by Lauren Muney
As we all reach past our twenties or thirties (depending on the person), we start feeling the tug of the Earth's gravity on our limbs. All of our activity-filled days makes us tired, and we long for energy and strong bodies with which to use that energy. We feel like we are slowly leaking off our beds in the morning, or when we drag home from work, or stumble across campuses.
My philosophy is based upon experience, and research within the fitness industry. Each individual person is different, but our general chemistry and biology are the same.
Here is what I hear frequently:
"I want to be fit, thin, and eat healthy. . . yet ---I really love my breads, bagels, cakes and desserts. I have all my committees on which I serve; but I don't have time to exercise. I have to work 60 hours a week just to get money to pay for the luxuries in life. I have to run around with the kids, so I can't make any time for myself. So, I don't have even 20 minutes to relax..."
However, dear readers:
Honest. I wish I could. I could come to your house and rouse you from a deep slumber to make you come to a gym. I could walk with you on splendid cool mornings and let you feel the fresh air on your face for a bracing, invigorating cardio session. I could tell you all about the great foods which will keep you from adding on the pounds, leaning down so that you are noticed by everyone who sees you, and coming into great health and energy. I wish I could sit everyday at a cafe with you and force you into enjoying every rest-minute.
But you have to want these things for yourself. I can't truly "motivate" you. No one can. I can try to "inspire" you... but without your help, I can't get you there.
Fitness and wellness isn't a snap-your-fingers game. While some people come to leanness and a relaxed attitude naturally, the rest of us are working our tushies off (literally). You have to CHOOSE to make the commitment to make your body incredible, efficient, stress-reduced, lean, and muscular.
You have to motivate yourself... You have to decide what is important to you, and use that as the guiding force for your vision.
(Read the important article There Is No Escape From Your Life. )
So when someone says to me, "I can't stop eating pasta every night" (or my favorite, "I'm eating a donut as I write to you"), Here's the best encouragement that I can say:
Eat that donut. Eat that nightly pasta. Eat all those sugary foods, stay overly busy, over-commit yourself, never take a moment for rest, watch mindless TV incessantly... But you'll never achieve any goal, improve your energy, lose fat, get leaner, increase skin elasticity, stave off disease states (including all those autoimmune diseases which ruin lives), nor feel ten years younger. You'll never have anyone comment your body as you joyfully soak in the true compliments. You'll never have the pleasure of feeling the delightful tautness in your limbs from well-used muscles.
think about how you feel when doing all those detrimental things to your body, your health, and your life.
Now . . . for the good part:
Think about when you eat the RIGHT foods and do good things for your body: No guilty feelings, right? You feel vibrant, younger, and ready for the world, right? You feel great about yourself, and usually your clothes fit better and you get that spring back in your step. Your family gets a stronger base, you all feel happier, and everything feels calmer and more energized.
As many people (wiser than I) have said, "Perhaps you just need to be sick and tired of being sick and tired."
But, here's the real truth. . . You are your OWN personal trainer. . . with a little HELP, of course :)
This was possibly the most influential phrase I had ever read:
"I could be someone's personal trainer for 1 hour a day, but he was his OWN personal trainer for the other 23 hours per day" (Shawn Phillips, ABSolutions).
If you decide to transform your life with the help of my coaching, we'll talk about health, and possibly the beauty of the world. But that's all . . . after we part company for that day, or the next session, or the next year, YOU will determine your own success. YOU will have to understand what drives your body, whether it be in nutrition or in exercise.
When I walk out the door, it's still YOUR life.
And I, along with everyone who's influenced me, and all your family and friends, your loved ones, will be rooting for you.
Your decision.
Your action.
Think of the things connected with the "freedom" of eating all the fast food, alcoholic beverages, sodas, cakes, candies, cookies, and cheap junk food you want to eat:
Think of these things which have been associated with fitness, better nutrition, and exercise:
Now, how does that couch and that donut seem to you right now? If they offer more to you than the above "good health" list, then plop down and start munching, because I have nothing more to say.
Decide for yourself.
If you need help, I'm right here.
PS II:
Also read about the new real-life role-model book "Fit Over 40: Role Models for Excellence at Any Age" -- you'll see how people have turned their lives around from what they were doing - and enjoying fitness past 40.