With the busy lifestyles we lead today, those of us seeking to improve our health often start by changing dietary habits or getting on a 5 am gym routine. Obviously, these are the two most fantastic and important ways to improve your long term health. But one of the most important things about adjusting anything in your fitness routine is not to neglect your heart.
Ok, of course fitness of the heart includes cardio workouts–but that isn’t the heart I am talking about. I am talking about the passion and commitment that comes from within. The enjoyment and happiness you earn from the changes you make towards your goals. It is not about becoming a world-champion runner or size 0 super model. Fitness is about making simple changes in your daily or even weekly life to improve the way you feel about yourself. My goal here is to help you realize that the goals you set are there to monitor and motivate you to achieve better habits, not to define an end.
You know when you get sort of an epiphany that sparks you to get outside and run miles on end. Kind of like New Years Day for a lot of people. Use that spark to fuel a dedicated drive, don’t let it be a momentary glow.
When you set your fitness goals be realistic with the timeline. This will help you build the self-discipline necessary to stick to your plans. Like many things, fitness is a life-long journey, not a destination. And remember, if you are not fully convinced and passionate about what you are doing, it likely will not work. Choose an activity you enjoy–don’t just do it because you think you have to do. There are so many ways to get your physical activity. Dreading running on a treadmill? Try zumba. Yoga too slow? Add the adrenaline of AcroYoga or heat of Bikram Yoga. Step machines not the stairway to heaven? Try a glorious sunrise hike.
The world is your playground.
This is me taking a stress test in our Health and Disease course to evaluate my heart and lung capacities!
Pinki's Palate 