The Foundation of Your Fitness Success
by Craig LePage
zone3
What keeps people from starting an exercise program? More
often than not people try to improve their body without ever even trying
to first improve their state of mind. Ones state of mind is a vital part
of any successful exercise program.
In many cases people will procrastinate for months and sometimes never
even get started. Some of the most common excuses include lack of time,
not knowing where to start, thinking it will hurt too much, and/or waiting
to start after a particular planned event such as a
vacation.
I thought it would be interesting to find out why people use these
excuses to block their success. I found that they were using these excuses
to avoid their fears. Fear of finding out what kind of shape they are
really in, the fear of change, and the fear of failing just to name a few.
These negative thoughts gave them feelings of mental pain or discomfort.
By never getting started they were able to avoid these feelings and
relieve the stress associated with starting an exercise
program.
So how does one overcome these fears and succeed at reaching their
fitness goals? In my many years of experience, I have found that one must
first make a true commitment to themselves. Next, I recommend coming up
with a plan of action. Your plan of action should includes the number of
days each week you are going to workout, the time of day your going to
workout, and what type of workout you will be performing. Write it down in
your day planner or post it where you can see it so it is scheduled. By
scheduling something it will become real. Do not try to keep a schedule in
your head. The last part of your plan of action is the most important
part. “Do something today!” Do something physical. Go for a walk, start
your first workout, etc. Put your plan into motion. Go
forward!
It is important that you continue to follow your plan of action as well
as have a positive mind set each and everyday. Surround yourself with
positive reinforcement. Ask for support from your friends and family. Let
them know how important this goal is to you.
Succeeding or not succeeding is a game of momentum. If you are able to
build momentum in a positive direction towards success your odds of
succeeding will dramatically increase. Unfortunately the same holds true
for negative momentum. A negative attitude or negative surroundings will
build negative momentum and often result in a negative outcome or even
failure. Dr. Norman Vincent Peele once said, “If you speak in negative
terms you will achieve negative results, and speak in positive terms you
achieve positive results.”
In review, when starting an exercise program we must focus on the mind
as well as the body. We must conquer our fears, come up with a plan of
action, ask our pears for their support and surround ourselves with
positive reinforcement. A positive mind set along with good planning is
the foundation of a successful exercise program. Always remember that you
will move forward in the direction that you face.
For additional information about this article e-mail (Craig LePage) or log on.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Craig is a well-known Fitness Pro in the Charlotte, NC area and is the
Director of Precision Fitness Mooresville. He has been helping people
reach their fitness and wellness goals for more than 12 years. His
credentials include a BS Degree from the University of Bridgeport Conn.,
CSCS credentials from the NSCA and a Personal Training Certification from
the NASM. Craig is a frequent guest on a Charlotte area radio show that
focus’ on health and wellness. He has recently co-authoring a golf
specific exercise book (Play Better, Longer – Golf).
Fitness Related Articles:
 Fitness for Life
Fitness and Health
Fitness and Body Building
Fitness - Anaerobic Training
Fitness - Aerobic Training
5 Myths about the fitness exercises
Breathing – an Important Factor in Fitness
How to Exercise Correctly
Increase your Fitness Program Efficiency
Outdoors Sports in Winter
|
Go to Page: 