A client asked me the other day why do I think it takes some people so long to get results while other people seem to have faster results.
I think this is such an outstanding question.
It’s all about habits. Some people will come in each week and do hours of cardio, but then leave the gym and pay little to no attention to what they eat. Likewise others will come in and do all sorts of rehab exercises and then go and sit in their office chair with their legs crossed for 3-4 hours a day and wonder why their knee or hip is still bothering them.
It’s all about HABITS. To me the whole idea of working out, exercising and training, is so that it makes what we do in our day to day life easier and more enjoyable. If you spend 3-4 hours a week exercising, but spend 20-30 hours a week sitting improperly or not paying attention to what you eat, you’ve dismantled all the hard work you’ve done at the gym.
See, working out, training and exercising is like fluoride for the body. It fortifies the body so it doesn’t break down while you’re going through your daily routine. Eating properly does much the same thing. It fortifies and encourages your body to burn fat, digest and eliminate properly and repair damaged tissues.
The curious thing is many people treat fitness like we do our car repair. We think if we just show up and do some exercise, that’s the end of the responsibility. Unfortunately you can’t just drop off your body and pick up a new one, without aches and pains, and with the perfect shape you want. You have to be aware of your habits outside the gym as well.
Simply put, health, fitness and wellness is a lifestyle. It is something that should be made part of your everyday living if you are going to get results and reach your goals.
Here are some HABITS to assist you in reaching your goals.
1.) Focus on the task at hand. If you’re training, train, don’t make it a social outlet. Get what you came to get done, done.
2.) Plan your meals in advance. Make food choices that assist you in reaching your goals. You deserve to see the results of all your hard work, and it will help you stay motivated.
3.) Get body work/massage done regularly. Whether it’s going to a massage therapist or using a roller or tube for self massage, take care of your body. It’s as important as changing the oil in your car.
4.) Be aware of your posture. How you sit in your chair, how you walk, how you stand. You spend WAY more hours doing each of these things than you do training – Fortify!
5.) Get your rest. At the pace most of us are working, none of us can afford to miss any sleep. It’s a necessary part of recuperation both mentally and physically.
Your habits, like it or not, decide your success in anything you do in life. Don’t just go through the motions. You’re putting in the hard work, why not see the results? Whether it’s physical pain, a few extra pounds you want to get rid of, or a financial goal you have set for yourself, your habits will dictate your success.
At the risk of sounding a bit too cliche, changing your habits can seriously change your life.
Remember the 80/20 Rule -- 80% of your results are based on 20% of your actions!
As always, let me know what you think.