It starts with a commitment to healthier living. When you make that commitment you make a decision to change in some way, somehow that you accept the responsibility to transform and believe in your ability to do so. It’s about passion and enjoyment, go back to when you were a kid; you didn’t think about what you had to do today for activity, you just did it. It can still be like that now and really should be.

But if you have not been active for many years, it is difficult to a have fun and enjoy yourself. As an adult what comes into play is commitment and taking that seriously. That is the key! You really have to want it and believe you can make it happen and make that promise to yourself and then make it a priority.

Vigorous exercise involves minimal health risks for persons in good health or those following a doctor’s advice. Far greater risks are present by habitual inactivity and obesity.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or exercising for fitness and mental health, it’s important for everyone to do some level of weightlifting and aerobic exercise. Ultimately you want strength, flexibility and endurance.

No More Excuses

You can probably come up with plenty of excuses for why you’re not more active. You’re too young, you’re too old, you’re too busy, you’re too tired or you’re in pretty good shape – for your age. But with few exceptions, these excuses are pretty flimsy. There are activities for the young and old and for those with little time. So the next time you think about getting fit, don’t ask “Who has time?” Instead, ask yourself “Who doesn’t want to feel better?”

Action precedes motivation. We get caught up thinking that we have to wait for motivation to start doing something good for ourselves, but that is not how it works. You just need to initiate action; even the smallest of actions will facilitate some momentum.

• Start with bite-sized pieces that you’ll be able to accomplish.  If your goals are too big, you can end up feeling defeated before you get a good start.

• Schedule it in your day. Pick a time of day and stick to it. You have to make it a priority because it is. I would say this is the biggest obstacle for most of us.

• Keep it real. Avoid perfectionist thinking and
• Focus on positive terms; avoid self talk that is negative.
• Share with a friend. Tell someone you trust about your goals.
• Make your goals yours. The goals you have set for yourself should be something you really desire. If you don’t have a strong internal motivation you won’t be successful.
• Tune in to your spirituality. Spend some time outside; nature will help you find balance!

Patience is essential. Don’t to do too much too soon and don’t quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards of improved fitness. You can’t regain in a few days or weeks what you have lost in years of sedentary living, but you can get it back if you persevere. Consistency will result in success. And the prize is worth the price. Fitness for healthy living is about priorities and commitment.

Try not. Do or do not there is no try! —Yoda

The decision to carry out a physical fitness program cannot be taken lightly. It requires a lifelong commitment of time and effort. Exercise must become one of those things that you do without question, like bathing and brushing your teeth. Unless you are convinced of the benefits of fitness and the risks of unfitness, you will not succeed.

Trying is no kind of commitment, to say you are going to “try and do something” is a set up for failure; it’s just like saying “I don’t really think I can do this.”  Don’t give yourself an “out”.  Trying presupposes that you are going to fail. To make a commitment means “I’ll do it”. Commitment is when you go beyond mere hoping, wishing, dreaming, yearning or pining.  Commitment is where you cut off all other options and you make a real decision. The decision is not traced in the sand; it is carved into stone, set into cement. It’s solid. Making a commitment requires courage, but the instant you make a commitment, wonderful and amazing things start to happen.  The moment you commit yourself 100%, you begin to utilize the parts of your mind that most humans never tap into.  You harness the awesome strength of your will. Obstacles evaporate.  All the pieces of the puzzle come together. You experience synchronicity. You set into motion powerful forces