How does one stay focused in achieving their fitness success? I often look at the pioneers of fitness and ponder how do they stay motivated year after year? I wonder what makes them have the daily desire to get better or stay on track? Now everyone is human and we all have little setbacks of motivation but all in all the end result is the goal….to live a healthy and prosperous life!
When choosing your fitness path there should be alot of thought put into what you are striving to do. Working with clients many people are confused in what direction to follow? Fitness is very similar to the weather in Nebraska…constantly changing. Fitness people are sometimes known as “Lilly hoppers” jumping from one program to the next and the end result is NO RESULTS and FRUSTRATION! Have you ever thought about following a GPS to your fitness success? Have you ever consulted with a fitness professional about your fitness plan? Are you tired of just going through motions and still recieving the same results? Will your fitness path be different in 2012? My challenge for you is to step out of your comfort zone and really make 2012 YOUR year!
Have you ever thought about all the realms of fitness and what fitness really is?
Fitness…what is fitness? Fitness is very broad to so many and is viewed in many different ways. Maybe you are an avid cyclist, avid runner, maybe you are a weight trainer or a group x participant? So, have you ever thought about experimenting with other forms of fitness? Here are a few questions to ask yourself?
1. How is my energy..do I feel lathargic?
2. How is my flexibilty or joint health?
3. Can I run 1 mile? Can I sprint 100 meters?
4. Is your fitness program balanced with strength and cardiovascular training or out of balance?
5. Have I been in a fitness rut…but afraid to experiment because I am worried about losing what I have gained?
6. Am I winded walking up a flight of stairs? How about carrying laundry up a flight of stairs?
7. Do I drive around looking for front door parking at the gym, the grocery store, or at my job?
8. Do I use a riding lawn mower instead of push mower?
9. Do I use a snow blower because it is easier than shoveling?
Just think about it….are you doing the right exercise combinations or the right nutrition program to give you your fitness success? Thinking back to my earliest exposure to fitness I knew only one way workout? I guess it was the right way or I wouldn’t be where I am today? But what if there was a better way? What if there was another approach that I missed that could have given me even better results? I am inspired to find the answers to help our growing obesity epidemic…what combinations or approach will solve this?
I had the pleasure to meet one of the smartest trainers ever:) Brian Bailey is a unique individual who is constantly testing the current research to see if there is a better way to get results. I remember having a conversation with Brian about what type of program was the best fat burning program to maximize results in a short amount of time. Brian’s reply was ” what do you think”? Well as the conversation went on I went ahead as a young trainer spilling out all of these facts about this and that and how this was what I thought really worked…blah blah blah:). I think Brian could tell I was all fired up and eager to go with my new found knowledge but Brian replied by saying ” why don’t you try doing the opposite of what you read”? Well I was shocked!!! If the text books say this then this must be the only way…right…wrong? Who makes the almighty blue print of fitness? Brian had me think “outside the box”. Brian constantly reminded me that there might be a better way and to keep an open mind when it comes to fitness. Brian stated that” fitness research is like the weather in Nebraska…constantly changing”! With new research contradiction…which way is the best?
I truly believe that in fitness, you constantly need to be looking for combinations that produce results. Try it and if does not work then make a note of this and move on.
Here are some random thoughts to think about when evaluating your program.
- Why do we keep trying the same program layout and the end results are still not there? Have you ever wondered for as long as I can remember why we do weight training first for roughly 30 minutes followed by a cardiovascular exercise for 30-45 minutes? Why is this the norm in commercial gyms?
- Why do we always train the core at the end of the workout when we are already tired..why not first?
- Why is the heart rate our #1 indicator of our intensity? How about physical exertion or RPE scale?
- Why do we train the largest muscle groups first then following the smaller accessory groups?
- Why do we rest 48 hours in between exersing the same muscle groups? Gymnasts or Easter Bloc countries do not follow these physiology rules?
- Who sets the standard for how much protein is needed to maximize lean muscle synthesis?
- Why do we eat our fruit at end of the meal? Why not first?
- Who really developed the food pyramid? Was there other intentions behind this program?
- Should I do a dynamic stretches pre-work?
The conversation from Brian Bailey educated me on there is not one cookie cutter program for everyone! Each and everyone of you are unique and your program in design should have this ideology! Make educated guesses…avoid fitness gimics or quick fixes. I truly believe that hard work and consistent dedication is the true prescription for fitness success. Avoid wasting your time in the gym with a program that does not intrigue you or produce personal satisfaction! Do you have luminosity from your end results?
Our fitness boot camps, group x , and personal training programs are unique. Be inspired by the will to experiment with your body and explore your endless potential to keep on the road to your fitness success!!
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