Monday, August 9, 2010
Achieving health is no easy target in our modern world. We have to deal with pollution, illness, full-time jobs, poor food quality, unsupportive peers or family members (very unfortunately) and of course a huge amount of emotional and physical stress! Becoming fit and healthy has never been harder, but has also never been more important.
There are those who say that their method of achieving everything you want is simple and easy! All you do is XYZ for 20 minutes three times a week and you will have the perfect body and feel 10 years younger. Or, there are those you will lecture you about how the "right" answer is a "balanced diet" and some form of exercise that "puts the fun back in to fitness" (such as dancing around your living room or wiring your abs up to a car battery). What they really mean is that they balance vegetables with chocolate and chips and they have never really achieved anything in the gym so they use a gimmick instead.
In my opinion, achieving health is not easy. If it were, I would not be needed and the health of the UK population would be constantly increasing with only a few lazy people letting the side down. However, we know that this is not the case. Not even by a lot shot. There are thousands of people who are, right now, trying to get in shape and failing. Becoming healthy requires a specific goal, a plan and a well structured protocol. Unfortunately, in our world, to achieve health and live a long and happy life you must plan for it and work towards it over time. There is no quick fix to health. It must become a part of your life on a daily basis.
I believe that organisation is one of the key factors in reaching your fitness aspirations. I have met very few people who casually acquired a great physique and optimal health. Greatness is rarely achieved without sacrifice, effort and direction. Here are a few helpful tips to help you get to where you want to go a little more efficiently...
1. Stay focused on what it is you want. Don't allow yourself to let negativity hold you back. There are far too many people I have met that come to adopt the "I can't be bothered" or "I'm too busy" approach, and guess what, they are the same people who never get what they want. Every day you must remind yourself of why you are working for your goal and make an effort to resist negative thoughts.
2. Plan your training in advance, or even better, hire someone to do it for you! In the gym I work in around 200 people leave each month. Why? They have no idea what they are doing. Unfortunately, owning a gym membership card doesn't guarantee success. You need to have a structured training plan and a specific orientation for your training. Do not simply look at the "fat burning zone" chart printed on the treadmill and think that is the answer to all your problems. Every time you walk in to the gym you should know what you are going to do and why.
3. Plan meal times. Nutrition and exercise go hand-in-hand. You can't have one without the other. Planning what you are going to eat and when, making food the night before and taking it to work, or even writing a menu for the week will make sure that you are never caught short. Having no food with you and resorting to stopping at the local cafe for a sandwich can chip away at your progress. Plan ahead!
Organisation is crucial. The most success people I train are always the ones who approach their goals with a game-plan in mind. They often log their own progress and structure their week to suit a lifestyle built to promote fitness. It is only this way can you achieve your full potential. Remember, don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve something you want. Don't let anything hold you back from your goal. If it's going quality to add to your life, it's worth doing well!