It’s this: Enthusiasm. Just that. Merely a little excitement and passion about what you’re doing.
How often do you walk into a gym and see a row of people just trudging away on the treadmill like they’re walking through three feet of snow and would rather be anywhere else? What do you think their results have been like over the past year? Do you think most of them have hit their goals? Sure, maybe a few of them have through sheer force of will, but with that mindset what is the likelihood that they will continue to hit goals or even maintain the ones they’ve already hit? Here’s a hint: it’s not very high.
Now think of the gym-goer you notice that’s having fun. They are into it. You can feel their excitement whatever they’re doing whether it’s lifting weights, throwing a medicine ball around or maybe just walking on the treadmill. The difference being that they are walking with a bounce in their step and a purpose in their stride. You can tell that this person looks forward to this. What is the likelihood that this gym-goer will hit their goals? You probably know the answer to that one.
You see, here’s the thing: This should be fun! Not only because you are much more likely to do something that is fun, but because you will work harder and better if you are enjoying yourself. Doesn’t that make sense? You’ve heard the saying “time flies when you’re having fun” haven’t you? Have you ever seen a lousy movie that feels like it’s four hours long even though it’s only an hour-and-a-half and then you watch a great two-and-a-half hour one that feels like it’s 15 minutes? Exercise is the same type of thing. If you approach it with enthusiasm and excitement you will get better results and you will make it a habit that will benefit you for life. Not just until you lose that 10 or 15 pounds.
Now, if you’ve never had much fun exercising you might be saying to yourself, “Yeah, right. Waiting in line to use that ab crunch machine isn’t going to be fun, no matter what.” You know what? You’re right! So don’t wait in line to use it. Have you ever done Landmines? Or Farmer’s Walks? Both those exercises are much more effective and will make you feel like wrestling a saber-toothed tiger when you’re done. Hate doing the 45 minute walk-of-doom on the treadmill? Me too. So why don’t we do some sled drags instead? They take less time, burn more fat, get you in better cardio-vascular shape and, best of all, they’ll make you feel like you can move a truck with your bare hands!
No one has ever finished a good workout and said, “Wow. I’m sorry I did that.” When you finish a workout you should feel like you’ve accomplished something. Like you’ve improved yourself. Even just a little bit. Do you feel like that when you’re done? If you haven’t, you probably haven’t had a good workout. (And by the way, just because you’re tired or sore doesn’t mean you’ve had a good workout.)
I guess what I’m trying to say is this: Have some fun! We all know how important exercise is, so let’s put some effort into having a good time while we’re doing it. If you don’t know how, that’s fine. Talk to a trainer and tell them what’s going on and they should be able to get you on the right track. Remember, this is important! You only have one body and, save for a few noses, it’s the only one you’ll ever have. Let’s have fun with it, and please remember to consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
Mitch Rothbardt Fitness
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MitchRothbardtTraining@yahoo.com
510-754-7113
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