Training in and out of the gym: Making fitness a lifestyle

What we learn and do in the gym can be applied to almost any aspect of our lives outside of the gym. I am a firm believer in this. With each repetition and cardiovascular drill you will not only gain physical strength and endurance, you will also improve your ability to act under pressure and you will be mentally prepared to deal with what life may throw out in front of you right when you thought you had it all together.

I am a firm believer in this philosophy. We are not just athletes on the field and in the gym, but we are athletes in our every day life! What we learn when playing sports or lifting weights can be implemented when at work, at home, in school, or in the car fighting Austin traffic.

1. Breathe: Inhale through your nose and exhale out of your mouth. Whether you are lifting weights or sitting at your desk it is vitally important to remember to breathe. Without deep, life giving breaths we will find ourselves not only restricted in oxygen but also in movement. We cannot move if we do not breath.
2. Posture and form: Posture and form is not just important when working out or running the trail, it is crucial for any movement pattern that we practice daily. Stand or sit with feet shoulder width apart; keep hips and shoulders aligned; engage your core and sit/stand erect; keep your back straight and your shoulders down from your ears and pull them back by lifting your chest; focus on keeping your neck neutral, your chin aligned with your sternum and your eyes forward; keep a slight bend at each joint when sitting, standing, or moving; and use your legs as your base when lifting and rotating.
3. The three rep rule: Within three repetitions of an exercise you will know if the weight is too heavy, too light, or if the exercise is not for you. This is true for any movement pattern that you engage in outside of the gym. Is your desk chair too high or low? Do you need to adjust your computer monitor so you sit with better posture? Does your driving position need to be adjusted? Are the bags that you carry and lug around daily too heavy of a load? Think about how you feel in the movement pattern that you practice every day and then make it more ergonomic to prevent repetitive movement strain and injury.
4. Commitment and integrity: Make a commitment and follow through. This is fundamental, whether you are in or outside of the gym. Be committed to WHAT YOU ARE WORKING FOR and act with integrity. Did you work hard enough in that workout? Are you really too tired to study or stay late at the office to complete the project deadline? Think about it!
5. Discipline and motivation: Achieving your goals requires discipline and motivation. Whether it's fitness or those important life goals you set for yourself, discipline and motivation are fundamental. Results are not achieved without hard work and keeping your eye on the prize. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING FOR AND HOW HARD ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK TO GET WHAT YOU WANT?

We are athletes of life my friends. Life will demand of us more than what we ever imagined at times. How will you respond? Will you be strong, flexible, balanced and in control? Will you remain committed and motivated to reaching your full potential?

The next time you workout, think about it. And then make it happen, whatever that may be. Just do it!