It’s very common for people to approach exercise and fitness as a quick fix, versus seeing it as a lifestyle. I've been in the fitness game for decades, and I've seen it all. The fad diets, the miracle pills, the 30-day challenges promising instant results, but let me tell you something: there are no shortcuts to true fitness and health. It's all about embracing exercise as a lifelong journey, not just a temporary fix.
Sure, those quick fixes might give you some immediate results. You might drop a few pounds or gain some muscle in a short amount of time. But what happens when you stop?
Without a commitment to exercise as a lifestyle, those gains will quickly disappear, and you'll find yourself right back where you started. It’s a vicious cycle and one that can feel frustrating and defeating.
That's why I'm all about building sustainable habits that last a lifetime. Exercise isn't just something you do to look good for a special occasion or fit into a certain pair of jeans. It's about taking care of your body, mind, and spirit every single day. You must approach your life from a holistic standpoint, otherwise some very big pieces of the puzzle will be missing.
When you make exercise and movement a part of your daily routine, you're not just improving your physical health, you're boosting your mood, reducing stress, increasing your energy levels, and improving your overall quality of life. And let me tell you, there's no quick fix out there that can offer all of those benefits.
So how do you make exercise a lifestyle?
Well, it starts with finding activities that you enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, going for a run, practicing yoga, or playing a sport, the key is to find something you love that you can stick with long term. I don’t necessarily LOVE exercising, but I love working out with my buddies and challenging each other to try new things in the gym. I also LOVE how I feel after. I NEVER, EVER regretted working out, even when I snapped my biceps tendon..OUCH!
Maybe you find others who are like-minded and you make a commitment to workout together for accountability. Or maybe you join a sports league that also comes with a community you can have fun with. WIN WIN. Or maybe you take those dance lessons you’ve been putting off for years.
Most importantly, remember to be patient with yourself. Building a healthy lifestyle takes time, dedication, and consistency. There will be setbacks along the way, but as long as you stay committed to the journey, you'll reap the rewards in the end.
So here's to embracing exercise as a lifestyle, not just a quick fix. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it because one HUGE thing I know is, if we don’t have our health, we have nothing! Your health is EVERYTHING and a fit body will help you stay healthy for years to come!