This blog is for and about the Webster family. Each of us want to make choices every day that will result in optimal health and fitness. We represent different generations and different places in life - from empty-nesters to young families to students. Our health goals are as varied as we are, but we want to have a common place to post our progress and our challenges. We will be accountable to each other - to provide support, design incentives, share information we come across, and in general cheer each other on and celebrate our steps toward fitness! If anyone happens upon this blog and is inspired to be more fit and healthy that is icing on the cake. So here we go!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Kathy - Good Info

In our monthly newsletter at work we got the following mini-article:

"Changing the Way You Approach Fitness" by Jesse McFarland

1)  Your Mindset:  If you're not absolutely ready to make a change...sorry, but good luck.  If you're not telling yourself that I HAVE to make a change, then when you get off work on a Tuesday you most likely are going to choose a glass of wine and Seinfeld reruns over going to the gym.  Choose your words:  "I have to" is stronger than "I need to" or "I want to".  Also, don't negatively enforce your thoughts, "I can't be this way anymore," "I'm fat", etc.  Be positive, "I will make a change.  "I will lose weight this year!"
2) Your Goals:  When thinking of a fitness goal be simple, realistic, and specific.  I can't help but roll my eyes when somebody tells that their goal is "to get fit."  Honestly, over half the people that I first meet tell me that this is their goal.  "Get Fit" couldn't be any more vague.  Make your goals specific.  When a recent client told me his goal, "I want to be able to play basketball with my son without getting tired,"  I instantly knew that he would succeed.  Make your goals simple, "I want to lose 5 lbs by spring,"  I want to be able to run or walk a 5K."  Make your goals realistic,  Saying you want to start working out 5 times a week, is not realistic when you are first starting out.
3)  Your Lifestyle:  Guess what?  Everybody is busy.  Just hoping to fit in 2 or 3 workouts a week will not work.  Time management is everything.  Be specific with your amount of time.  Choose your exact days.  there's a reason you see the same people Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm at a gym.  These people make a schedule for their workouts.  Choose the days, the times, and how long beforehand.  Then, make it happen!  Lifestyle can be so many other things.  These things are usually connected to your mindset.  For example, if you refuse to stop eating fast food everyday.  Your mindset might need to change with your lifestyle.     

In conclusion:  Motivation comes from you!  Motivation can't completely come from a trainer, friend, parent, or spouse, but it does come from within yourself!     

Jesse McFarland has a website for further help:  jessemcfarland.com.

        
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