Step three: Achieving consistency by doing away with all excuses and rationalizations
Okay, you decided to make some change, and you went out and you did it. For example, you signed up for a power yoga class and tried a class. Despite feeling good about it and enjoying it, you wonder if you will be able to continue with it.
You have tried many things in the past, and although you were able to keep up with it for a certain amount of time, for various reasons you stopped. Everyone has a really busy, demanding life; things come up and your fitness plan gets thrown to the side. The top excuses range from being too tired and having no time, to being unable to afford it.
But you are “too tired” because you are out of shape. Most likely you aren’t eating well and are sleeping properly. Pushing yourself to exercise even when you are tired will force you to eat more – hopefully, the right things. It will also help you to sleep better because your body won’t give you a choice.
As for not “having enough time,” somehow you have plenty of time for everything else you deem important. Your body is the key to doing all those other things properly and to satisfaction. Prioritize your body, and you will find the time
In an average waking day of 16 hours, find 15 minutes twice a day for some form of physical exercise. Wake up 15 minutes earlier and end your day 15 minutes earlier as well.
Time is what you make of it. Just think about how much time you are able to find to be online.
Now for my favorite excuse: “I can’t afford it.” My answer is simply “How can you not afford it!” There are so many different ways to fit fitness into your life. They range from activities that are free, such as walking outside, to those that cost a minimal amount of money, like buying simple home equipment. You can always join a class and supplement that class with your own routine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve your fitness goals.
Be honest: You are spending money on all kinds of other things already. They can’t all be more important than your health. If it is necessary to spend money to improve your fitness, then try to see it as an investment worth sacrificing other things for.
BY BEING honest with yourself and your time, you can begin to prioritize your body and your health. It starts by doing it once in order to do it twice.
What are you waiting for? Now is the time to get back on track!
The writer is a Jerusalem-based fitness therapist/trainer who works with people of all ages.
