Fit for Life: What Is It To You?
Matt Espeut, GoLocalProv Health +Lifestyle Contributor
Fit for Life: What Is It To You?
In the beginning:
Some start because their doctor told them to. Some start because they can’t button their pants. Some start to emulate someone they saw in a magazine, and some start because they feel like crap all the time, and they want to feel better.
Whatever your reason, this is the tough part. Most of us don’t know what a dumbbell is when we start a program, we just feel like one. We have no idea how or what to lift. Or, how to execute good form, or how to put a program together. With all that being said, we get intimidated and scared about what’s in store for us.
When I started Providence Fit Body Bootcamp this was the way it was for most of the people who came in the door. To institute a successful start, I always start by helping to program your mind that you can do it. I cater to all abilities, provide the professional guidance of a certified coach working with you every step of the way, and, what makes my approach even more unique is that we provide the nutrition guidance, too. So, from the workout to the nutrition part, we have you covered. Knowing that the beginning process can be difficult, and intimidating, we put your mind at ease while getting off on a program to guarantee you results. So my advice to beginners: Get some help and guidance, so you won’t feel alone, get hurt, or waste your valuable time.
The lifestyle:
This is the point when you get it. You realize that this is a necessary part of your life. You incorporate it as part of your schedule. You go through your workouts, and feel great when you finish. Sure, maybe you sometimes feel like ditching your workout, but your conscience won’t let you. You know that if you take a week off, your soreness will start all over again. You start getting more active, because you have enough confidence to do activities you never thought would be possible. You don’t make excuses, and you encourage others to join you. This is where we should be able to stay forever and maintain good health and a desirable weight. You now know your body, and what it takes to keep it fit and healthy. Unless you are competing in some physical demanding event, there is no reason to leave what you’ve started.
The obsession:
This is the danger zone. People who feel more is better will fall into this category, and I urge you to leave it. "But you’re a trainer, shouldn’t you be telling people to always work harder”? No. I tell people to work hard but work smart. Too much of anything isn’t a good thing, and exercise is no different. This is the group that trains hours a day, works through injuries, and gets stressed by missing one workout, and are always trying to push themselves to unrealistic goals. 9 out of 10 of you are over trained and that causes a whole bunch of problems to the body. Here are a few :
-Increased vulnerability to back, knee, ankle, and foot injuries, (overuse)
-Abnormal hormonal output. Including changes to menstrual cycle in women.
-Reduced sexual desire.
-Mental stress, depression, and anxiety.
-Burnout
-Fatigue
-Muscle deterioration
So which one are you? If you don’t workout, you need to get started. If you want to look and feel great, move better, and be able to perform life tasks, make it your lifestyle. If you are an athlete, or competing for something, you need to take it to that next level, but be smart about it. Listen to your body, get the proper nutrition to support you activity level, and get plenty of rest. This zone is dangerous and unsustainable, so get in only if you need to, and get out while you can, otherwise you will break down. Then it’s a setback you don’t want to experience.
