What is getting in shape?

[FUZO]

TweetWhat is getting in shape?
Getting one's self "in shape" is the very definition of a broad and almost purposely vague goal. It is a "commitment" that lacks structure, guidelines, and does not clearly define any notion of what "success" will truly entail. Quite simply: it's a cop-out.

Before the journey has even begun, these people have already set themselves up for their failure. Yet every January millions across the world will jump off the sofa, stare directly at their reflection in the mirror, and make the same solemn pledge to themselves, "I don't care WHAT it takes -- I'm getting into shape this year!"

Fast-forward to six weeks later, and they're; over-trained, undernourished, and feeling like a failure.

So how can this be prevented? How do they stop the cycle? What can a person do to help their friend and/or loved one from falling into this trap? Simply follow these steps:


Step 1 - Sit down with them and plot out reasonable, tangible goals, as well as how to accomplish them.

When first beginning this process of getting in shape, the majority of people are willing to give 110% to the effort. They'll run out and join the first gym they pass, purchase workout clothes or packages, "health food" bars, and any other number of items that they heard will "really work". This may be the first, and only time that their eyes and ears are truly open and ready to soak in your knowledge.

If this same vigor and energy was channeled correctly, a person could set themselves up for success well into the new year... and beyond. In order to help them with that cause, point them in the following directions:


Diet
Unless you are a certified Clinical Nutritionist or an accredited Dietitian, yourself, the first step toward success would be to point this person in the direction of a health food professional (note: just because your diet worked for you doesn't mean it's what they're looking for).

When first starting a fitness regimen, the hardest part is figuring out exactly what to do. Seemingly every program contradicts three others. So while a health magazine may advocate eating X amount of protein a day, a person could find 11 other programs that will give completely different protein requirements. A competent health food professional will help answer these questions, diffuse some common myths, and can help point them in one singular direction.

In summation: Don't confuse someone who may be looking for an excuse to give up (Note: if they can't afford a health food professional, just recommend they center their diets on foods packed with the following keywords: Antioxidants, Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber, Mono or Polyunsaturated Fats, and Probiotic Cultures -- the time-tested "shop in the outside aisles of the supermarket" theory).


Rest/Recovery
Much like how a new trainee will do all the pre-planning, to get into shape, at 100 MPH, they'll also likely hit the gym with the same drive and determination... for the first few weeks anyway.

How many of you remember your first weight training program? Chances are you're still not following it today. In many instances, people succeed at fitness in spite of what they're doing at the gym. Enough can not be said about the importance of recovery. Good old fashioned sleep, and high quality foods really are the "secret" formula that every person seems to be so unwilling to commit to.

No matter what their goal; losing weight, shedding body fat, gaining muscle, building explosive strength, those results will be achieved in the kitchen and in the bedroom -- NOT at the gym.

In summation: Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. How can one progress if they START off working out 6-7 days a week?


Step 2 - Explain to them just how serious, and hard this journey will be.

If getting into shape was easy, then there would not be a billion-dollar fitness industry operating in the United States.

Someone who is new to this game can not even begin to fathom how much effort, and hard work, is required to achieve their dreams of getting into shape. But, after sitting them down and forcing them to plan out a reasonable goal (along with smaller progressions and achievements to pass along the way), they are now going to be more readily able to handle the ugly truths of what they are about to attempt.

As an experienced trainee, it is your job to warn this person about the possible dangers, setbacks, and hazards that they will experience on their long road to better health. For every person like you, who is ready and willing to help them succeed, there are five people who want to see them fail just as badly. Whether it be a caring family member who doesn't know any better, or a jealous co-worker who is not ready to make a healthy commitment themselves, there will be a lot of temptation to overcome.

In summation: Let them know that it's okay to fail. Millions have tried what they are about to do, and nobody did it perfectly the first time out. If they are prepared to let themselves fail, then they will finally be ready to succeed.


Step 3 - Be willing to make just as many sacrifices as they are.

When someone begins a fitness journey, it can be a very isolating and solitary experience. While achieving a goal will lead to the highest of highs, any failure will lead to the lowest lows. These negative feelings are only magnified when it seems like no one else cares if they continue on or quit.

To help combat this, you have to be willing to sacrifice and make the time to always be there for this person. In the words of Bill Withers:

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Achieving a better-looking body, losing a few pounds, or recovering from a debilitating illness, all of these are valid reasons to start a fitness program. They will all require different paths, and a plethora of different choices to be made. Regardless of the reason, they will all lead to a higher quality of life. Which, at the end of the day, is why we really should all be doing this.

No matter how selfish our initial fitness intentions may be, there is always someone else out there pulling for you. Whether this is a son who wants his father to be around for the birth of a grandchild, a couple that has been married for 50+ years, or even a friend who would give anything to see this person be happy -- there is always someone out there who is pulling for someone else. Hoping, even praying that this person will make the sacrifices required to stick around on this earth for just a little while longer.

In summation: No one should be forced to undertake this life-changing effort alone

[deepsouth]

TweetVery nice Post

[buckeyezfan]

TweetWell said!!