I have been a physical fitness enthusiast for 25 years, including 10 of those years as a competitive bodybuilder and personal trainer. So, needless to say, I spend a fair amount of time in the gym. We have recently turned the calendar to reflect the beginning of a new year, 2010 is upon us. This is time of year most gyms rise in population with new arrivals. It is resolution season. We are three months into the new year, this is about the time, if not sooner, that the presence of the resolution arrivals starts to dwindle. The resolution dissolves, the commitment fades, priorities change and life returns to pre resolution status. I have witnessed the above migration to and from the gym for 25 years now. For the most part, I would say a very small percentage, maybe 5, actually stick with it.
If you are among the new arrivals, thinking you have had enough and considering packing it in, or perhaps already have, PLEASE reconsider. Hopefully, what I have to say will encourage, energize, reinvigorate and inspire you to refocus and renew your commitment. Let me assure you, the benefits of self care far exceed the effort. A well rounded program of proper nutrition and exercise will improve every aspect of your life, physically, mentally and emotionally. You will see improvements in flexibility, strength, endurance, mental acuity and self image. You will be better able to fend off disease and better able to recuperate from illness or injury. Small example, depression runs in my family, not everyone is affected but a significant amount are. I am convinced that the effort, energy, attention and focus I have given physical fitness is a major reason why I do not suffer from depression. Besides the previously mentioned perks, the aesthetic benefits are nothing to sneeze at either. At the end of this piece, I will post a picture of myself, taken at a photo shoot in April of 2009. Not to shabby for a 49 year young man if I say so myself. Not that I am under any illusions as to my appearance, I am fully aware, and also grateful, that there are many out there that are in much better shape than I. I merely post the photo as a demonstration of what is possible. In short, everything you do outside of the gym will be easier because of what you do inside the gym. Not that regular attendance at a gym is the only way to achieve your goals but regular participation in the program of your choice is.
OK, lets go over the many reasons folks usually give up. It is too hard, I have too many commitments. There are obligations to family, friends and work. Errands to run, appointments to keep, deadlines to make. All of these can usually be summed up and incorporated into the most frequent, and my personnel favorite reason cited, I have no time. There will always be a reason not to focus on yourself, life is full of twists, turns, and detours. Should these reasons sound all to familiar, take a deep breath, relax, and take a walk to the nearest available mirror. Are you there? Good. Now, allow me to introduce you to the most important person on the planet, YOU! Yes you, not your spouse, your kids, your parents, co-workers, boss or anyone else in your life that you may put before yourself. Self first, always. Have you ever been on a plane and actually listened to the pre flight safety instructions? When informed about a change in cabin pressure, you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first, BEFORE assisting others. That is because you will be of no use to another if you are not safe yourself. The same applies here. Caring and nurturing yourself will enable you to show up as a better parent, spouse, co-worker, employee and friend. How can you be the best possible you in all your relationships, if you are neglecting yourself, for what you believe is the the benefit of others? In reality, you are cheating everyone else in your life of gift that is you. You can never reach your greatest potential or fully participate in your life by neglecting to care for your health and well being.
I will go one step further, not only are you cheating those in your immediate circle, but all humanity. When you show up fully engaged and ready to participate in life, who knows what your possible contributions could be? What song might you sing, what novel might you write, what picture might you paint, what screenplay might you pen, what invention might you invent, what disease might you cure? And even if you were to do none of these things, perhaps someone in your immediate circle of family or friends would simply because of your presence in their lives. At the very least, everyone would benefit from a happier, healthier you. So, in this you see that putting yourself first is truly not selfish, but selfless. All you really need to do is expand your definition of self.
So get out there and create the best you possible. There are too many people that would be cheated if you were not the best you can be, mainly you. I once heard it said, forget everything anyone says, pay attention to what they do. Actions speak so much louder than words. Should you be a parent, your dedication and commitment will demonstrate a positive example, that your children will emulate, producing a confident, happy, healthy, self respecting adult that will benefit generations to come. Should you not be a parent, your dedication and commitment will produce a confident, happy, healthy, self respecting person that will benefit all who encounter you. So, in closing, can you think of a good reason not to do this?!
Thanks for stopping by, be well, be peace, join the conversation.
