Many people wander into a gym, fitness class, or even a personal training session without really knowing the reason why. The common reason people start is to improve the way they look or remedy bad health. However, after changing my own life through fitness and now helping others, I know the real reason. Fitness will make you a better human being, not because you have defined abs, bigger arms, or a nice butt, but because you are healthier, happier, and more confident. The way someone carries himself or herself when they make fitness a priority is so much different. You walk with your head held high, you speak with more confidence and you're suddenly not afraid of new challenges that each day brings about.
More and more people today are deconditioned, meaning that even everyday tasks or going up a few flights of stairs can be rough. Not only does this limit us in our day-to-day lives but we lose the freedom to use our bodies the way they were meant to be used. Our bodies crave movement on a regular basis and consistent activity can improve our creativity, mood, health, and more. I, for example, love the outdoors, so being fit allows me to go on hikes, kayak, swim, climb, and play on the playground just like I did as a kid. I love working out in the gym, but what I love even more is being able to apply my fitness outside of the gym. Another example is when I went to Costa Rica. I wanted to learn how to surf. I signed up for a surf class with no idea what to expect. I was a bit nervous but also really excited and I wanted to capitalize on my first opportunity to surf. Luckily, I had an awesome instructor and I was able to surf on my own on the very first day. I am by no means naturally athletic and anything involving a board is definitely out of my comfort zone. Surfing is now one of my favorite activities and I made it a goal to live somewhere that I can surf on a regular basis. I also made some great friends that I still talk to this day. If I didn’t have the prerequisite level of fitness before going on that trip, I honestly don’t think I would have been able to do it. That being said, one of the things I tell my clients when starting their fitness journey is to learn a new skill or sport. It can range from surfing to kickball. All that matters is that you are having fun. When you are having fun, hours of movement feels like minutes.
With your newfound fitness, it will make you better at whatever it is that you do. Whether you are a student, teacher, brother, sister, athlete, artist, or anything else, being fit and healthy will make you better. The stress relief effects will make you more proactive versus reactive, which in general will make you a more enjoyable person to be around. When you feel good, you can also be of service to others that may not be as fortunate as you. We also build a hedge against sickness and disease when we workout and eat healthy on a regular basis. If we do get sick, have an illness, or get in an accident, a fit body can handle the situation and repair much faster than an already unfit individual. That means you can get back to the activities you love without worrying about being sick all the time. Also, like my Costa Rica example, being fit gives you the ability to learn new sports and activities. One of my goals is to learn how to do a back flip even though I have no experience with that whatsoever. Because I have made fitness a priority, I can do the things I love longer and with more excitement and energy. These are just a few of the freedoms that good fitness offers.
Lastly, when you conquer a fitness goal, it inspires you to wonder what else is possible. It made me realize that I can create my own reality by starting my own businesses instead of going down a traditional path. Focusing on my fitness has been extremely empowering and now, that’s what I aspire to teach other people everyday. I love the gym. I also have the goal of owning my own gym in the future, but we weren’t meant to just slave away in the gym all day. Find a class, gym, or activity you enjoy. Hit it hard with friends or solo - whichever you prefer - and do it often. There are so many choices including Crossfit, martial arts, basketball, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, gymnastics, surfing, and so much more. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” diet, gym, or plan. Just pick an activity you enjoy and the process of becoming fit will be effortless. You will start to embrace the process because after all, the beauty is in the journey and not the destination.
Live fit,
Sam
