Fit For Life: Bring Your “A” Game…

Fit For Life: Bring Your “A” Game…

Why reward for doing something wrong? Are my expectations too high, or has society lowered their standards too much? I was leaving a coffee shop the other day when a very overweight individual lumbered by in a futile attempt to run at a fitness level. Someone gave him a ‘fist pump’, and said ‘good for you!’.  I couldn’t help asking, ‘what’s so good?’.  The reply was, “at least he’s trying”.  So, I went on and explained that he was actually doing more harm than good. Granted, I got a confused look, and I was asked what I meant. So, I went on to explain that first he was exercising with very bad form and technique; forward head tilt, bad posture, incorrect contact with the ground; bad hand position, etc.  I went further to say that in this one instance a person would have been better off doing nothing, rather than most likely causing eventual harm or injury to his body. 

To me, trying isn’t going to get you where you want to be, unless you have a plan, and execute it properly. Just randomly trying to do something you know nothing about will net zero results, and just waste your time. This is true for most things in life, where you don’t possess the expertise to accomplish your task or goal. It’s like trying to mountain climb without the necessary equipment, knowledge, or experience. At best, you will only waste your time or be embarrassed failing.  At worst, you will get hurt. 

I don’t give credit for trying, in this instance, but if you were properly prepared, and then failed, I would give you credit for trying. The definition of trying is to make an attempt or effort to do something/strive/or to do one’s best. When you just randomly go through the motions, with half an  effort, that doesn’t constitute trying. No credit is given, until you legitimately give something a “try”. I have a brother with self-induced diabetes, and anytime we eat at family dinners, I get on him for eating dessert and high sugar items. He always lashes back at me to leave him alone, "I am trying to eat better". I always come back with, “if you want credit for trying, then really try. Don’t eat sweets.”

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Trying?  Or…Doing!

I believe that if you really give your best with a 100% effort, then you won’t be saying, “I’m trying”; instead you’ll be saying, " I’m doing!!"  I had a great experience at a restaurant last weekend, and when I left, I was marveling at how great the service was, and how the waitress was well tuned into food/ gluten/ and how the items were prepared. She was on the ball from start to finish, and when the meal came out, the owner personally brought it to the table and asked if everything was to my liking. The food was great quality (grass fed beef), came out in a timely manner, and was prepared perfectly. After I left, I was talking to some friends, and in a tone of voice that sounded nothing short of “surprising”, I was telling them how great the experience was.  I found myself stepping back to wonder why is it so shocking when we receive great quality? Isn't that how it is supposed to be? All the time?  Most of the time?  You see, that goes back to my only praising when things are 100% on pointe. I don't give credit for attempts, or partial completion. The same goes for fitness. You won't get credit for just showing up, but neither will you won't get results going at it half way, or just going through the motions.  So, let’s step it up people, and put your best effort forward. Bring out your “A” game every day.

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitnesss consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one!"