and I get it. It’s tough, it’s hard work and can cause soreness from head to toe.
It’s putting your body in positions that quite frankly, it doesn’t want to be in and pushing further. I can understand pushing a personal best on the Leg Press and lifting hundreds of kilos is not normal for your average human!
What I will say is this……
If you push your body to it’s limits and recover well, it’s only going to enhance the physical stress you put the body under. This will then create a new stimulus and cause further adaptations. What happens as a results? Increased strength, endurance and stamina (dependent on the type of exercise of course). Fantastic, wouldn’t we all want a little bit of that!
A quote that always speak true to the aforementioned point is this “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”. This is not just relatable to health and fitness, but business, relationships and personal goals.
I think where people get it wrong and don’t understand others or even put some people down for those seeking to change, is a lack of the two points mentioned previously and not identifying the bigger purpose behind their decisions. They also may be thinking they should be changing themselves but don’t have a big enough purpose to change their ways.
Once you’re able to understand these benefits and apply them appropriately, I believe anyone can get in good shape, play with their kids or gain added confidence.
GET STRONG. LOOK BETTER. FEEL GREAT.
Olie Moore, Health & Fitness Coach. kickstartut@gmail.com
