Fit For Life: 3 Biggest Hurdles Between You and Your Fitness Goals
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Don’t let lack of time or restaurant meetings be an excuse to pig out when eating out. Photo: Flickr/pointnshoot
Obstacle #1- marketing and advertising
Everyone wants to get results the quickest way possible, doing the least amount of work, and I have said it over and over again that there is no easy way. It takes time, energy, and intensity to be fit. You will not get it in 4 mins a day, or by eating some sandwich with Fritos in it, because some guy claims he lost 100 pounds eating at the fast-food chain. You won't get abs in 8 minutes a day without a proper eating plan, and you will not get fit at home watching videos unless you follow the program with intensity and read the fine print. So do not give in to all the fancy ads - if it says easy or quick, it is a lie. It is hard work, but anything worth having requires hard work. Many people fall prey to these quick fix schemes, and when they fall short of unrealistic goals, they get discouraged and quit. So do not start a program with unrealistic goals, and remember, there is really no easy way.
Obstacle #2 - peer pressure
People who are jealous of your aesthetics seem to always find fault and make fun of what you are doing. They harass you when you order healthy food, or read a label, or make a comment about working out. You always get the "we can't all look like you" statement in condescending overtones, and roll their eyes when someone compliments you. They have reasons why you are fit and they are not, because they are busier or have more important things than you do going on in their lives. You fitness people all have someone like this in your lives, and I say ignore the negativity and let them rant. Because it makes as much sense as mocking someone with more money than you. Take jealousy as a compliment, and stick to your game plan. Being fit and healthy is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, and it is a lifestyle you shouldn't have to justify or defend. When I hear that I am too conscious or I let fitness run my life, or I take it too far, I don't feel the need to explain myself, nor do I have the desire to critique negative aspects of someone else's lifestyle. I feel that taking care of yourself is a normal, primal instinct, and feel that knowingly consuming products that are harmful of damaging to your body is not an ideal lifestyle, so know that you are doing the right thing, stay the course, and let your critics enjoy their doctors’ visits.
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This seems to be the toughest challenge for both healthy individuals and foodies. But, it isn’t impossible to do, but it does take a conscious effort and a little planning. It can be done. So don’t let lack of time or restaurant meetings be an excuse to do it wrong. My first preference is to find a good market. Most have eating areas and prepared food ready and available. A roasted chicken and a salad or vegetables makes a prefect lunch and usually leaves extra for later. This costs about the same as a sandwich and bag of chips and is healthier and more balanced. There are several types of Tex/Mex chains that offer a decent meal on the go. I suggest getting bowl type meals with beans, instead of the wrap, and pile on the veggies. Many ethnic spots offer the same type of fare with meals being available instead of the standard sandwich or greasy processed meal. Although this isn't as good as buying organic food and making it yourself, it is an acceptable alternative.
There are many ways to be deterred from a healthy lifestyle, we live in a time of what's becoming the worst man made health epidemic ever. Disease and obesity is on the rise and our food supply keeps getting worse, but I do not write to discourage people - only to motivate and educate. I try to give you the tools to make the right choices and make positive gains. It's up to you to open the toolbox.
Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt: [email protected], check out his website at www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.
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