5 Ways to Win Your Fitness Fight (Post #31)

​"Therefore, my new level of honesty speaks to my current fitness mind in this manner: “if you claim to want a thing and you’re not willing to do what it takes to get it, then you really didn’t want it that bad.”

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Here is an undeniable fact; I’m not the biggest fan of working out.  Thankfully, I am very blessed to know people who find joy in this arena; however, the passion has yet to run off on me.  Now, I won’t lie; I want chiseled abs just as bad as any person would; however, (pausing for a moment of painful honesty) I obviously don’t want them bad enough. 

Brutal truth, that’s very needed.

These days I prefer to speak honest with myself, even if the honesty is hurts.  Therefore, my new level of honesty speaks to my current fitness mind in this manner: “if you claim to want a thing and you’re not willing to do what it takes to get it, then you really didn’t want it that bad.”

So, while I’m on this honesty role, I might as well go all the way.  Right?  Well here goes…

“Kevin, please receive this:  Fitness WILL be a priority in your life; either by choice today or medically by force tomorrow.”

Ugh!

Still my argument isn’t with the validity of this statement.  Fact is, I know fitness has to be a factor for me; however, I have to admit that I find my greatest struggle with getting started.  So, after personal reflection and skilled advisement, I present you with the Five Factors to Focus on as you Face your Fight for Fitness (say that 5 times fast).

• Set Realistic Goals:  I don’t think there is anything wise about planning to work out for 3 hours-a-day, every day of the week, when at the moment of your planning, you’re not exercising at all.  Sure, I accept and I’m fully aware that all things are possible; HOWEVER, honestly speaking, you’re more than likely setting yourself up to lose.  In the end, you’ll feel defeated, for missing a mark that you weren’t statically positioned to reach anyway.  Instead, re-strategize.  The site www.runtastic.com says that “Beginners as well as more advanced fitness levels will see the biggest benefits if they work out three to four times a week.”  That’s 3 on & 4 off, or vice versa.  In my opinion, that sounds like a safe place to start.
• Focus On Workout Intensity, Not on Weight-Loss Progression:  Yep, that’s self-explanatory, but allow me to explain.  Just kidding.  Next point…
• Do What you Enjoy:  If you hate biking, and love running; then why in the world are you biking?  If you hate treadmills and love running outdoors, then why don’t you hit the trails?  I’ll say this (and keep in mind, I’m NO expert), I’ve seen my greatest lengths of consistency, when I was doing what I loved.  Implement step #1, with this current step, and you’ll be making the best steps towards success. 
• Celebrate Consistency:  Here’s a past mistake of mine:  So I ‘used’ to ignore consistency and beat-myself-up for inconsistency.  In other words, I’d ignore all the good days, and wallow in nothing but the bad one.  However, today I’ve learned to do things different.  Today, I’m learning not to beat myself up for inconsistency (hold on, we will face this later), instead I celebrate consistency.  For example, if I have 2 days in a row, then I sleep in until 6:30am the next day!  Or if I go a week in a row, then happy dance and smoothie time!  I find that it is far more productive to commemorate the good stuff, instead of denigrating yourself in the bad. 
• Get a Partner of Accountability:  Finally, no one (and I mean no one) can make life (or anything for that matter) happen alone.  Here at #PIP we believe that everybody, needs somebody.  Ignore your pride and ignore your shame, and accept this:  If you want to be successful in your fitness fight, you are going to have to have some accountability.  Find a safe friend and report to them weekly about your status.  Honestly discuss failures and thankfully celebrate victories until you reach your goals.   

 
So, what did you think?  Was this helpful?  What did I miss?  How are you struggling with fitness?  Are you in the same boat?  Which point registered with you the most?  Let me know in the comments below.  Subscribe to the blog and thanks for your support. 
 
Imperfectly,
 
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
(@kevindjonessr)