Monday, December 6, 2010

by Alex Chaple

               There are so many good reasons to get in shape. We all know at least some of the benefits that go far beyond simply looking and feeling good. Exercising regularly (and properly) whilst following a solid nutrition plan can literally add years to your life and keep you free from some of the most awful conditions and disease that affect so many people. However, we also all know that there are many commonly uttered reasons, or excuses, as to why we simply "can't" adopt such habits and improve our lives in this way.

                Some allow themselves to fall in to the trap of believing they simply can not exercise. They don't have the time, they are too busy with work commitments, looking after their family, or I even hear that people have every intention of getting in shape "... just as soon as this happens / I get this done / this month is out of the way / blah blah blah". As I have said many in previous posts, getting in great shape is one of the best things you can do to improve your life. I know it sounds cheesy but it is true! You will feel better, look better, have more energy, feel more positive, think clearer and be a great role model and better son/father/mother etc to those you care about. However, achieving this is not easy.

                It has never been harder to get in shape as it is now, but it has also never been more important. No, changing your behaviour and lifestyle to focus it towards health and fitness does not happen overnight but it is absolutely worth it. To be in shape DOES require exercise and fitness to become an important part of your life. It is something you will need to dedicate time and money to each and every day whether you are food shopping, in a restaurant or arranging your children's schedule and trying to fit in time to hit the gym. Sometimes it can be a long journey but I guarantee you that it is worth it!

                To truly get in to the shape you want and deserve you will need to work hard and possibly change many life-long habits. Fitness does have to become an important part of your daily life and time needs to be made to fit it in. Just know that every minute you invest in improving your own health will pay off many times over in the long run. We all have the same amount of time in a day, it is what we do with it and how we manage it that can make all the difference in what we are able to achieve.