We all make mistakes and I have no problem apologizing to other people if I should ever let them down. But, a few years ago I decided that there was one person that I was going to stop asking forgiveness of–myself.
Mainly I found myself making excuses for not hitting the goals that I had set for myself. Usually I was more disappointed in the lack of effort than the end result. And, although I always had an excuse–I almost never believed them.
Now, I know you’re probably expecting an article about how to lose 30 pounds in 30 days or how to get washboard abs in just fifteen minutes–two times a week.
But, until we get past your main obstacle [making excuses for not working out and eating right], there’s no point in giving you tips on how to have sexier legs in high heels.
First, let’s get beyond the obvious. You’re always too busy or tired to either get to the gym or pack small, healthy meals to take with you to work. Nonsense–you just need to make your health as much a priority as hitting Starbucks everyday.
To get started, put a note on your bedroom closet reminding you to pack a gym bag and healthy snacks for the next day.
Keep your workout outfits simple and comfortable so you don’t skip the gym because of a fashion faux pas. Fill a few plastic containers with low calorie snacks and include non-fat cottage cheese and/or a protein shake.
Wake up a half hour earlier a few times a week. Either dust off that piece of exercise equipment you’ve been using to hang up your winter clothes or just head out the door for a 30-minute walk or bike ride. Trust me, it’ll do a lot more to get you going in the morning than that $6 quadruple shot latte.
During the day, remember to drink plenty of water and eat one of your small meals every few hours.
Now, the toughie! Getting to the gym after work always sounds good in the morning, but gets less appealing as the day drags on. That’s why it’s important that you maintain your energy level throughout the day (remember that morning walk and small meals?). Also, I can’t overemphasize the importance of eating breakfast because it keeps your metabolism higher throughout the day.
For all of you parents, between daycare issues and soccer games, it may seem hard enough to get dinner on the table – let alone steal a half hour to get yourself to the gym. But, the good news is that a lot of gyms have some kind of drop in kids’ area. Plus, given this country’s childhood obesity epidemic, it’s almost never too soon for the kids to join you. As for soccer games, don’t forget your running shoes. Take a brisk walk around the soccer complex during half time rather than just standing on the sidelines.
Maybe a lifestyle change like this just seems too daunting. Don’t worry. I’ll be the first to tell you that it isn’t going to happen overnight.
At the start, it’s okay to set smaller goals and milestones. Once you start achieving them regularly, work your way up to loftier goals, and so on. I had to do that after my accident – and eventually, I was competing in and winning professional fitness competitions.
Bottom line – no matter what your fitness level, stop making excuses and start doing something. Eventually, you’ll stop asking yourself for forgiveness where your health is concerned. But most importantly, you will be happier and healthier – and to most people, those are two of the things that equal success.
Bruce Hunter is the CEO of CORE Magazine in Denver Colorado. Visit our free online resource center now to get free access to information on how to find the best home personal trainer.
