The great saying "the more fit you are, the more productive you will be" was not pulled from a magician's hat to convince people to move towards preserving as much of their mobility as possible. Being fit comes with a lot of benefits, including:
1. An improvement in health, resulting in a reduction in risks for cardiovascular illnesses, certain cancers, and chronic diseases.
2. An increase in energy levels which helps beat fatigue, allowing you to be more active.
3. Enhanced mental clarity, which improves cognitive function, memory, and focus.
4. Improved mood, reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression thanks to the release of endorphins.
5. Better sleep, regulated sleep patterns, and improved insomnia.
6. Improved immune system, reducing risks of illnesses, and improving recovery time.
7. Weight management, which reduces risks of obesity-related conditions.
8. Increase in strength and endurance, which improves mobility, muscle strength and flexibility, increasing your overall wellbeing.
9. Increased self-confidence that comes with setting and achieving goals, as well as feeling great about yourself and your body.
With all these wonderful benefits, why wait for motivation to commit to a healthier lifestyle? Is the inability to chase around your children or walk a flight of stairs without nearly dying, or sweating profusely while trying to wear a pair of pants not enough to shift your gears?
The truth is that no amount of motivation will see you to the treadmill, and no amount of convincing will see you beginning your fitness journey. You already hate being bigger and are dying to lose weight. You already hate not being able to walk to your mailbox and back without feeling like you'll pass out. You already hate hiding behind big shirts and dresses because you don't like the shape your body has assumed. No one will convince you to pull out those sneakers from the back of the cupboard, no one will force you to break out your exercise mat, no one will remind you of the gym membership you're still paying for but not using. Only you can begin, continue, and achieve your weight loss or fitness dreams. And getting it done has nothing to do with motivation, but everything to do with committing to yourself, and staying disciplined throughout the journey.
Starting doesn't have to be complicated, just walk 5000 steps daily, reduce the size of your plate, exercise 3 times a week, and stay consistent. Find a fitness community online or offline, or get a weight loss workbook to help you build consistency, commitment, and discipline.
Remember that the frog can be eaten in various ways, but the best way to eat it is by simply pulling out your knife and fork.
All the best,
The Fitness Cove Team