Why do you exercise?

"To keep the body in good health is a duty....otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."

WHY DO YOU EXERCISE?

I exercise:
1. So I can eat almost anything I want, including the chocolate cake I ran out for last night at 10:30 pm. (I think I need a 12 step program.)
2. To be healthy, strong, fit, and energetic
3. Because one day I will have a six pack
4. To find peace within the chaos of an overwhelming to do list and unrealistic high expectations of self
5. To be able to swim, bike and run and live to tell about it, even if I have to swim with floaties
6. To feel confident and positive about myself
7. Because without exercise I am not me, I do not feel good about myself, and life then becomes unsteady

I ask you this question so you will be reminded of your COMMITMENT to making fitness a lifestyle. Since I have signed up for a triathlon and joined a training team, my perspective towards getting in shape has shifted a bit. Though I do hope that all of this cardiovascular training will trim my booty and tummy down just a bit, training for three disciplines has tested not only my sanity and mental stability, but there have been moments when my commitment and dedication to improving skill and stamina have been questioned. I will have to be truly committed to training if I desire to improve. My dedication cannot waiver, and consistency is non negotiable. If I want to perform well and get in the best shape of my life forward momentum is necessary, hard work is the key, and perseverance will be a useful and effective tool to finishing those workouts that present the hardest of challenges.

How bad do you want to achieve your fitness goals? How good do you want to feel about yourself? Are you willing to sacrifice and compromise within reason in order to be your most fit self?

This week:
1. Never forget what you are working for and what you desire to achieve
2. Do your best each day and understand that your best will vary each day
3. Know that exercise will almost always make you feel better even on those days that putting on your workout clothes and sneakers is the last thing you want to do
4. Remember that there's no absolute in anything
5. Consistency and commmitment will produce results

Cardio:
*3-5 30-60 minute workouts: These workouts will be the key to burning the fat off of our problem areas. They are challenging workouts, standing on the edge of your capacity workouts that make you sweat, breath hard, and they will condition your mind and body to its strongest point.

Resistance Training:
*2-4 30-60 minute workouts: Make each weight workout purposeful. Know your game plan before you begin and stick with it. Write it down if you have to so you are able to complete it. We need weight workouts to build lean muscle mass to increase our metabolism. Take a class, do the Free Motion Weight Circuit, or grab a pair of dumbbells and run through some basic exercises that we have done together for each body part. ***Whether in a class or on your own, choose weight that is challenging for 12-15 reps but also enables you to remain in good form and technique. When ever possible challenge your stability by doing your exercises on one leg, with a stability ball or bosu, or adding a lower body movement when doing upper body exercises.****

Commitment, consistency and integrity!
What are you working for and how hard are you willing to work for it?.........

See you in the gym.