A great body starts with the right choices
As a trainer, I sometimes hear from people who want to change their lifestyle, appearance or diet but don’t know how to break out of their routine, or aren’t willing to. For many, a great body seems a long way off, but it’s actually just a few decisions away. They’re ready to take that first step: contacting a specialist, a friend or a trainer who can point them in the right direction. Unfortunately, the second step, where the real work on themselves begins, all too often never happens. Or they take too big a step all at once and soon run out of steam.
Anything new is unfamiliar at first! And it’s completely understandable to feel there’s a lot of information to take in. What kind of training is right for you? What time of day? What training load? What should you wear? Which training program should you follow? All this information leaves you feeling unsure and creates unnecessary stress. It’s easier to give up and accept that you won’t be getting into beach-ready shape this year after all. Or perhaps you could search online for a “miracle diet”? Some miracle capsules with rainforest extract: lose 10 kilograms in 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the only thing “miracle diets” make slimmer is your wallet. You need to take action that actually works.
A great body — how and where do you start?
Start at the beginning! Ideally, of course, you would consult a trainer who could advise you on training and help put together a training plan tailored to your wishes and goals. If you’ve decided to start on your own, take it step by step. That’s how you’ll get furthest. Think about what you’ve done before and try to work out what you would enjoy. Walking, running, cycling, dance classes, strength training. Choose an aerobic activity and complement it with strength training or exercises you can do on your own. Fitness magazines offer a variety of muscle-strengthening exercises and training programs. Learn about training. First, learn to perform the exercises correctly so you don’t hurt yourself.
Get your priorities straight!
I’ve had situations where, while putting together a training program, my client and I discover that they actually have plans almost every evening: household chores, seeing a friend, going to the cinema or taking a trip. That leaves just one evening for training, and they want to squeeze the whole week’s workouts into a single session.
So what do you really want?! To be healthier, better-looking, happier, slimmer? That requires a change in your life. The first step is to make training and proper nutrition your top priorities. Paying for training programs or an annual gym membership isn’t enough. Now you have to actually train, and you’re the one who has to do it! Simply being a gym member or looking at a training program sitting on the corner of your desk won’t change anything, however much money you’ve spent on it.
Look at your calendar and schedule your workouts before the week begins. (You should plan your nutrition in the same way.) Then fit your other commitments around them. Your happiness and good health are your most valuable assets. An unhealthy lifestyle and stress about excess weight drain far more of your energy than training itself. Unlike unhealthy habits and munching on sandwiches in front of the TV, training gives you more energy and joy!
The first workouts are the hardest. Firstly, because training is something new in your schedule, and you may have to skip something you usually do. Secondly, your body isn’t used to exercise: your heart rate shoots up, and the next morning you’re sore all over. If you’re consistent, each workout will show you just how much good this change is doing you. After a while, you’ll discover that the positive energy you get from training helps you accomplish more than before. When you look in the mirror, you’ll see a better-looking, healthier version of yourself.
Author: Egle Eller-Nabi
Come and train! ArtGym
