Alright it's time for some tough love my friends. I've already seen a dramatic dip in the attendance at the gym, and if Facebook is any indicator, a lot of people have already given up on their New Years Resolutions.
Which brings me to why I hate New Year's Resolutions in the first place: you push off your life change until the New Year, and that makes it ok to push it off or delay it some more. Make life changing decisions NOW and STICK TO THEM.
So for that tough love: you get one body. ONE. And if you think you can continue to eat poorly and stay sedentry and live a normal life, you are sorely wrong. Because that way of living is going to kill you one day. No maybe about it. It's just a matter of when. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks, cancer, type 2 diabetes... and the list goes on and on. And that's just naming a few of the conditions caused by obesity and lack of physical activity.
And the excuses, oh the excuses. I'm pretty sure I've heard a majority of the excuses people use to put off trying a healthier lifestyle:
- "Oh I have a cold, I'll start next week" Please explain to me how a stuffy nose is preventing you from eating a salad and going for a walk.
- "(This or that body part) hurts, I can't exercise." That body part hurts because you're carrying around an extra 20 pounds. Try losing the weight, I promise it won't hurt anymore. That being said, if you think that a certain injury or ailment would be exacerbated by working out, talk to your doctor about exercises you can safely do to prevent further issues. It's as simple as that.
- "I don't have enough money." This excuse KILLS me. There are 20 million free exercise routines and videos online. And instead of eating out, put that money towards healthy groceries. If you think you need a personal trainer (I know a great one) save those precious pennies! The things you work hardest for are the most rewarding.
- "I had a really bad day/week/month" I'm sorry. Now go to the gym. Seriously, the endorphins you get from exercising will turn that frown upside down. Or at least give you an outlet for your frustration.
- "We're going on vacation next month, I'll start after that." No you won't. You'll find another reason to push it off. Make the decision and stick to it. If you slip a couple times on vacation, oh well. AT LEAST YOU TRIED.
I hope this has sufficiently kicked your booty into gear. Get off the couch, put down the doughnut, and start working towards a healthier you. JUST DO IT!
Labels: fitness
