How do you think about fitness, especially
your own? Do you equate fitness with a certain jean size,
how much you weigh, or a particular exercise program? I
see fitness as finding a balance between your body’s
energy needs and the ability of your body to respond to
the demands of daily living. In other words, giving your
body what it needs to thrive in spite of the demands of
daily living.
The battle and resulting frustration about
fitness begins with your mind. If you want to be fit, you
have to change the way you think about your body. If you
view an exercise program as something you subject your body
to, you will always experience exercise as something you
"should" do — then, when life gets in the
way of your program, all sorts of issues pile up —
disappointment in your self-discipline and feelings of self-sabotage
to name just a few.
Some very simple shifts in your thinking
can inspire you to reach a whole different level in your
fitness pursuits.
- Personal fitness is an individual
recipe. When you focus on your body, not someone else’s
by choosing activities and menus that are the best match
for you, you’ll want to stick with it because it
feels good.
- Fitness is as important as the
work that you do or the relationships you have with those
who are close to you. Without fitness, you can’t
perform optimally in your work or personal life. This
includes rest and stress reduction.
- Fitness is a collaboration between
your mind and your body. You want to exercise your body
because you choose to, not because you’ll feel guilty
if you don’t. This way your fitness choices an be
enjoyable and highly encouraging.
- Fitness isn’t a reward or
a punishment. Fitness is what you deserve because it is
the way your body was meant to function. With a fit body
you will experience more freedom and joy in all aspects
of your life.
When you change your mind, you will change
your body. When you honor your body by the choices you make,
your body will pay you back with health and vitality.
– Pam Brooks
