The All or None Fitness Mentality

Why is it that so many people can't find balance in their fitness regimens?  Stopping, starting, overdoing it to the point of injury, and then back to couch potato for a few weeks or months.  It is a national epidemic!    A few tips-

Don't overthink it!  If you like going for a walk with your dog, do it at a brisk pace and turn it into a cardiovascular workout.  You don't need fancy clothes or an IPad, just enjoy the moment.

Keep the Convenience Factor High- Proximity in your training location will facilitate more visits----I promise.  Find a place that is fun, engaging, to your fitness needs and abilities and willing to invest some time to make sure you are comfortable and on track (free training sessions, complimentary trial membership), etc.  Or if the weather is nice, then get outside!

Keep Subtle Reminders Around the House- we suggest keeping your gym bag packed full of clean workout clothes in your bedroom and a space set in your car.  You never know when you might end up with time for a workout and having to go home might cause you to not stop and do it.  We also suggest having some small fitness tools around the house like a physioball, foam roll (for massage), and anything you need to accomplish the therapeutic portion of your fitness (flexibility, specific exercises for a weakness or post-rehab need).

Don't Get Over-Whelmed by all the Media Coverage- Our great industry has one major flaw (OK- maybe there are a few more than one), it is full of snake oil salesmen selling everything from bogus-cure-all-super-weight-loss-supplements to crazy workout videos that smash the average Joe into oblivion.  People, both trainers and general consumers, get brain-washed that one tool is the answer to all fitness needs, when in fact, the starting point for fitness should be two simple questions, "what do you like to do?" and "what do you want to accomplish?"  A fitness video might suit this need if someone is perfectly healthy with no joint limitations or health concerns.  

We do like a blend of cardiovacular, strength, healthy nutrition and restorative fitness, but if you are only doing one type of conditioning or trying to blend a couple together such as in metabolic training, then you are far better off than the average American.  Don't feel guilty about it and beat yourself up, embrace it, enjoy it and be proud of what you have done to improve your health!  Consistency and enjoyment should be the driving factor- intensity and a well-rounded program can be added later.  

Would love to hear your thoughts on this